What is it really like to study Islam at Union Theological Seminary? Hear it straight from the students.
Join us for an hour-long conversation with current students in Union's Islamic Studies program as they share what drew them to Union, what their days look like in and out of the classroom, and how their studies are shaping their vocations. Panelists will talk honestly about coursework, community, and life in New York City, and they will take your questions live.
Whether you are exploring graduate study for the first time or already working on your application, this webinar is a chance to picture yourself at Union and to learn from people who are walking the path right now.
What you'll hear about
- Finding Union: why each panelist chose Union and what made the program the right fit
- In the classroom: studying the Qur'an and other texts, Islamic history, theology, ethics, and practice, including Union's strengths in Islam and gender, Islamic feminism(s) and Muslima theology, and Qur'anic interpretation
- Learning across traditions: what it means to study Islam within an interreligious seminary committed to social justice, alongside classmates from many faith backgrounds and none
- Beyond Union's walls: cross-registration at neighboring institutions such as Columbia University, plus internships, field placements, and thesis projects
- Community and belonging: student life, prayer and spiritual practice, mentorship, and building relationships with faculty and peers
- Life in New York City: housing, getting around, and connecting with Muslim communities across the city
- After Union: chaplaincy, ministry, community leadership, advocacy, nonprofit work, and doctoral study
Who should attend
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Prospective students considering a master's or doctoral degree with a focus on Islam
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Current applicants who want a student's-eye view before making their decision
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Anyone discerning a call to chaplaincy, community leadership, scholarship, or interreligious and social justice work
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Advisors, mentors, and community leaders who guide students toward graduate theological education
About Islamic Studies at Union
Students who study Islam at Union cultivate the knowledge and skills to contribute to crucial conversations within Islamic Studies, Muslim communities, and interreligious contexts. The program pairs rigorous study of Islamic and Muslim traditions, texts, practices, and histories with Union's long-standing commitment to social justice.
Students can pursue Islamic Studies through Union's Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) and Master of Divinity (MDiv) programs, and can also apply to study Islam in the PhD program. Faculty teaching in the program include Dr. Jerusha Tanner Rhodes, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies.
Learn more about the program.
Frequently asked questions
Is the webinar free? Yes. The event is free and open to all, but registration is required.
Will there be time for questions? Yes. A significant portion of the hour is reserved for live Q&A. You can also submit questions in advance on the registration form.
Will the session be recorded? Yes, a recording will be shared with registrants the next day.
Do I need to be Muslim to apply to the program? No. Union welcomes students of all faith backgrounds, and none, who are interested in the serious study of Islam.
Who can I contact with questions? Reach the Admissions Office at admissions@utsnyc.edu
