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<h3>Arabic 2A (Fall, 3 units) or Summer Intensive 2A (8 weeks, 6 units)</h3>Students further develop their reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills, while expanding their vocabulary. They will master more complex grammar and syntax involving wo

<h3>Arabic 2B (Spring, 3 units) or Summer Intensive 2B (8 weeks, 6 units)</h3>Students further develop their reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills, while expanding their vocabulary. They will master more complex grammar and syntax involving

This course focuses on the life experiences and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, taking into account the historical context, social norms, and religious atmosphere of pre-Islamic Arabia. Students learn about the Prophet’s character and qualities, his

This key leadership development course cultivates skills for effective preaching and public speaking about Islam, and enables emerging Muslim leaders to address questions involving Islamic law in a contextual manner. Topics include freedom of expressio

This course covers the origins, key historical milestones, and institutional developments of Muslims in North America. Students will develop a critical understanding of internal and external discourses about Islam in the West. The political, social and

This course is an introduction to the major figures, issues, ideologies, and texts of the 20th century and early 21st century of Islamic thought. We shall analyze the responses given to the challenges of modernity, postmodernity, colonialism, and post-

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Islamic Chaplaincy is a comprehensive three-year (75-unit) graduate program that prepares students for professional chaplaincy roles in a variety of settings. The program emphasizes a strong grounding in the Islamic tradition alongside the development of pastoral care competencies necessary for effective spiritual and pastoral care. Students in this M.Div. program gain a thorough foundation in the core Islamic disciplines—covering subjects such as Islamic law (fiqh), and theology (ʿaqīdah), spirituality and ethics, and Qur’anic studies—while also engaging with practical training in counseling, ethical decision-making, and interfaith engagement.
The curriculum is structured to integrate rigorous academic coursework with experiential learning. Students undertake core courses in classical Islamic disciplines to ensure scholarly depth, and specialized courses in chaplaincy that focus on spiritual care, crisis intervention, and community outreach. A hallmark of the program is the inclusion of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), where students complete supervised clinical training in settings like hospitals or other care institutions. In addition, fieldwork placements or internships provide real-world ministry experience, allowing students to apply their learning through service as chaplains-in-training under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Ideal candidates for the M.Div., Islamic Chaplaincy are aspiring chaplains, Imams, or community leaders who seek to serve as faith-based caregivers in environments such as healthcare, higher education, the military, or correctional institutions. Graduates of this program will possess the core religious competencies of Islamic knowledge to compliment the pastoral skill sets required to offer compassionate spiritual care to Muslims and broader communities, in diverse, public and private institutions. They will be equipped to pursue chaplaincy certification and to serve communities with integrity, cultural competence, and adherence to standard Islamic liturgical and ethical norms.

Those applying for M.Div.,Islamic Chaplaincy program should hold a bachelor’s degree. 

The program structure (breakdown of course hours) is shown below. Courses offered for each category can be found in the&nbsp;<a className="yellow-text" href="/courses">Course Descriptions.</a>

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Department of Chaplaincy

This course focuses on the life experiences and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, taking into account the historical context, social norms, and religious atmosphere of pre-Islamic Arabia. Students learn about the Prophet’s character and qualities, his manner of leadership, and the impact of his example on subsequent generations of Muslims. Finally, students gain insight regarding the ways in which the Prophet is commemorated as part of Islamic sacred history.

This key leadership development course cultivates skills for effective preaching and public speaking about Islam, and enables emerging Muslim leaders to address questions involving Islamic law in a contextual manner. Topics include freedom of expression, living in pluralistic societies, gender rights and relations, governance, social justice, peace and violence, ethics and morality, and cultural flux. This course will prepare students to address a variety of audiences and contexts, including speaking to the media, to interfaith communities, to international audiences, and to civic groups.

This course covers the origins, key historical milestones, and institutional developments of Muslims in North America. Students will develop a critical understanding of internal and external discourses about Islam in the West. The political, social and cultural features of diverse Muslim American communities will be examined in the light of common narratives regarding multiculturalism, immigration, enfranchisement, and social mobility. Finally, the place of Muslims in the American public square will be explored.

