Interfaith Scholars

ENGAGe IN Interreligious DIALOGUE AND action

The Interfaith Scholars program is a yearlong course and service learning opportunity offered by the Interfaith Institute at Augsburg University in collaboration with the Religion Department.  The course is taught by the Interfaith Institute’s Executive Director and Professor of Religion, Najeeba Syeed.

 

The Interfaith Scholars program engages students as partners in ongoing interreligious dialogue and action by exploring methods and best practices for talking about religion in a diverse democracy. Students will explore the religious diversity of the Augsburg student body, the wider Twin Cities community, and the United States by learning from guest speakers from religious communities, business professionals, and other leaders across various sectors. Students may also be engaged in community service learning, and participating in and attending events on behalf of the program. Participants will gain leadership skills by learning and practicing how to converse respectfully with others about what they believe, why it matters, and how it propels us to service in the world. Students with any religious or spiritual worldview as well as students without a connection to a religious tradition are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS

• Unique opportunity to explore interfaith study as a cohort
• Seminar setting that is small and supportive
• Develop skills to engage in and facilitate dialogue about core commitments
• Become practiced in engaging in interfaith dialogue and action both in the Augsburg community and the wider Twin Cities community
• Earn upper division credit (4 credits) in religion

 

Learn more about the Interfaith Scholar experience by viewing profiles of past Interfaith Scholars.

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APPLy to be an interfaith scholar

 

We are currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Interfaith Scholar cohort.

Students are required to submit both an application form AND a faculty recommendation form.

If you have questions, please contact course instructor, Najeeba Syeed: syeedn@augsburg.edu