Apply to Our Graduate Program

Zaytuna’s master of arts degree in Islamic Texts provides students with higher-level access to the Islamic tradition through a guided course of study in Islam’s primary sources.

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The MA Program

Islamic Texts

The MA degree is a two-year program that culminates in a summative thesis. The coursework includes studies of classical Arabic language and literature; Qur’an and Qur’anic commentaries; Islamic philosophy, theology, and mysticism; Islamic law; and the history of Islam.

Our Goals

The main goals of the courses and teaching methods are to sharpen students’ ability to read and analyze the primary texts and to consider the socio-religious contexts and scholarly sources out of which the texts emerged, while continuing to engage in well-reasoned academic and scholarly discussion and research.

Applications Are Now Closed

Application Dates

Applications are now closed.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Any candidate who has earned a terminal degree, such as a bachelor’s degree or seminary (madrasa) equivalent, may apply​

  • Oral examination administered as part of the admissions interview to assess your Arabic reading/comprehension and area of concentration proficiencies​

  • Studied rudimentary classical texts of grammar, fiqh, theology, rhetoric, and the other Islamic sciences with a qualified teacher​

  • Proficiency in the English language similar to a native speaker​

  • 3 letters of recommendation

  • Statement of purpose 

  • Statement of research interest ​

  • Statement of academic history (optional)​

  • Academic transcripts​

  • Writing sample​

Recommended Qualifications

  • Foundational training in the Islamic sciences

  • An existing BA degree in Islamic Studies or ancillary fields (e.g. theology, philosophy, Arabic, Islamic Law, history)  

  • Foundational training in Qur'anic studies (memorization is highly valued)​

  • GPA of 3.5 or better​

Ready to Apply for Master of Arts? Applications Are Now Closed