MSU students interested in expanding their international experience and perspective will have some additional options this spring.

Academic Council approved the addition of two new specializations Tuesday - one in international business in the Eli Broad College of Business and one in Muslim studies through James Madison College.

The 12- to 15-credit Muslim studies program is for undergraduate students, and the 15- to 20-credit international business program is for upperclassmen in the Eli Broad College of Business, but not for hospitality business majors.

Both programs will include study-abroad options for students as a way of completing them, and both offer students the option of taking foreign language courses.

Michael Schechter, a James Madison College professor and chairman of the college's curriculum committee, said the Muslim studies program will cover the history, politics and culture of the Muslim world. He added that students should keep in mind the Muslim world covers more than the Middle East.

"Most of the Muslims in the world live in Indonesia, and there are many in Southeast and Central Asia as well," Schechter said. "So the program applies to students with an interest in any countries in those regions."