The Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations is the country's oldest center for such study.

The Macdonald Center challenges scholars, students, the media and the general public to move beyond stereotypes and develop an accurate awareness and appreciation of Islamic religion, law and culture.

It is committed to the premise that through intensive study and academically guided dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation between Muslims and Christians can and must develop.

The Macdonald Center is an academic unit within Hartford Seminary dedicated to scholarly research, teaching and publication. It is responsible for the Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations Master of Arts program, a Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations, the Islamic Chaplaincy program, the Ph.D. program in Islamic Studies and numerous global study tours.

Under the Seminary's aegis, the Center publishes the bi-annual scholarly journal, The Muslim World, which reaches subscribers in 65 countries.