This course is an introduction to the major figures, issues, ideologies, and texts of the 20th century and early 21st century of Islamic thought. We shall analyze the responses given to the challenges of modernity, postmodernity, colonialism, and post-colonialism. To this end, we will have a number of readings from Muslim philosophers and theologians (such as Seyyed Qutb, Mawdudi, S. Hossein Nasr, Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Hasan al-Turabi, Ruhollah Khomeini, Tariq Ramadan, Said Nursi, Fazlur Rahman, Khaled Abou el-Fadl, Fethullah Gulen, Abdulkerim Sourush, Mohammad Arkoun etc.) to familiarize ourselves with the concerns, tendencies, language and nomenclature of the contemporary Islamic thought.

This course provides an overview of models of religious leadership in the Muslim context, from both an historical perspective as well as a contemporary one. Students will study texts that describe the ideal components of Islamic leadership and spirituality and will build essential skills needed to operate as a leader in contemporary Muslim settings with a focus on youth, education, finances, board relations, gender issues, counseling, issuing of religious edicts (fatawa), communication with the community, janaza services, conversion, and interfaith.

This course provides a sampling of of classical Islamic literary texts in a variety of genres, including religious writings, poetry, maqamat, frame tales, scientific writings, travel accounts, epistles, and other rich primary sources. The course also addresses cultural exchange and influences in areas of ceramics, metalworks, calligraphy, textiles, and architecture.


<h3>Arabic 2A (Fall, 3 units) or Summer Intensive 2A (8 weeks, 6 units)</h3>Students further develop their reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills, while expanding their vocabulary. They will master more complex grammar and syntax involving words derived from Arabic root patterns, using them to produce extended sentences and passages. They also master conjunctions and additional verb tenses. Performance-based formative assessments will help students achieve the equivalent of the second year of university-level Arabic.Note: Intermediate Arabic is required for the M.A. in Islamic Studies & Leadership and the M.Div. in Islamic Chaplaincy. It is not required for the M.A. in Islamic Education, though the courses may be taken as electives.

<h3>Arabic 2B (Spring, 3 units) or Summer Intensive 2B (8 weeks, 6 units)</h3>Students further develop their reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills, while expanding their vocabulary. They will master more complex grammar and syntax involving words derived from Arabic root patterns, using them to produce extended sentences and passages. They also master conjunctions and additional verb tenses. Performance-based formative assessments will help students achieve the equivalent of the second year of university-level Arabic.Note: Intermediate Arabic is required for the M.A. in Islamic Studies & Leadership and the M.Div. in Islamic Chaplaincy. It is not required for the M.A. in Islamic Education, though the courses may be taken as electives.

This is the default concentration of the MA degree program. The coursework provides a foundation in Islamic theology, law, history, ethics and scriptural studies, and in interreligious studies. Students must complete intermediate Arabic as part of their program, by the time of graduation. Electives courses on a variety of topics can be taken to deepen understanding of Islamic thought, Muslim history, and contemporary issues pertaining to Muslim life. 
 
The concentration equips graduates for further studies at the doctoral level, and careers involving research, scholarship, and teaching.
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Islamic Studies

Bayan’s innovative Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Islamic Leadership program provides an unprecedented opportunity for Muslim leaders and scholars who are serving communities to further their engagement with the Islamic intellectual tradition in a rigorous academic setting, develop capacities for skillfully addressing significant public issues by drawing from the theological, spiritual, and ethical traditions of Islam, and explore insights from the teachings and experiences of leaders in other faith traditions in some shared courses.

The DMin degree is a three-year, 30 credit advanced program focusing on public ministry and leadership. Required and elective courses will be taught by Bayan and CTS’ world-class faculty, and Bayan will offer its courses in its unique hybrid model of instruction, featuring intensive in-person classes on campus at the Chicago Theological Seminary, and online sessions throughout each academic term. Following two years of coursework, doctoral candidates will complete a DMin Directed Study Project that addresses a compelling issue or need within their respective faith communities.

The DMin program enrolled its inaugural class in Fall 2023.

We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2025 entry into the DMin program must be received by March 1, 2025.

