Academic Programs Frequently Asked Questions

M.A. (Muslim Studies)

• Can I audit the courses offered through the Zwemer Center?

  Every year the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies offers graduate-level courses through Columbia International University in Columbia, SC. Most classes are one-week intensives offered on campus in January and throughout July, some are available online year-round, and a few are offered on-campus during the regular semester. All intensive courses may be taken as a seminar (non-credit) for only $250.

• Can I do this degree from a distance?

  Students can pursue the degree without moving to Columbia, South Carolina. This program can be completed fully online. Click here to learn more.

• How long does it take to complete the degree?

  We have two programs:

  Program I [60 semester hours]- for college or university graduates with no previous studies in Bible or theology. Program I students can complete the M.A. (Muslim Studies) program in 40 months. Students would need to complete 15 one-week intensives to meet residence requirements. We offer six intensives a year two in January and four in July.

  Program II [30 semester hours]- "fast-track" for those who have at least 30 semester hours of college credit in Bible, theology or church history. Program II students can complete the M.A. (Muslim Studies) in as little as one year. Students would need to complete 5 one-week intensives to meet residence requirements. We offer six intensives a year two in January and four in July.

• What are some of the courses offered?

  • Islam in the 21^st Century                                
  • Islam through Christian and Muslim Eyes
  • The Spirit World of Islam
  • Tentmaking Strategies for the 10/40 Window
  • Introduction to the Qur'an
  • Approaches to Muslims
  • The Life of Muhammad
  • Islamic Theology
  • Addressing Muslim Concerns
  • Understanding Women in Islam

• What can I do with a Muslim Studies degree?

  This degree prepares students for roles such as field missionary, international development worker, campus ministry among Muslim students, or international business in Muslim contexts. For those interested in working in the market place, since 9/11 the government, as well as NGO’s, are looking for experts in this area. Go to an online job search and type in “Muslim Studies”or “Islam” and watch the results.

• What have previous students and Christian leaders said about this program?

  "The Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies is a beautiful and strategic combination of crucial research and actual teaching. Would that more institutes like this studded the world of missions. They are a must."
  - Ralph D.Winter
  General Director, Frontier Mission Fellowship

  "I spent eight years in a country in which resides a large population Muslims. I have had plenty of exposure to Islam through various documentaries, lectures, books and interaction with Muslims. However, it was not until I came to the Zwemer Center that I realized how little I know about Islam. The professors have a wealth of knowledge about Islam because of their experiences among Muslims and their obvious depth of academic study about Islam. I am impressed with this CIU program."

  -Former Student

• What is the Zwemer Center?

  Named after Samuel Zwemer, "Apostle to Islam," the center was launched in 1979 and over the years has offered in-depth courses in Islam, produced papers, fostered dialogues and facilitated research on pertinent topics, earning an esteemed position in Christian mission circles. This is the place where Christian scholars, field missionaries and missionaries-in-training can access the most comprehensive information on Islam and Muslim-Christian relations available.

• Who are some of the faculty for this program?

  The uniqueness of the M.A. (Muslim Studies) is the experienced and diverse faculty. We have over ten contributing faculty in this program. Each of the faculty is academically and experientially qualified experts in their fields of study. Visiting faculty from around the world include:  Dr. Phil Parshall, Dr. Nabeel Jabbour, Dr. Patrick Lai, Dr. Don McCurry, Dr. Peter Riddell, Dr. Gordon Nickel and Dr. Cynthia Strong. Resident faculty include Dr. Warren Larson (Director of the Zwemer Center) and Dr. David Cashin.

• Why is the degree Muslim Studies instead of Islamic Studies?

  The program is designed to provide graduates with the skills necessary for successful work among Muslims. This program provides you with a focused knowledge of the tools and techniques needed to analyze the theology, traditions, and worldview of Islam. Courses are in depth analysis of Islamic History/Culture, Islamic Theology/Philosophy, Mission Strategy and business matters for the Muslim World. Although courses analyze Theology and Philosophy of Islam, the emphasis is on Muslim peoples.

• Will “Muslim Studies” appear on my degree?

  Many of our students will be working in Muslim contexts and often ask if having a degree in Muslim Studies will hinder their entry into creative access countries. Nowhere on your degree will the term “Muslim Studies” appear. Your transcript is the only document that will reflect the concentration in Muslim Studies.