Brief Description:

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

Description:

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 (aka, “the Turkish mosque), we will host the students at the DCA campus, which includes a mosque, restaurant, sports complex, accommodation, and many other facilities. By staying at DCA, the students will have an immersive experience, surrounded by beautiful Islamic architecture and facilities. 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.

Contact Information:

For questions about this application, please contact Center for Islam in the Contemporary World at CICW@contemporaryislam.org

Begin Accepting Applications Date:

3/12/2026

Deadline Date (EST Time Zone):

4/20/2026 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE