PhD Program in Islamic Studies: 85 Credit Hours (50 Credit Hours Course Work plus Dissertation Research 35 Credit Hours)
Passing Grade: Minimum 85 (B+)
Total Cost of our PhD Program is approximately $26,000.00
Program Description
The Islamic Studies PhD Program at American Open University is designed to provide students with a deep and advanced understanding in the critical thinking and analysis in Islamic Studies. Students will be introduced to both traditional and contemporary sources throughout their course of study and will further elevate and develop their skills in methods of research.
In addition to the primary program of study, students will also be given the opportunity to narrow their focus of interest. After completing the core requirements of this program, students will then be required to choose one of the following tracks of study to specialize in: Jurisprudence, Theology, Qur'an and Hadith.
Program Guidance
Students should follow the program courses in the order they are presented. Students should contact the Director of Graduate Studies as soon as they have determined their area of interest for their Dissertation so that an Advisor can be appointed to them. The student then, with the expertise and guidance of the Advisor can develop a solid plan of study that will keep the student on track and so that the student can be evaluated on their academic progress on a regular basis.
Grade Requirements
All Students must pass all courses with no less than a B+ grade
Language Requirements
Students must be proficient in the English Language along with a intermediate understanding of the Arabic Language
Time to the Degree
Students admitted to the PhD Program must not exceed seven years to be awarded PhD.
Field Experience
In the third year, students must perform either as a teacher's assistant or do an internship based on his/her study of interest for at least 12 weeks. The student must send their intended field experience and have this approved by the Graduate Department and once it is approved an official letter will be sent to the person overseeing their internship or the Professor whom they will be acting as their assistant. Upon completion of the internship or teacher's assistant term, a progress report and evaluation must be made by the Supervisor and sent to the Graduate Department.
PhD Student vs. PhD Candidate
A PhD student is any student enrolled in a PhD Program.
Upon successful completion of ALL Comprehensive Exams (both Written and the Oral), the student then becomes known as a "PhD Candidate". (The "PhD Candidate" is a student who has completed all of the academic requirements for their degree, except the Dissertation).
Quick Summary of PhD Program (this is just a summary so make sure you follow the detailed guidelines and instructions)
-Get approved for admissions and send necessary document to the Graduate Department
-When you know your area of interest, immediately inform the Graduate Department so you can be appointed an Advisor
-Work out a plan and devise a strategy for your studies with your Advisor
-In the third year complete Field work experience requirements
-Successfully complete and finish all courses with at least a B+ grade
-Take & pass Qur'anic Memorization Exam (5 Juz' 16-20)
-Take & pass the 6 Comprehensive Written Exams
-Take & pass the Oral Comprehensive Exam
-Send Dissertation topic and summary proposal for approval
-Once proposal is approved, start writing your Dissertation
-Do your Defense
-Make any necessary corrections
-Send FINAL approved Dissertation to the University in Bounded form and in PDF form
(please note any student that does not hold a Masters Degree
in Islamic Studies must pay & take 5 comprehensive exams (both oral &
written) to see if you qualify for direct entry into the PhD Program or if you
need to take some courses in the Masters Program first)