Bachelor of Arts
Associate of Arts
Graduate Degrees
Lifelong Learning
Ijāza Certifications
Associate of Arts in Teaching Islam
This program prepares Muslim women to teach Islam with knowledge, wisdom, and impact.
What you’ll study
- Classical Islamic teachings and traditions
- Practical teaching approaches for variety of learners
- Translating Islamic principles into meaningful lessons
What this degree prepares you for
- Educational and community contribution
- Further academic study
- Confidence in teaching the recitation of the Quran
- Community educators
- Weekend-school teachers
- Homeschooling parents
Degree
Associate of Arts
Required credits
60 Credit Hours
Areas of Focus
Islamic Disciplines, Pedagogy, Quran Recitation
Admissions Dates
Open: January 5, 2026
Closes: February 22, 2026
Tuition Summary
Tuition and fee information is available here.
Program Objectives
Fluency in Islamic Tradition
- Demonstrate essential literacy in the Islamic disciplines
- Explain core beliefs, practices, and Prophetic examples relevant to Muslim life and teaching
Pedagogical Confidence
- Apply foundational theories of teaching and learning
- Plan, deliver, and assess effective lessons in Islamic education
- Employ age-appropriate methods, clear instructional objectives, and reflective evaluation of learner outcomes
Recite and Teach Quran with Excellence
- Apply correct tajwīd and pronunciation in recitation
- Model appropriate etiquette for students of the Quran
Admissions Requirements
We review your admission holistically, to understand your academic readiness, character, and commitment to learning. The application for the Associate’s Degree in Teaching Islam consists of:
Application basics
- Completed application
- Basic foundational understanding of Islam
- Exhibit an interest in teaching
- A non-refundable fee of $35 submitted with the application
Academic records
- High school diploma, homeschool, GED or equivalent
- Transcripts and coursework grades
- Evidence of academic rigor where applicable (honors, AP, IB, A-levels, or college coursework)
Writing and recommendations
- Personal narrative essay and short responses
- Three to four email addresses for people who will provide a recommendation by submitting an online questionnaire. Referees can be personal, professional, academic, and/or community leaders.
If applicable
- ACT/SAT scores (optional)
- English proficiency results for non-native speakers (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test results)
Course Outline
The first of a two-part course providing an in-depth study of the sixty companions discussed in the book Stars in the Prophet’s Orbit. Students will learn the stories of these companions, draw conclusions about Islamic precepts from their lives, understand their relationship to the Prophet ﷺ, and derive personal lessons from their lives. Students will apply and extend what they have learned in class by writing an analysis paper about one of the companions studied.
The first thirty companions of this text are covered in Part 1 of the course, and the second thirty are covered in Part 2. It is not required to complete Part 1 before Part 2.
An in-depth study of the sixty companions discussed in the book Stars in the Prophet’s Orbit, this is a continuation of Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, Part 1. Students will learn the stories of these companions, draw conclusions about Islamic precepts, understand their relationship to the Prophet ﷺ, and derive personal lessons from their lives. Students will apply these skills to an additional companion upon whom research will be done.
The first thirty companions of this text are covered in Part 1 of the course, and the second thirty are covered in Part 2. It is not required to complete Part 1 before Part 2.
An introduction to the concept of tazkiya (purification of the self/heart in Islam), this course will provide an introductory look at diseases of the heart and sins of the tongue, as well as the relationship between the two. Students will learn some general cures and understand some of the skills necessary to begin the path of tazkiya.
This course provides an accessible introduction to the Islamic worldview and core beliefs, exploring how faith shapes one’s understanding of truth, morality, and human purpose. Students study foundational theological principles alongside key social and legal questions facing Muslims today. Through guided discussion and reflection, the course addresses controversial and contemporary issues—such as gender, authority, ethics, and pluralism—within the framework of Islamic thought. Emphasizing intellectual honesty and spiritual grounding, students learn how to navigate doubts, reconcile faith with modern challenges, and engage confidently in conversations about Islam in diverse social settings. The course nurtures clarity, resilience, and conviction in belief while fostering compassion and integrity in dialogue.
This course introduces students to the core acts of worship in Islam—ṭahāra (purification), salah (prayer), and ṣawm (fasting)—with a focus on both understanding and application. Students explore the rulings, wisdoms, and spiritual dimensions of these pillars through straightforward readings, class discussion, and practical assignments. Emphasis is placed on practical guidance for everyday life, including how to maintain purification, perform prayer in public or workplace settings, and navigate common challenges in modern contexts. The course also develops students’ ability to teach and coach others in these essential practices with clarity, confidence, and compassion—fostering both personal discipline and community leadership grounded in the Prophetic example.
A survey of the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, beginning with an understanding of the political and social layout of the Arabian Peninsula at the time of his birth and concluding with a deeper understanding of why he was indeed “the chosen one”. Throughout Part 1, students examine the major events and incidents that took place up until the hijra of the Prophet ﷺ to Medina, extrapolating the wisdom and lessons one can gain from them. Weekly assignments focus on the lessons learned, enabling students to draw parallels to modern day struggles in their own lives and make lasting changes, following in the footsteps of the Prophet ﷺ.
