US gets its first accredited Muslim college

A California-based institution has become the US’ first officially recognised Muslim college after receiving formal academic accreditation.

Zaytuna College, which operates out of two rented buildings in Berkeley, California, and had an enrolment of 30 in 2013, was officially accredited last week by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges -- one of the six academic organisations responsible for authorising public and private colleges and universities in the US.

The certification means the institution can apply for various federal and private grants, issue visas to international students and allow students to transfer credits to or from other accredited schools. Zaytuna College, which was founded in 2008 and began holding classes the next year, offers liberal arts courses in politics, religion and ethics.