CICW Graduate Student Institute
"Islam in the Contemporary World"
(June 29 - July 9, 2026)
We are now accepting applications for 2026!
"Islam in the Contemporary World"
(June 29 - July 9, 2026)
We are now accepting applications for 2026!
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“I'm deeply grateful for the opportunities CICW has provided us. It was an excellent experience learning from outstanding scholars, being surrounded by a group of awesome individuals, and having the unique opportunity to experience a single shot at a utopia that we always think is unachievable.”
Student, GSI 2024
“Talking about faith and belonging in the ummah healed parts of me I didn’t know needed healing. Center for Islam in the Contemporary World...I’ll be back as a professor soon.”
Reyhab Patel, GSI 2024
“Grateful beyond words to have completed my two-week summer journey at the Graduate Student Institute by the CICW at Shenandoah University. It has been a transformative experience that has deepened my understanding of Islam. Alhamdulillah, for the knowledge gained and the incredible connections made along the way. Here's to new beginnings and a future filled with purpose!”
Listia Khairunnisa, GSI 2023
Student, GSI 2024
“Talking about faith and belonging in the ummah healed parts of me I didn’t know needed healing. Center for Islam in the Contemporary World...I’ll be back as a professor soon.”
Reyhab Patel, GSI 2024
“Grateful beyond words to have completed my two-week summer journey at the Graduate Student Institute by the CICW at Shenandoah University. It has been a transformative experience that has deepened my understanding of Islam. Alhamdulillah, for the knowledge gained and the incredible connections made along the way. Here's to new beginnings and a future filled with purpose!”
Listia Khairunnisa, GSI 2023
Center for Islam in the Contemporary World (CICW)
at Shenandoah University and the Diyanet Center of America (DCA)
Graduate Student Institute
“Islam in the Contemporary World”
June 29 – July 9, 2026
Venue: Diyanet Center of America
Lanham, MD
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The CICW, in partnership with the Diyanet Center of America, is pleased to offer a summer student program, “Islam in the Contemporary World.” The program is a graduate students’ institute whose objectives are: (1) to provide graduate students with foundational instructions in Islamic studies with a focus on contemporary issues, (2) to have discussions about the lived experiences of Muslim graduate students, especially as they pertain to issues of wellness, equity, and belonging, and (3) to provide research mentorship. By combining academic and mentoring sessions, we aim to provide a rounded approach to Islam in the contemporary world.
Our pedagogy combines traditional Islamic learning with contemporary approaches and methods. We question the West-centric assumptions and epistemologies and bring Islamic epistemologies and approaches to pedagogy, learning, and thought into the conversation.
At the end of the program, the students will present a research proposal or a short paper they developed during the Graduate Student Institute on a topic of their choosing.
Venue
Through the partnership with the Diyanet Center of America, we will host the students at the DCA campus, which includes a mosque, library, restaurant, sports complex, accommodation, and many other facilities. By staying at DCA, the students will have an immersive experience, surrounded by beautiful Islamic architecture. GSI students have access to all DCA facilities during the program. You can learn more about DCA at https://diyanetamerica.org.
at Shenandoah University and the Diyanet Center of America (DCA)
Graduate Student Institute
“Islam in the Contemporary World”
June 29 – July 9, 2026
Venue: Diyanet Center of America
Lanham, MD
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The CICW, in partnership with the Diyanet Center of America, is pleased to offer a summer student program, “Islam in the Contemporary World.” The program is a graduate students’ institute whose objectives are: (1) to provide graduate students with foundational instructions in Islamic studies with a focus on contemporary issues, (2) to have discussions about the lived experiences of Muslim graduate students, especially as they pertain to issues of wellness, equity, and belonging, and (3) to provide research mentorship. By combining academic and mentoring sessions, we aim to provide a rounded approach to Islam in the contemporary world.
Our pedagogy combines traditional Islamic learning with contemporary approaches and methods. We question the West-centric assumptions and epistemologies and bring Islamic epistemologies and approaches to pedagogy, learning, and thought into the conversation.
At the end of the program, the students will present a research proposal or a short paper they developed during the Graduate Student Institute on a topic of their choosing.
Venue
Through the partnership with the Diyanet Center of America, we will host the students at the DCA campus, which includes a mosque, library, restaurant, sports complex, accommodation, and many other facilities. By staying at DCA, the students will have an immersive experience, surrounded by beautiful Islamic architecture. GSI students have access to all DCA facilities during the program. You can learn more about DCA at https://diyanetamerica.org.
Eligibility
Students currently enrolled in a graduate school program of any faith background, majoring in any discipline, based in the United States and Canada. College/university graduates with a degree in hand who are not yet enrolled in a graduate school program may also apply.
Tuition
There is no tuition fee.
Accommodation
Students will be provided accommodation and three meals per day (halal) at the Diyanet Center of America’s campus in Lanham, Maryland, at no cost. Accommodations will be shared, with separate accommodations for male and female students.
Transportation
Students are expected to cover their transportation costs to and from the program.
Method of instruction
In-person, at the Diyanet Center of America. Some sessions may be delivered via Zoom.
Attendance requirements
The successful applicants will be required to attend all sessions without exception. Please consider applying next year if you can’t commit to full attendance. Students are expected to arrive on June 29 and leave no earlier than 2 pm on July 9.
Award
The best student in the program will receive an award.
Graduation Certificates
Students who complete all program requirements will be awarded graduation certificates.
Application Deadline
April 20, 2026
Email Contact
[email protected]
Themes
Topics include but are not limited to:
Students currently enrolled in a graduate school program of any faith background, majoring in any discipline, based in the United States and Canada. College/university graduates with a degree in hand who are not yet enrolled in a graduate school program may also apply.
Tuition
There is no tuition fee.
Accommodation
Students will be provided accommodation and three meals per day (halal) at the Diyanet Center of America’s campus in Lanham, Maryland, at no cost. Accommodations will be shared, with separate accommodations for male and female students.
Transportation
Students are expected to cover their transportation costs to and from the program.
Method of instruction
In-person, at the Diyanet Center of America. Some sessions may be delivered via Zoom.
Attendance requirements
The successful applicants will be required to attend all sessions without exception. Please consider applying next year if you can’t commit to full attendance. Students are expected to arrive on June 29 and leave no earlier than 2 pm on July 9.
Award
The best student in the program will receive an award.
Graduation Certificates
Students who complete all program requirements will be awarded graduation certificates.
Application Deadline
April 20, 2026
Email Contact
[email protected]
Themes
Topics include but are not limited to:
- The Qur’anic Worldview
- Islamic Exegetical Tradition
- History and Importance of the Sunnah
- Translating the Qur’an
- Renewal and Reform in Islamic Thought
- The Prophet’s Sira (Life)
- Resistance and Sufis
- Prophetic Pedagogy
- Islamic Antiracist Education
- Understanding Islamic Law
- Decolonizing Islamic Futures
- Ottoman art and calligraphy