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Explore, Engage, Transform: The Catholic-Muslim Studies Program (CMSP)

Dive into a world where local meets global, and where diverse religious voices come together to create something extraordinary. Our neighborhoods are alive with people from countless faith traditions, including those who don’t affiliate with any—the “nones.” With so many cultural and religious variations, understanding each other isn’t just important—it’s essential.

The CMSP is not just about learning; it’s about doing. Our courses and programs empower you to go beyond the classroom, turning knowledge into action. Whether it’s bridging gaps between communities, sparking meaningful conversations, or leading transformative change, we train scholars and future leaders who are ready to make a difference.

Our courses are more than academic—they’re dynamic. Engage in hands-on dialogue, explore cutting-edge ideas, and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to promoting understanding, reconciliation, and cooperation between Muslims, Christians, and beyond. With a powerful focus on social justice, we ensure that every discussion and every lesson contributes to real-world solutions for today’s cultural and societal challenges.

Ready to be a changemaker? Join us at CMSP and become part of a bold, transformative movement that’s redefining interreligious engagement.

CMSP

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Mission
Leadership
Courses
Scholarships
Public Programming
Upcoming Events
In addition to exciting courses, the CMSP co-sponsors dynamic events and programs that bring people together—both within CTU and beyond—to inspire meaningful dialogue, foster connections, and create real change in our communities. Whether on campus or in the broader public sphere, we are committed to transforming how we understand and engage with diverse religious perspectives.

Syed Atif Rizwan grew up in New Jersey and completed his undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, where he majored in Economics and minored in Chemistry. After graduation, he spent 8 years in the financial services industry, during which time he worked in New Jersey, New York, and Los Angeles. In 2009, he matriculated in Claremont Graduate School’s Master’s in Islamic Studies program and in 2011 he enrolled in the Islamic studies doctoral program at the University of California, Los Angeles. Syed joined the CTU faculty in 2018 and became director of the Catholic-Muslim Studies Program in 2020. His research interests include history of Islamic law; hadith studies; medieval and post-modern theories of punishment; and interreligious dialogue and studies.

The following are examples of course offerings through the CMSP:

  • Islam: Faith, History, and Modernity
  • Comparative Christian-Muslim Ethics
  • The History of the Muslim-Christian Relations
  • Community Organizing: Interfaith Perspective and Practice
STUDY WITH US
The CMSP is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of exceptional Muslim leaders committed to interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Each year, CTU awards highly competitive full-tuition scholarships to the most outstanding and dedicated Muslim students—those who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a deep, unwavering commitment to advancing interfaith understanding. This prestigious opportunity is reserved for the brightest minds and the most passionate advocates of interreligious engagement.
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The CMSP brings together leading scholars to deliver dynamic interreligious programs that are open to all—both at CTU and in the wider community. Our events are designed to inspire, educate, and spark meaningful conversations across faiths, offering everyone a chance to engage with cutting-edge ideas and deepen their understanding of diverse religious traditions.
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Catholic-Muslim Studies Program

Syed Atif Rizwan, Ph.D.
Director, Catholic-Muslim Studies Program
Assistant Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies