General Information

Fırat University Theology Program Introduction and Educational Content

     The Fırat University Theology Program aims to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and competence in Islamic sciences during a 1-year preparatory (2 semesters) and 4-year (8 semesters) undergraduate education process. The program aims to develop students' abilities to correctly understand and interpret Islamic sources and to produce solutions to contemporary issues. Students who successfully complete 240 ECTS credits in our program, which includes core disciplines such as Basic Islamic Sciences, Philosophy and Religious Studies, and Islamic History and Arts, are eligible to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Theology.

Program Content

     The Theology Program aims to provide a deep understanding of the theoretical and practical foundations of Islam and to reinterpret them in the context of today. In this regard, the program covers eight fundamental religious sciences under the umbrella of the Basic Islamic Sciences Division, which addresses the principles of faith, worship, and ethics in Islam based on the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet, in light of historical experience and modern research: Tafsir, Hadith, Kalam, Islamic Law, History of Islamic Sects, Sufism, Arabic Language and Rhetoric, and Quranic Reading and Recitation. The Division of Philosophy and Religious Studies, which examines the phenomenon of religion from different perspectives of social and human sciences, contributes to understanding and analyzing the social, psychological, and philosophical dimensions of religion based on the accumulation of fundamental Islamic sciences through the sub-disciplines of Philosophy of Religion, Religious Education, Sociology of Religion, Psychology of Religion, History of Religions, Islamic Philosophy, and History of Philosophy, contributing to the understanding and analysis of the social, psychological, and philosophical dimensions of religion based on the accumulated knowledge of fundamental Islamic sciences.  Additionally, the Division of Islamic History and Arts examines the political, social, cultural, and artistic development of Islam throughout its history, drawing on primary sources. It covers topics ranging from the life of the Prophet Muhammad to the Islamic empires and the religious, political, and cultural aspects of the period following the Turks' adoption of Islam. It also examines the development of Islamic art by Muslim Turks. - History of Islamic Arts, which examines the development of Islamic art by Muslim Turks, Turkish - Islamic Literature, which researches the structure and intellectual world of Islamic poetry and literature, and Turkish - Religious Music, which examines the development of music in Islamic culture. This holistic approach offers students the opportunity to comprehensively learn and specialize in different dimensions of Islamic sciences. The program includes compulsory courses that provide basic knowledge in theology, as well as a wide range of elective courses.

Teaching Method and Academic Structure

     The program is conducted on a full-time basis and combines theoretical courses with source text readings, discussion, and analysis-focused applications. Students can deepen their education through elective courses offered in a wide range according to their areas of interest and find opportunities to specialize in different fields of Islamic sciences. Thanks to the various academic research projects, seminars, and conferences conducted at our faculty, students have the opportunity to participate in scientific studies under the guidance of faculty members who are experts in their fields and to get to know different schools of thought closely. In this way, they both increase their academic knowledge and prepare themselves for professional life by developing their critical thinking and analytical skills.

Acquired Competencies and Career Opportunities

     Graduates of Fırat University's Theology Program gain a deep understanding of the fundamental principles and tenets of Islam, both theoretically and practically, as well as the ability to interpret and analyze this knowledge in the context of current debates and needs. Their abilities in critical thinking, synthesizing different Islamic sciences, and producing solutions to social problems from a religious perspective open doors to careers such as: Religious Culture and Ethics Teaching at the Ministry of National Education, vocational teaching at Imam Hatip High Schools, and positions such as imam, preacher, and mufti at the Presidency of Religious Affairs. Those aiming for an academic career can continue to graduate programs. Furthermore, equipped with effective communication skills, respect for different opinions, and a sense of social responsibility, they can take on active roles in the religious sphere and various segments of society.

Graduate Profile

     Graduates of the department stand out for their ability to deeply understand Islamic sciences, analyze different religious texts, and generate solutions to current issues from an Islamic perspective. They gain proficiency in analytical thinking, systematically interpreting religious texts, and evaluating different Islamic schools of thought. Thanks to their effective verbal and written communication skills, they can convey religious knowledge accurately and clearly, and engage in constructive dialogue with individuals of different beliefs and opinions. Furthermore, with qualities such as conducting research, continuing to learn, and adhering to ethical values, they can play an active role in various fields, including academia, religious services, education, and social responsibility.

Conclusion

     The Bachelor's Program of the Faculty of Theology equips students with in-depth knowledge and expertise in the core disciplines of Islamic studies, providing them with the necessary competencies to succeed in academic research and religious service fields. With the goal of correctly understanding and interpreting the fundamental sources of Islam and producing solutions to the problems of today's world from an Islamic perspective, it offers our students an ideal environment focused on growth, learning, and becoming individuals who are beneficial to society. For students who wish to discover Islam's rich heritage and shape their future in this meaningful field, Fırat University Faculty of Theology, with its deep-rooted experience and dynamic academic staff, is the right address.