Admissions Requirements
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1)	 A Master of Divinity degree or equivalent in theology or religious studies from an accredited college,
university, seminary, or professional school.
2) A superior academic record in previous undergraduate and graduate education. 
3) Four letters of reference and recommendation from relevant referees, e.g., faculty and/or
clinical supervisors. 
4) Autobiographical Essay and Sample Ministry Paper
5) Doctor of Ministry Essay
6) Complete a minimum of three years of professional ministry or its equivalent
7) Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended. 
8) Current resume or curriculum vitae including description of recent work experience, participation in volunteer and community service, involvement in Islamic or other religious organizations. 
9) TOEFL scores for international students for whom English is not their first language. 
10) $50.00 application fee.
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To begin your application for the DMin program, please click <a href="https://www.bayanonline.org/apply"/here</a>.
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Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Islamic Leadership

This course provides a sampling of of classical Islamic literary texts in a variety of genres, including religious writings, poetry, maqamat, frame tales, scientific writings, travel accounts, epistles, and other rich primary sources. The course also

This course provides an introduction to Islamic educational thought, concepts and practices as developed within classical Islamic civilization. Through evaluation of translated primary sources and reflection on contemporary best practices, educators i

Educators are increasingly expected to utilize technology effectively to facilitate learning. This course helps students develop their skills in authoring and publishing lesson plans, activities, rubrics, and resources for their elementary/secondary st

This course introduces Islamic principles for leadership and management, and elaborate on their application in the context of modern non-profit organizations. School leadership, governance, board structure and management, meeting management and fundra

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Islamic Education – 48 units (2 years)


The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Islamic Education is a graduate program that integrates classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary theories of education. Tailored for educators, school leaders, and community education professionals, this 48-unit program (typically completed in about two years) equips students to develop and lead educational initiatives grounded in Islamic values while employing modern pedagogical best practices. Students gain a broad understanding of the core Islamic disciplines—such as Theology and ethics, Islamic law, Qur’anic studies, Sīrah (Prophetic biography) and ḥadīth studies—alongside exposure to current research in curriculum design, educational psychology, and instructional leadership. The result is a holistic preparation for those aiming to excel in Islamic educational settings.

The curriculum emphasizes the synergy between Islamic intellectual heritage and pedagogy. Core courses in Islamic studies provide a proper grounding in the ethos and principles that have historically underpinned Muslim education. Alongside these, students engage with courses on educational methodology, including classroom management, curriculum development, instructional technology, and student assessment, all examined through the lens of Islamic ethical and cultural considerations. For example, a student might learn to design school curricula that integrate Islamic moral values with state educational standards. Practical components, such as a supervised practicum or capstone project, allow students to apply their learning in real-world contexts—developing, for instance, an enhanced religious studies curriculum for a school or a professional development workshop for Islamic school teachers.

This M.A. program is designed for current and aspiring educators who seek to become leaders in Islamic education. Ideal candidates include teachers at Islamic schools, school administrators, and curriculum designers who want to deepen their knowledge of Islam while refining their pedagogical skills. Graduates of the M.A. in Islamic Education will be prepared to take on roles such as principals, academic coordinators, lead instructors, or educational consultants in Muslim educational institutions. They will bring to these roles a unique combination of expertise in classical Islamic knowledge and advanced competence in educational theory and practice, enabling them to foster learning environments that are academically excellent and rooted in Islamic principles.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree, and prior experience in teaching or educational administration is highly recommended.

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Department of Islamic Education

While engaging social justice issues, community organizing has evolved as a distinct and widely adopted methodology over the last century and is credited, in part, to leading to the historic election of the country’s first African American President. T

This course examines how Muslim American organizations and leaders have articulated the experience of living as a minority community in increasingly pluralistic society. Students will study opportunities and limits to social integration, political acti

This course addresses some of the theoretical and practical possibilities as well as challenges of an authentic dialogue and interaction between Christianity, Judaism and Islam. This course provides a theological grounding on which members of the tradi

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Organizational Leadership – 48 units (2 years)



The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Organizational Leadership is a 48-unit graduate program designed to cultivate ethical and effective leadership within Muslim communities and allied sectors. Over approximately two years of full-time study, students develop advanced leadership and management skills grounded in Islamic ethics, while also learning contemporary best practices in organizational development. The program is particularly suited for individuals aiming to serve in nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, educational institutions, or public service roles, where they can apply Islamic principles of governance, justice, and service to real-world challenges. Through this course of study, emerging leaders learn to navigate organizational complexities while upholding values such as fairness, accountability, and compassion.

