Master of Theology in Islamic Studies (M.Th.)

The Foundation has established a variety of relationships with such institutions as the North American Imams Federation (NAIF) in Washington, D.C., and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) in Indianapolis, for the purpose of cooperating in providing educational opportunities relevant to the Foundation's degree requirements. Imam Omar Shahin, Ph.D., President of the Executive Committee of the North American Imams Federation, has been appointed both Director of Islamic Studies and Professor of Islamic Law at the Foundation. In collaboration with ISNA and our Islamic faculty, the Foundation has put in place three degree programs in Islamic Studies: the Doctor of Philosophy, the Doctor of Education and the Master of Theology.

Description

This degree is designed for already credentialed and practicing ministry professionals (lay, religious, ordained) who wish to foster self-improvement and motivation in the pursuit of theological education as an end in itself or in preparation for doctoral studies. With a specialized focus upon a specific theological agenda, the M.Th. on Islamic Studies is ideally suited to the ministry professional who desires to update previous ministry training with particular attention to theological refinement. The residence sessions involve graduate-level course work and are coupled with the writing of the Master of Theology thesis. It is important to note that the written work may be completed in English or Arabic.

Time Frame and Tuition

The usual time frame for degree programs is a minimum of eighteen months and a maximum of forty-eight months for completion.

Tuition: $6,250.00
Thesis Processing: $200.00
Graduation: $100.00

Admission Requirements

Baccalaureate degree or equivalent validated by a transcript.
Five years of accumulated experience in ministry within the Muslim community.
Completion of the Application Procedure.

Orientation

Residency and Research Papers

The student completes four Units of Study at approved educational venues. A research paper of 1,750- 2,500 words (7-10 pages) must be submitted for each Unit of Study. Research-based papers should focus upon the required readings for the course. The paper should be footnoted with bibliography and suitable for submission to a scholarly journal for publication consideration. Research papers should be analytically reflective regarding the relevance of each Unit’s content to the exercise of the student’s ministry. Papers are evaluated by the Foundation’s faculty and an acknowledgement letter is sent to the student. If further development of the paper is deemed necessary, the student will be notified. All academic work must be completed by February 1 of the intended year of graduation.

NOTE: For Paper Guidelines, please Click Here.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit does not require a paper.

Thesis Supervisor

Option A: Students may select a faculty member of the Foundation to serve as Thesis Supervisor. This option enables the student to receive helpful and pragmatic evaluative feedback from a member of the faculty in the developmental process of producing the Master’s Thesis. The role of the faculty Thesis Supervisor is responsive and suggestive. The faculty person is encouraged to limit feedback to pragmatically helpful hints and suggestions and not to attempt any censorship of the thesis. The exercise of discretion with respect to time demands is very important for both the student and faculty member. The faculty Thesis Supervisor must give final approval of the student’s work by submitting the Thesis Supervisor Report Form. The assessment from the Thesis Supervisor is due by February 1 of the intended year of graduation.

Selection of Faculty Thesis Supervisor and Nomination Procedure:

The student peruses the Faculty Details page and makes a selection.
The student completes the Faculty Thesis Supervisor Nomination Form 106 (Forms).
Student Services provides the nominated faculty member with Form 106.
The selected faculty member notifies Student Services of acceptance of student nomination.
Student Services informs the student and faculty member of relationship approval and contact information is provided.

Option B: Students are at liberty to select a Thesis Supervisor who is not on the faculty of the Foundation. In that event, the Thesis Supervisor must hold a comparable degree to that being pursued by the student. The student must nominate the Thesis Supervisor by submitting a letter of nomination to the Foundation along with a C.V. of the nominee. The student is notified upon approval of the Thesis Supervisor by the Academic Affairs Committee. The Thesis Supervisor must give final approval of the student’s work by submitting the Thesis Supervisor’s Report Form. The assessment from the Thesis Supervisor is due by February 1 of the intended year of graduation. Master’s Thesis The candidate must submit a Master’s Thesis of 35,000-40,000 words (140-160 pages), which addresses some topic, issue, or problem in the field of theological enquiry and demonstrates a grasp of the literature and philosophy/theological components required in the treatment of the selected project. Each candidate must present to the Foundation one copy of the thesis. The M.Th. Thesis is considered a major component of this degree program and is valued most highly. One copy of the thesis must be submitted to the Foundation by February 1 prior to graduation.

Graduation Requirements

Viewing of the Foundation's instructional Orientation video. The Orientation video is available in English and Arabic.
Completion of four Units of Study in Islamic Studies at any approved academic institution.
Submission of four academic response papers of 1,750-2,500 words (7-10 pages) on topics related to the units completed and submission of transcripts for the academic credit taken.
Selection of a Thesis Supervisor.
Completion of a Master’s Thesis of 35,000-40,000 words (140- 160 pages) and submission of one copy including the Thesis Supervisor’s evaluation forms by February 1 prior to graduation.
Attendance at the Convocation/Graduation. (Non-US residents are exempt from this requirement.)

Resources in Islamic Studies

Council on Islamic Education (CIE)
International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT)
Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
Islamic Studies and Research Association (ISRA)
Muslim American Society (MAS)
North American Imams Federation (NAIF)
Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS)