Public Service Curriculum | Muslim Public Service Network

Islam & public service curriculum

The MPSN curriculum provides our Fellows with opportunities for spiritual-intellectual grounding through an exclusive series of presentations designed to facilitate deep thinking about Islam and public service and one's place in the American Muslim landscape.

These presentations include spiritual inspiration as well as intellectual discussion about Islam and Muslim identities, American Muslim history, notable American Muslims, the nature and impact of Islamophobia, and mental health challenges and practical strategies in crafting a career in public and community service.

At MPSN, the summer is centered around an eight-week program of presentations. We invite experts across fields in public service to family-style living room dinners to share their insights with the Fellows.

Asifa Quraishi-Landes, University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School

Recent presentations

American Muslims in historical context

Understanding the roots, contributions, and evolving identity of American Muslims in the broader American story.

Career insights from American Muslim public servants

First-hand perspectives from practicing Muslim professionals navigating careers at the intersection of faith and public service.

Cybersecurity & cultivating your virtual profile

Practical guidance on digital presence, security, and using technology responsibly in a public service career.

From Waqf to grants: philanthropy 101 for American Muslims

Exploring Islamic philanthropic traditions and how they translate into modern grant-making and nonprofit funding.

Islamophobia: then & now

A frank discussion of the history, manifestations, and impact of anti-Muslim sentiment in American public life.

Leadership lessons from Muslim history

Drawing on centuries of Islamic scholarship and leadership to inform ethical public service today.

Sharia 101 for American Muslims

A grounded, accessible introduction to Islamic law and its relevance for American Muslim professionals.

Spiritual fulfillment through working in public service

Connecting the dots between Islamic values, personal meaning, and careers dedicated to the public good.

The format

MPSN's signature approach is the family-style dinner conversation. Rather than a formal lecture hall, our presentations happen in the MPSN residence — creating an intimate environment where Fellows can ask candid questions and engage in genuine dialogue with accomplished professionals and scholars.

The curriculum runs throughout the entire two-month fellowship, with presentations filling most weekday evenings and several weekends. This demanding schedule is intentional — Fellows leave with a comprehensive Islamic and professional education that few other programs can offer.

Lecture series on Islamic ethics & public service