Academics

Overview: There are nearly 700 million people around the world that live in extreme poverty and nearly another 80 million people that have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Despite rapid advances in technology, communication, and global economic development, basic human insecurity seems to be expanding just as quickly. By including stakeholders and listening to those directly impacted, the Zakat Foundation Institute believes that with the right mix of innovation, applied research, and will power the international community can overcome the greatest humanitarian challenges facing the 21st century.

With that vision in mind, The Institute offers graduate certificate programs designed to strengthen leaders and innovators in the humanitarian and philanthropic fields. It does so by creating education and training programs led by cutting edge researchers, seasoned practitioners, and accomplished scholars, thus ensuring their education is grounded in practical experience and academic excellence.

Course Breakdown of Fellowship Program

FIRST SEMESTER

Fellows begin their studies with:

1. An in-depth course on the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector along with;

2. An offering on Muslim Philanthropy and Humanitarian Sector in Crisis (required of all Zakat Foundation Institute students.)

SECOND SEMESTER

Second semester studies entail two courses:

1. Applying Ethics in Philanthropy and;

2. An extensive investigation of Muslim Philanthropy.

SUMMER SEMESTER

The final summer semester – in addition to the capstone practicum required of all students – includes:^*

1. Principles and Practices of Fundraising and also;

2. Directed Readings in Philanthropic Studies.

^{*These two classes account for the extra 3 credit hours of study (for a total of 18) that the Fellowship track entails.}

^{Apart from the path for Fellowship candidates, Zakat Foundation Institute offers students two 15-credit-hour graduate certificates: Global Refugee and Humanitarian Policy, and Community-Based Aid and Development Practice.}

This certificate hones students’ public communication capacities, policy research acumen, and issue advocacy skills. It also provides students with a hands-on understanding of the geopolitics of the aid and development system as well as the role of religious actors therein.

All students, including Fellows, complete white papers on topics in their field of study and a chapter for a book that Zakat Foundation Institute will publish at the completion of the program.

Application Timeline

• TBD – Application Deadline

• TBD – Notification of Admission

• For information on your application process, please email [email protected]

This certificate prepares students in the subject areas of global aid institutions, the mechanics of relief and development, and the localization agenda.

Like the Fellowship track, the Policy and Practice courses of study are three-semester programs that commence with the Muslim philanthropy and humanitarian sector in crisis and end with the capstone practicum.

All students, including Fellows, complete white papers on topics in their field of study and a chapter for a book that Zakat Foundation Institute will publish at the completion of the program.

Application Timeline

• TBD – Application Deadline

• TBD – Notification of Admission

• For information on your application process, please email [email protected]