As an advanced academic degree, the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Islamic Theological Studies is a two-year (48-unit) program focused on in-depth exploration of Islamic theology and legal theory. This program centers on the rich scholarly traditions of ʿilm al-kalām (Islamic theology) and uṣūl al-fiqh (principles of Islamic legal theory), providing students with an opportunity to engage critically and analytically with classical and contemporary debates in these fields. Designed for students with prior seminary training or a strong background in Islamic studies, the M.A. in Islamic Theological Studies builds upon foundational knowledge to cultivate specialized expertise in the Islamic intellectual tradition.

The curriculum offers a rigorous blend of textual study, historical survey and analytical research. Students examine foundational theological treatises and legal theory texts, often engaging with original Arabic sources under faculty guidance. Key areas of study include creedal theology (ʿaqāʾid), comparative jurisprudence, Islamic rational theology, philosophy of Islamic law, ethics, and the historical development of Islamic thought. Through seminars and research projects, students learn to apply traditional scholarly methods to modern questions—such as analyzing contemporary philosophical challenges through the lens of classical theology or exploring how classical legal principles can inform present-day issues. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on academic precision and respect for the diversity of thought within the Islamic scholarly heritage.

Ideal candidates for the M.A. in Islamic Theological Studies are those who have completed an undergraduate degree and formal Islamic studies training (for example, graduates of an Islamic seminary or madrasa program) and who wish to deepen their scholarly mastery. Applicants are typically expected to demonstrate proficiency in Classical Arabic and familiarity with primary Islamic texts, since the coursework demands engagement with original sources. Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue advanced research at the doctoral level or to serve in roles that require intermediate-high level expertise in Islamic theology and law—such as academic teaching, scholarly research, or advisory roles in religious institutions. They will have honed the ability to articulate and analyze Islamic theological and legal perspectives with intellectual rigor and fidelity to the tradition.