Each year, the Muslim Studies Program in International Studies and Programs provides scholarships of $700 to undergraduates whose principal interest is in studying some facet of the Muslim world. The primary objective of the scholarship is to facilitate study and research about the Muslim world and to improve language competence. The scholarship may be availed in the Spring, Summer and/or Fall.

Muslim Studies faculty may nominate students for the award. Students engaged in studying the Muslim world may also apply for the award directly.

Requirements:

• 3.3 cumulative GPA or higher at the time of the award of the scholarship.
• MSU undergraduate students enrolled in approved accredited programs are eligible for the award, for example students in the Muslim Studies Minor.
• Students enrolled in other university programs, conducting research on the Muslim world, or developing Arabic language competence may be eligible for the award contingent upon program accreditation.

All nominees and applicants must submit the following:

1. A 300-word statement describing the nominee’s/applicant’s interest in the study of the Muslim world
2. A resume
3. A grade transcript.
4. A letter of support from at least one faculty member.

Please send scholarship nominations or applications with supporting material to Mohammad H. Khalil, Director of the Muslim Studies Program, at khalilmo(at)msu.edu with a copy to Jaclyn Hunnicut, hunnicu4(at)msu.edu. The deadline for the 2025-26 cycle is January 9, 2026.

Will Castanier and Eleanor Pugh are the recipients for the 2024-25 Gliozzo Scholarship.

Will is a senior majoring in international relations and Arabic with a minor in Muslim Studies in James Madison College. He is currently conducting research for his senior honors thesis on Saudi foreign policy, which is the culmination of his undergraduate studies on Islam, Arabic, and Middle East politics within the Muslim Studies Program. Will plans to graduate at the end of the spring 2026 semester, and will pursue a graduate degree in international relations and Middle East studies before entering a professional career in American and Middle East foreign policy.

Eleanor is a junior majoring in International Relations and Russian with minors in Muslim Studies, Economics, and Russian & Eurasian Studies. She is studying abroad this fall in Baku, Azerbaijan through James Madison College's exchange program with ADA University, and will study in Almaty, Kazakhstan this spring. Eleanor plans to pursue a master's degree in area studies following graduation.