Islamic Studies

Degree Options: Minor
Locations: Lincoln Center, Rose Hill
Visit the Islamic studies page in the academic bulletin

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Learn about its history, philosophy, and cultural heritage.

Despite being the world’s second largest religion after Christianity, Islam remains one of the least understood religious faiths and civilizations among American students.

You’ll explore the multifaceted aspects of Islam through a wide variety of expressions, such as literature, religious doctrine, philosophy, social norms and practices, and politics, as well as various research methods. You’ll also learn how Islam has become an important faith in regions beyond the Middle East—from China and South America to Mexico and the United States.

In addition to studying in the classroom, several courses that count toward the Islamic studies minor are community engaged learning courses that allow students to work with and learn from partner organizations, giving you the opportunity to see the way Muslim faith and culture is practiced across New York City.

The Islamic studies minor furthers Fordham’s mission by challenging students to view the world through non-Western constructs. You’ll gain exposure to a wide array of ideas drawn from various Islamic discourses. At a time when misunderstandings about the Muslim faith abound, Islamic studies can help you grapple with the complexities and challenges of our world.

  • The Islamic studies minor will require you to take six courses. You must take at least one on Islamic sacred texts and foundations; one on Islamic theology, history, or philosophy; and one on Islamic arts, culture, and politics. You can choose your remaining three courses from any of these areas or take an Arabic language class as an elective.

    • Classic Islamic Texts
    • Islamic Art
    • Medicine and Healing in Islam
    • Women, Gender, and Islam
    • Islam, Art, and Resistance
    • Arab-Americans and the Diasporic Experience
    • The Modern Middle East
  • The Islamic studies minor will help prepare you for a wide range of careers in government, law, media, the nonprofit and NGO sectors, academia, and many other fields.

    Our Career Center will help you tap into Fordham’s ties with more than 3,500 partner organizations in our internship program, including market-leading employers in almost every industry. We offer:

    • Resume development and interviewing practice
    • Networking skill development
    • Hands-on case-study sessions with industry executives
    • Field-specific advising/coaching
    • Postgraduation career support

    You also get access to our powerful (and Fordham-loyal) network of alumni, who want to see you succeed as they have.