This course covers lessons we can gather for our lives from the beautiful life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The focus is to examine events and circumstances and consider deeply how the Prophet ﷺ responded. In Part 2, students will examine the major events and incidents that took place after the hijra to Medina, extrapolating the wisdom and lessons one can gain from them. Assignments focus on these lessons learned, enabling students to draw parallels to modern-day struggles in their own lives and make lasting changes, following in the footsteps of the Prophet ﷺ.
This course offers an accessible exploration of JuzʾʿAmma, guiding students through its short yet profound suras that illuminate the themes of faith, morality, and the afterlife. Students study selected verses with attention to language, context, and spiritual insight, developing a foundational understanding of Quranic meaning and method. Alongside textual study, the course introduces practical training for those who teach or share Quranic knowledge– emphasizing audience awareness, developmental appropriateness, and compassionate pedagogy.
Students learn how to convey the Quran’s messages of mercy, justice, and accountability with wisdom and sensitivity, ensuring that lessons uplift and nurture rather than overwhelm. By the end of the course, students will be able to explain key themes of Juzʾ ʿAmma, connect them to daily life, and model a Prophetic approach to teaching that balances truth with gentleness.
An in-depth study of the forty-hadith compilation of Imām al-Nawawī, this course is designed to provide students with a foundation in the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ was given jawāmiʿ al-kalim ( جوامع الكلم), or the ability to say much in very few words. The hadith of the Prophet ﷺ combine eloquence with deep, encompassing meanings in a uniquely simple way. This particular compilation was chosen because it includes ṣaḥīḥ hadith and covers a variety of subjects.
By the end of this course, students will be able to translate, understand, and draw practical life lessons from the text of the forty hadith in this compilation. The first twenty hadith are covered in Part 1 and the second twenty hadith are covered in Part 2.
An in-depth study of the forty-hadith compilation of Imām al-Nawawī, this course is meant to provide students with a foundation in the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ was given jawāmiʿ al-kalim (جوامع الكلم), or the ability to say much in very few words. The hadith of the Prophet ﷺ combine eloquence with deep, encompassing meanings in a uniquely simple way. This particular compilation was chosen because it includes ṣaḥīḥ hadīth and covers a variety of subjects.
By the end of this course, students will be able to translate, understand, and draw practical life lessons from the text of the forty hadith in this compilation. The first 20 hadith are covered in Part 1 and the second 20 hadith are covered in Part 2.
This is a study of the science of tajwīd accompanied by an instructor-led recitation of Juzʾ ʿAmmā. This is a two-part course:
- Students will gain an understanding of introductory tajwīd concepts (including points of articulation–makhārij–and letter attributes–ṣifāt) during weekly online sessions with the instructor.
- Students will work with a recitation teacher in small groups during two additional weekly sessions in which they will practice the theory learned in class. By the end of the course, students will read through Juzʾ ʿAmma, applying the rules of tajwīd they have learned and pronouncing each letter correctly.
Building upon concepts taken in Tajwīd Part 1, students will complete the study of the rules of tajwīd, accompanied by an instructor-led recitation of Juzʾ Tabārak. This is a two-part course:
1. Students will gain an understanding of the rules of tajwīd (proper pronunciation of the Holy Quran) during weekly online sessions with the instructor.
2. Students will work with a recitation teacher in small groups during two additional weekly sessions in which they will practice the theory learned in class. By the end of the course, students will read through Juzʾ Tabārak, applying the rules of tajwīd and pronouncing each letter correctly.
This course prepares educators to build structured, respectful, and spiritually grounded learning environments. Students explore approaches such as social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and culturally responsive discipline, with special attention to Islamic educational values. Emphasis is placed on fostering routines, dignity, and belonging to support both academic and moral development.
This course introduces foundational teaching methods for children ages 5–10, emphasizing lesson planning, classroom management, and age-appropriate instruction. Rooted in both educational theory and Islamic pedagogical values, students explore child development, the Prophetic model, and the role of the educator in nurturing holistic growth. Emphasis is placed on practical skills, reflection, and compassionate, purposeful teaching.
This course focuses on effective teaching strategies for young adult and adult learners in secondary, higher education, and community contexts. Students explore lesson planning, engagement techniques, and adult learning theory, while integrating Islamic values and the Prophetic model. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive pedagogy, critical thinking, and building respectful, transformative learning environments.
Each semester, the course may center on a distinct subject area or theme—such as literature, social change, spirituality, or leadership—allowing students to practice teaching content through adaptable, topic-based design. This flexible approach cultivates pedagogical creativity and prepares educators to teach diverse subjects with confidence and depth.
This course explores the lives and legacies of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs—Abu Bakr, ʿUmar, ʿUthmān, and ʿAlī, radiya Allāhu ʿanhum, —as models of leadership, faith, and resilience in the face of historical and moral challenges. Through a study of key events, decisions, and societal transformations during their eras, students examine how each khalifa embodied prophetic guidance while navigating times of political transition, social unrest, and emerging diversity within the Muslim community. Emphasis is placed on extracting lessons in governance, justice, and spiritual steadfastness that remain relevant to contemporary leadership and community life.
Graduation Requirements
Major Requirements 21 credits
Core Competencies 33 credits
Elective Options1.5 credits
Language Requirements4.5 credits
Total required credits 60 (minimum)
Have questions?
For more information or assistance, applicants may contact the Admissions Office at