The curriculum offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on application. Students study foundational Islamic teachings on leadership—drawing from the Qur’an, the Prophet’s example (sīrah), and models of leadership in Islamic history—to establish an ethical framework for decision-making. In parallel, they engage with modern disciplines like strategic management, organizational behavior, project planning, and conflict resolution. Courses might cover topics such as nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, public policy (from an Islamic perspective), and community development. Case studies and project-based assignments enable students to practice management skills in scenarios reflective of challenges faced by Muslim organizations and civic institutions. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to engage in reflective practice, examining how Islamic moral and spiritual teachings can inform their leadership style and strategies.

Ideal candidates for the M.A. in Organizational Leadership are early to mid-career professionals who aspire to leadership positions in Muslim community centers, charities, interfaith organizations, educational nonprofits, or public sector agencies. Applicants should have at least a bachelor’s degree and some relevant experience (professional or substantial volunteer work) that demonstrates leadership potential and community engagement. The program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds and leverages their experiences in collaborative learning. Graduates will be equipped to take on roles such as program directors, nonprofit executives, community outreach managers, or policy advisors. They will emerge with a nuanced understanding of leadership that is both practically effective and deeply rooted in Islamic ethical principles, enabling them to drive positive change and uphold trust within the organizations and communities they serve.

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Department of Islamic Leadership

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Islamic Theological Studies – 48 units (2 years)


As an advanced academic degree, the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Islamic Theological Studies is a two-year (48-unit) program focused on in-depth exploration of Islamic theology and legal theory. This program centers on the rich scholarly traditions of ʿilm al-kalām (Islamic theology) and uṣūl al-fiqh (principles of Islamic legal theory), providing students with an opportunity to engage critically and analytically with classical and contemporary debates in these fields. Designed for students with prior seminary training or a strong background in Islamic studies, the M.A. in Islamic Theological Studies builds upon foundational knowledge to cultivate specialized expertise in the Islamic intellectual tradition. 

The curriculum offers a rigorous blend of textual study, historical survey and analytical research. Students examine foundational theological treatises and legal theory texts, often engaging with original Arabic sources under faculty guidance. Key areas of study include creedal theology (ʿaqāʾid), comparative jurisprudence, Islamic rational theology, philosophy of Islamic law, ethics, and the historical development of Islamic thought. Through seminars and research projects, students learn to apply traditional scholarly methods to modern questions—such as analyzing contemporary philosophical challenges through the lens of classical theology or exploring how classical legal principles can inform present-day issues. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on academic precision and respect for the diversity of thought within the Islamic scholarly heritage.

Ideal candidates for the M.A. in Islamic Theological Studies are those who have completed an undergraduate degree and formal Islamic studies training (for example, graduates of an Islamic seminary or madrasa program) and who wish to deepen their scholarly mastery. Applicants are typically expected to demonstrate proficiency in Classical Arabic and familiarity with primary Islamic texts, since the coursework demands engagement with original sources. Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue advanced research at the doctoral level or to serve in roles that require intermediate-high level expertise in Islamic theology and law—such as academic teaching, scholarly research, or advisory roles in religious institutions. They will have honed the ability to articulate and analyze Islamic theological and legal perspectives with intellectual rigor and fidelity to the tradition.

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Department of Islamic Studies

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Organizational Leadership is a 48-unit graduate program designed to cultivate ethical and effective leadership within Muslim communities and allied sectors. Over approximately two years of full-time study, students develop advanced leadership and management skills grounded in Islamic ethics, while also learning contemporary best practices in organizational development. The program is particularly suited for individuals aiming to serve in nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, educational institutions, or public service roles, where they can apply Islamic principles of governance, justice, and service to real-world challenges. Through this course of study, emerging leaders learn to navigate organizational complexities while upholding values such as fairness, accountability, and compassion.
The concentration equips graduates for organizational leadership roles and careers, with skills in community organizing, non-profit management, fundraising, interfaith cooperation, activism, and public service.

