Kogod Introduces New Graduate Certificate in Islamic Finance
American University has launched a new graduate certificate at the Kogod School of Business: the Graduate Islamic Finance Certificate.
The new program was founded by Professor Ghiyath Nakshbendi. He held his first Islamic finance conference at Kogod in 2009 and created two classes on the topic afterward. Following feedback from Kogod’s students and faculty, Nakshbendi officially launched the program for the fall 2017 semester.
“This program offers a special opportunity to become an educational leader in the field,” Nakshbendi says. “I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
Students in the Graduate Certificate in Islamic Finance program can expect:
- Business courses, such as Financial Accounting and International Finance
- Economics courses, such as Economics of the World Regions
- Mathematics-focused courses
- Guest lecturers who offer students real-life perspective from the business world
Nakshbendi has an all-star line up of speakers for the program’s inaugural semester, including CEOs, lawyers, and high-profile Islamic finance professionals from Kuwait, Doha-Qatar, and Bahrain. “I make a point of inviting guest speakers who can help my students with job prospects,” Nakshbendi said.
It’s all about networking for Nakshbendi, and he hopes that his program will attracting Islamic finance professionals to Kogod. His “ultimate goal” is that these professionals will bring their work experience and job contacts with them. Nakshbendi told Kogod that he hopes to place his students at places like Citibank or Goldman Sachs.
Along with launching the Graduate Islamic Finance Certificate, Nakshbendi also founded the American Center for Alternative Finance (ACAF), a non-profit that promotes Islamic Finance and other alternative finance methods in the United States.
Through seminars and conferences, ACAF offers students opportunities to network and gain experience outside of the classroom. Nakshbendi says the organizations helps provide “great supplemental experience” for students.
Nakshbendi hopes the Certificate program is a conduit for success. Outcomes are his priority, and he wants to ensure students are flourishing after graduation.
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Max Pulcini
Max Pulcini is a Philadelphia-based writer and reporter. He has an affinity for Philly sports teams, Super Smash Bros. and cured meats and cheeses. Max has written for Philadelphia-based publications such as Spirit News, Philadelphia City Paper, and Billy Penn, as well as national news outlets like The Daily Beast.
