Schools, Departments & Programs

Islamic Studies

Introduction

Over the past decade, knowledge of the Muslim world—of its inter-relationships and international connections—has become more important as the Western World attempts to constructively engage with its 1.4 billion inhabitants. Students wishing to pursue work that focuses on Islam and the Muslim world need a wide range of skills and experiences to be competitive in post graduate education, private business, nongovernmental, and governmental careers.

The Certificate will provide students with both historical and contemporary knowledge as well as the critical thinking skills to interpret new information by emphasizing comparative approaches to various religious, political, cultural, and economic phenomena.

The Islamic Studies Program is affiliated with the new School of Global and International Studies (SGIS), which prepares students for opportunities in any international field they choose, whether they plan to work in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors. The School has a dual focus that sets it apart. On the one hand, it teaches the languages and histories of strategically important regions of the world. IU has long been a leading university for studying the cultures of communities around the world, and SGIS seeks to maintain and build upon this proud tradition. At the same time, SGIS also examines crucial contemporary issues that transcend borders. Areas of focus include security, trade and development, global governance, and human rights. SGIS prioritizes a pragmatic, nonpartisan understanding of some of the most challenging issues of our times. Perhaps no one exemplifies the approach and impact that SGIS hopes that its alumni will have better than two of its distinguished faculty members, former Representative Lee Hamilton and former Senator Richard Lugar.

SGIS provides its students with unmatched opportunities. Students have the opportunity to study in a state-of-the-art building at the center of campus. The ratio of faculty to undergraduate majors is seven-to-one, and virtually all SGIS faculty teach undergraduates. Over 60 percent of SGIS students study abroad, for which SGIS offers a wide range of scholarships. Finally, SGIS has top-notch academic and career advisors who develop close relationships with the students.

Majors, Minors, and Programs
Contact Information

Islamic Studies Program
Indiana University
The Global and International Studies Building
355 North Jordan Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405-1105

(812) 856-3977 islmprog [at] indiana [dot] edu
http://www.indiana.edu/~islmweb/