Altaf Husain

Dr. Altaf Husain is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Academic and Student Advancement at Howard University's School of Social Work (HUSSW). A Howard alumnus, he earned his PhD while serving in the Office of the Provost. His academic leadership roles include chairing the Community, Administration & Policy Practice Concentration and co-chairing the HBSE Sequence. He has been recognized with the 2015 NASW DC Faculty of the Year Award and serves on editorial boards for Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work and Mental Health, Religion and Culture.

Education:

• PhD in Social Work, Howard University
• MSW from Case Western Reserve University

Research Focus: Intersections of religion/spirituality with displaced populations, immigrant/refugee youth, and nonprofit infrastructure. Current projects include a Templeton-funded study on Muslim American youth faith trends. His work emphasizes culturally congruent therapies like Islamically modified CBT and anti-oppressive educational strategies.

Awards & Service:

• 2020 SSWR Fellow
• NASW National Ethics Committee (2020-2023)
• CSWE Diversity Center Faculty Scholar (2024-2025)
• Interfaith Advisory Council member since 2010

Advocacy & Leadership: Spearheaded dual degree programs (MSW/MBA, MSW/MDiv) and reduced degree timelines for accelerated tracks. Advises the Phi Alpha Honor Society and collaborates internationally with the University of Utrecht on immigrant adaptation research.

Community Engagement: Founded the National Association of Muslims in Social Work (NAMSW) and serves leadership roles in Yaqeen Institute, The Conscious Kid Library, and Peaceful Families Project.