Islamic Tradition
A broad understanding of the Islamic tradition based on foundational sources.
Respect Graduate School is committed to fulfilling its institutional mission as an academic institution specializing in Islamic Studies and aiming at excellence in teaching, learning, and scholarship. With genuine appreciation for traditional Islamic disciplines, RGS applies interdisciplinary and creative approaches that equip students to respond to contemporary social and intellectual challenges in a global context.
By fostering respect and dialogue with diverse communities, RGS also offers moral and spiritual service to all.
RGS evaluates educational effectiveness through program learning outcomes, graduate exit interviews, alumni placement, scholarly publication, retention, and completion data.
The following figures show actual graduates through 2026 and expected completions for 2027.
| Graduation year | Graduates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 6 | Awarded under previous degree-granting authority |
| 2025 | 6 | First cohort under current degree-granting authority |
| 2026 | 3 | |
| 2027 | 7 | Expected completions |
| Total graduates to date | 15 | 2018–2026 actual |
| Total projected through 2027 | 22 | Actual + projected |
The program develops intellectual breadth, critical engagement, and the scholarly research skills needed for advanced study and professional service.
A broad understanding of the Islamic tradition based on foundational sources.
The ability to think critically about traditional and contemporary social and intellectual issues.
The ability to conduct scholarly research and present the results through academic writing.
Preparation for doctoral programs and other advanced graduate studies.
Service in diverse educational, social service, and healthcare institutions.
Foundational Islamic education necessary for chaplaincy.
Roles in organizations where knowledge of the Islamic tradition adds value.
Educational effectiveness is assessed through multiple direct and indirect measures rather than a single indicator.
Analysis of evidence showing students’ achievement of the MAIS learning outcomes.
Annual feedback from graduating students about learning, preparation, and professional development.
Professional employment and admission to doctoral or other advanced degree programs.
Graduate journal publications considered as evidence of academic accomplishment.
RGS will publicize MAIS completion rates using the standard four-year timeframe established by the Association of Theological Schools for master’s programs. The current Pennsylvania Department of Education degree-granting authority began with students admitted in Fall 2023; by June 2027, RGS will calculate its first completion rate under this standard.
In addition to the capstone research paper, journal and public scholarship publications provide further evidence of educational effectiveness.
Graduate scholarship published through RGS’s Kalima platform.
Read publication → KalimaA comparative contribution examining mystical traditions across religious boundaries.
Read publication → Religions · 2024Patricia Enedudu Idoko’s comparative study of Rabiʿa al-ʿAdawiyya and Catherine of Genoa.
Read publication →All six members of the Class of 2025 were placed: five entered full-time professional positions and one entered full-time doctoral study.
Total: 6 · 6 of 6 placed (100%)
Selected indicators provide additional context for student progression and access to the program.
Fall 2023–Spring 2026
Graduates rated their own level of achievement across the three MAIS Program Learning Outcomes.
Graduate feedback indicates that the MAIS program provided meaningful preparation for a range of professional and academic pathways.
One graduate teaches theology full-time at a Catholic university; the Islamic Studies MA added expertise to her teaching portfolio.
Two graduates are planning Ph.D. studies.
One graduate teaches full-time in a charter school and plans to pursue another graduate degree in STEM or healthcare leadership.
Two graduates serve as full-time chaplains; one has been accepted into three law schools and plans to pursue a J.D.
Explore the processes and flowcharts used by RGS to assess student learning and institutional educational effectiveness.
2026 graduate outcomes findings will be published in October 2026.
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Where knowledge becomes wisdom.
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