Program Director:
Jerusha Tanner Rhodes, Ph.D.
[email protected]
Why Study Islam at Union Theological Seminary? | What Makes The Program Unique? | What Degrees Are Available? | Who Teaches In The Program? | Is Financial Aid Available for Students? | Ready to Apply? | News and Programming
Why Study Islam at Union Theological Seminary?
Students who study Islam at Union Theological Seminary cultivate an understanding of and ability to contribute to crucial conversations within Islamic Studies, Muslim communities, and interreligious contexts.
Through rigorous coursework, independent and applied projects, and community involvement, students explore questions such as:
- How do Islamic and Muslim traditions, community practices, and sources respond to oppression, white supremacy, gender-based exclusion, and environmental and economic injustice?
- How can we engage Islamic traditions and practices in committed and critical ways?
- How can we cultivate inclusive Muslim communities that acknowledge and value diversity?
- How can we engage intra- and interreligiously with the goal of fostering more just relationships?
Islam-focused students develop knowledge of Islamic and Muslim traditions and practices, justice concerns, and interreligious engagement, while preparing for diverse academic, leadership, and professional roles. Union’s program is particularly well suited for students interested in Islam and gender, Islamic feminism(s) and Muslima theology, Qur’anic interpretation, and contemporary theology, ethics, and practice.
Union Theological Seminary has a long-standing commitment, shared across all degree programs, to social justice and to preparing students for academic, professional, and community roles that engage diverse traditions in pursuit of justice.
What Makes The Program Unique?
The program is unique in its commitment to diversity; its emphasis on cultivating commitment through curiosity and exploration; and its location.
Diversity: Islam-focused students enter with varying degrees of knowledge of Islam: some have studied Islam in university contexts, some in religious settings, and some have never formally studied. Some were born Muslim, others embraced Islam, and some do not identify as Muslim. Students learn together in conversation with students from other traditions and perspectives. Students are also diverse in terms of race, gender, ethnic background, sexuality, and ability. Diversity is an asset to the program and a core concern of coursework, projects, and community involvement.
Commitment & Curiosity: Commitment, responsibility, and awareness (taqwa) are expanded through a deep understanding of Islam, engagement with diverse Muslim perspectives and practices, and questioning and curiosity. Questioning is not antithetical to commitment. It often opens the door to greater commitment, especially when coupled with learning about the richness of Islamic and Muslim traditions and bringing that learning into conversation on contemporary topics.
Location: New York City offers students a unique opportunity to engage diverse Muslim communities, participate in global organizations and movements, and engage religious diversity in an urban setting.
What Degrees Are Available?
Master of Arts in Religion in Islamic Studies, MAR IS (2 Years)
MAR IS students concentrate in Islamic Studies, or combine core requirements in Islam with another concentration (such as, theology, ethics, or history).
MAR IS students deepen their knowledge of Islamic Studies and Islamic and Muslim traditions, practices and histories, while also acquiring an interdisciplinary foundation in the Qur’an and other texts, history, theological studies, practical theology, and interreligious engagement. The degree is well-suited for students interested in Islam and gender, Islamic feminism(s) and Muslima theology, Qur’anic interpretation, and contemporary theology, ethics, and practice.
- View the MAR IS degree planner for a detailed overview of the course requirements.
- View general information about the Master of Arts in Religion program.
- View the Sample Courses for the MAR-IS Degree Program.
Master of Divinity in Islam and Muslim Communities, MDiv IMC (3 Years or Part-Time)
MDiv IMC students prepare for leadership roles working with and in Muslim communities, including chaplaincy. The degree prepares future leaders to respond ethically to contemporary questions, while drawing upon Islamic traditions and practices.
- View the Degree Planner for a detailed overview of the course requirements.
- View general information about the Master of Divinity program.
- View the Sample Courses for the MDiv-IMC Degree Program.
Master of Sacred Theology in Islamic Studies, STM IS (1 Year)
STM IS students deepen their knowledge of Islamic Studies and Islamic and Muslim traditions, practices and histories, while focusing on a specific research project. The degree is particularly well-suited for students interested in Islam and gender, Islamic feminism(s) and Muslima theology, Qur’anic interpretation, and contemporary theology, ethics, and practice.
- View the STM degree planner for a detailed overview of the course requirements.
- View general information about the Master of Sacred Theology program.
- View the Sample Courses for the STM Degree Program.
Students can also apply to study Islamic Studies in the PhD program.
Students can also apply to study Islam in the PhD programs.
Who Teaches In The Program?
- Dr. Jerusha Rhodes
- Dr. Simran Jeet Singh
- Dr. Aliou C. Niang
- Dr. John J. Thatamanil
- Dr. Su Yon Pak
- Adjunct Faculty in Islamic Studies (rotates annually with at least 2 courses a year)
Students also take graduate-level courses with Islamic Studies faculty at Columbia University and Barnard College.
Students study Arabic in the Arabic Language Program at MESAAS at Columbia University.
Students also take courses with other Union faculty. These courses fulfill requirements for courses in other traditions, concentrations, and electives.
Is Financial Aid Available for Students?
Financial aid is available for students in all degree programs. For more information, visit the financial aid page or contact:
Vanessa Hutchinson
Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid
212.280.1317
[email protected]
Ready to Apply?
You can apply for the IIE Program by clicking the button below.
If you need more information on the IIE program, contact Dr. Jerusha Rhodes.
If you need more information on admissions, contact Vanessa Hutchinson and visit the Admissions page.
News and Programming
The Lab - November 11
Time: 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Stewart Room
Theme: Balancing Commitment and Critique
RSVP for this event.
Islamic Studies at Union Webinar
Studying Islam at Union prepares students to understand and contribute to crucial conversations within Muslim communities and interreligious contexts. Interested in learning how to engage Islamic traditions and practices in committed and critical ways; how to cultivate inclusive Muslim communities; and how to engage diversity with the goal of fostering more justice?
LEARN MORE
Upcoming SU Course - Eco-Islam with Nana Firman
This course will explore environmental stewardship within the Islamic tradition, emphasizing faith-inspired ecological ethics. It begins by introducing the context of the Qur’anic verses, the Prophetic Sunnah (tradition), and scholarly interpretations that describe humanity’s role as Khalifah (steward), appointed to protect the Earth.
LEARN MORE
Union Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Endorses Divestment
With respect to companies that are profiting from the present war in Palestine, we continue to hold these standards high and have taken steps to identify all investments, both domestic and global, that support and profit from the present killing of innocent civilians in Palestine, whose numbers are now over 34,000 – and a humanitarian crisis of ever-growing magnitude.
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Union Welcomes Dr. Simran Jeet Singh as Assistant Professor in Interreligious Histories
Union Theological Seminary is excited to welcome Dr. Simran Jeet Singh as an Assistant Professor in Interreligious Histories.
MEET SIMRAN!
Discovering Islam’s Beauty at Seminary
When I discovered that Union offered an Islamic Studies program that merged a deep theological engagement with a commitment to social justice, I knew I had found a home for the spiritual and intellectual yearnings.
Read the Article