Is this program like going to an Islamic University to earn a degree?

• Yes.
• Many students are unable to go overseas to attend one of the well-known Islamic Universities because it is not possible for them to leave jobs, university for an extended period of time.
• This program allows students to earn a degree at the bachelors, masters or Ph.D. levels (in English or Arabic). The curriculum follows the well-known Islamic universities in the world.

What is the American International University or AIU?

• AIU is the pioneer and leader in providing Islamic University degrees via distance & online learning
• AIU is based in Virginia USA close to the Imam Saud University branch (Institute of Islamic & Arabic Sciences).
• President of AIU - Sheikh Dr. Houcine Chouat
  • Ph.D. Graduate and Professor at Imam Saud University
• Numerous other professors and sheikhs as instructors
• Curriculum similar/same as Saudi & other Islamic universities across the world

Why take courses with AIU? What are the benefits of studying with AIU?

• The answer to this question is the same answer to “what are the benefits of going to any islamic university?”
• One of best ways to learn Islam is through an Islamic university
• Comprehensive program
• Cover all major areas – fill in the “missing pieces”
  • Aqidah
  • Quran & sciences
  • Hadith & sciences
  • Fiqh & its Usul
  • Arabic language
  • History /seerah of Prophet/Khalifahs/Companions
  • Tarbiyyah
  • Systematic
• Focussed, goal-oriented (obtaining a degree)
• Forces discipline, memorization, revision, deep study
  • Speeches are good reminders but we frequently forget the content quickly
• Access to top scholars & professors (Ph.D.’s etc)

What are the advantages of the AIU program over other programs?

• Complete degree program not just seminars, lectures
• All levels of degrees: Bachelors, Masters, Ph.D.
• This is a different level that some recently established institutes

What is Masjid Farooq’s involvement in this? Why should I register through Masjid Farooq?

• Masjid Farooq has partnered with AIU to become a Canadian Islamic University Campus, inshaAllah.
• In Phase 1, Masjid Farooq will be registering AIU through the Masjid so as to form a Canadian group of university students
• In Phase 2, Masjid Farooq will have AIU instructors and professors on-site so that you may attend classes just like any regular university
• To go to Phase 2, Masjid Farooq needs 200 registered students
• Students registering through Masjid Farooq receive a 10% discount on tuition fees

What degrees are offered, in what languages, and what are the requirements?

• Bachelors, Masters, Ph.D.
• Offered in English & Arabic
• English students still take 6 Arabic language courses

• Bachelors Degree requirements
  • 54 courses
  • 120 credit hours – courses are either 2 C.H. or 3 C.H.

• Masters Degree requirements
  • 38 credit hours

• Ph.D.degree requirements
  • 60 credit hours

What is the workload & study hours?

• Full-time or part-time
• Totally flexible study time (days, weeknights, weekends)
• On-line lectures are fixed hours – usually 1X per week in evenings or weekends
  

Length of Time to obtain a degree?

• As soon as the required C.H. are obtained
• It is up to you how fast you want to get your degree
• Also, you can take as long as you want
• Can go for a diploma or associate degree by taking subset of courses

How many courses do I have to take each semester?

• This is your personal choice – there is no minimum number of courses to take – you may take 1 course per semester
• You can even skip semesters and not take any courses if you are too busy during certain times of the year

How is the study done?

• Initially, students will study on-line (for most courses) – the professor will lecture over the internet and you will be able to ask questions
• Author’s Note: With today’s advanced technology (email/internet, cheap longdistance calling, etc.) the need for traditional “face-to-face” instruction is becoming less of an issue. I have attended AIU and Um al-Qura universities and the AIU distance learning program is just as effective in my opinion
  
• Online – most courses are on-line (all courses will be on-line shortly inshaAllah)
• Self-study with the assistance of your professor via phone, email, fax, etc.
  • Instructors have office hours during which you may call in
• At Masjid Farooq – coming in Phase 2, inshaAllah.

What if I miss an on-line class?

• In many cases the lectures will be recorded. If not, some peers in the class may take notes that you may request, inshaAllah

Semesters – 6 semesters per year

• Sep1 - Oct31
• Nov1 - Dec31
• Jan1 - Feb28
• Mar1 - Apr30
• May1 - Jun30
• July1 - Aug31