Usul Academy distinguishes itself from other Islamic Studies programs in several ways:
Any self-motivated, studious and serious student is welcome to apply to Usul Academy. Usul Academy’s Honors Program is designed for undergraduate students currently enrolled in a university who wish to take an Islamic Studies path in parallel with their university program. It has been designed to be flexible and fit the schedule of the average university student. However, anyone may apply to the program, regardless of age and current academic or professional career.
On weekdays, classes will be recorded for asynchronous learning. On Saturdays, classes can take place any time between 1-7pm GMT. Students are requested to make themselves available during these hours. During the Summer term, Usul Academy brings students to Istanbul for three weeks of intensive face-to-face study.
Students are expected to be proficient in both English and Arabic, as the language of instruction may vary depending on the subject and texts.
No, you do not need to know Arabic to enroll at Usul Academy. Students who do not know Arabic will not be at a disadvantage during the admissions process. However, they will be redirected to the one-year Academic Arabic preparatory program.
Islamic Disciplines and Auxiliary Discipline classes are number graded, Social Science classes are pass/fail. Islamic Ethics classes are not graded.
The purpose of the summer retreat in Istanbul is to cultivate a sense of ṣuḥbah (fellowship) between peers. The retreat lasts three weeks, and is a chance for students to study, visit historical sites in and around Istanbul, and meet with great scholars.
Preparatory Academic Arabic Program: The retreat is mandatory during the Academic Arabic preparatory program and lasts 8 weeks. For students at a more advanced level, they may be fully or partially exempted from the summer intensive. The cost of the Academic Arabic summer intensive is $2000.
Honors Program (BA): The retreat is also mandatory in the first and last years of the Comparative Islamic Studies (BA). The cost for the three-week retreat is $1,500 each. The cost will cover: accommodation, food, trips and transportation within Turkey. Click here to see the academic calendar.
Students are invited to apply to the Honors Program in Comparative Islamic Studies (BA).
Students cannot be admitted to the Core Studies program without having completed Foundations. However, students with prior knowledge in Islamic Studies may be exempted from certain courses depending on their Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) results. Click here to view the curriculum.