M.A. in Organizational Leadership (48 units)

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Islamic Education is a graduate program that integrates classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary theories of education. Tailored for educators, school leaders, and community education professionals, this 48-unit program (typically completed in about two years) equips students to develop and lead educational initiatives grounded in Islamic values while employing modern pedagogical best practices. Students gain a broad understanding of the core Islamic disciplines—such as Theology and ethics, Islamic law, Qur’anic studies, Sirah (Prophetic biography) and ḥadīth studies—alongside exposure to current research in curriculum design, educational psychology, and instructional leadership. The result is a holistic preparation for those aiming to excel in Islamic educational settings.

The concentration equips school administrators, educators and other education professionals with insights from contemporary education research and tools for cultivating excellence in primary and secondary learning environments.

M.A. in Islamic Education (48 units)

As an advanced academic degree, the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Islamic Theological Studies is a two-year (48-unit) program focused on in-depth exploration of Islamic theology and legal theory. This program centers on the rich scholarly traditions of ʿilm al-kalam (Islamic theology) and uṣūl al-fiqh (principles of Islamic legal theory), providing students with an opportunity to engage critically and analytically with classical and contemporary debates in these fields. Designed for students with prior seminary training or a strong background in Islamic studies, the M.A. in Islamic Theological Studies builds upon foundational knowledge to cultivate specialized expertise in the Islamic intellectual tradition.


The curriculum offers a rigorous blend of textual study, historical survey and analytical research. Students examine foundational theological treatises and legal theory texts, often engaging with original Arabic sources under faculty guidance. Key areas of study include creedal theology ('aqa'id), comparative jurisprudence, Islamic rational theology, philosophy of Islamic law, ethics, and the historical development of Islamic thought. Through seminars and research projects, students learn to apply traditional scholarly methods to modern questions—such as analyzing contemporary philosophical challenges through the lens of classical theology or exploring how classical legal principles can inform present-day issues. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on academic precision and respect for the diversity of thought within the Islamic scholarly heritage.

The concentration equips graduates for further studies at the doctoral level, particularly in the fields of theology and philosophy, and careers involving research, scholarship, and teaching.

M.A. in Islamic Theological Studies (48 units)

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Islamic Chaplaincy is a comprehensive three-year (75-unit) graduate program that prepares students for professional chaplaincy roles in a variety of settings. The program emphasizes a strong grounding in the Islamic tradition alongside the development of pastoral care competencies necessary for effective spiritual and pastoral care. Students in this M.Div. program gain a thorough foundation in the core Islamic disciplines—covering subjects such as Islamic law (fiqh), and theology ('aqidah), spirituality and ethics, and Qur’anic studies—while also engaging with practical training in counseling, ethical decision-making, and interfaith engagement.


The curriculum is structured to integrate rigorous academic coursework with experiential learning. Students undertake core courses in classical Islamic disciplines to ensure scholarly depth, and specialized courses in chaplaincy that focus on spiritual care, crisis intervention, and community outreach. A hallmark of the program is the inclusion of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), where students complete supervised clinical training in settings like hospitals or other care institutions. In addition, fieldwork placements or internships provide real-world ministry experience, allowing students to apply their learning through service as chaplains-in-training under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Courses offered for each category can be found on the &nbsp;<a class="yellow-text" href="http://bayanclaremont.org/courses" target="_blank">Course Descriptions</a>

MDiv in Islamic Chaplaincy (75 units)

Our certificate can enhance your professional profile and help you become eligible for chaplaincy-oriented positions in institutions, especially if you already have a Master’s or post-graduate degree in religious studies or a related field, and want to gain a foundation in chaplaincy and spiritual care.Starting in the certificate program can be a great way to take graduate courses at Bayan and better understand the field. You can transfer up to 12 units (4 courses) from the certificate into a full degree program, or complete the remaining 6 units and earn the certificate.

Certificate Programs

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This is the default concentration of the MA degree program. The coursework provides a foundation in Islamic theology, law, history, ethics and scriptural studies, and in interreligious studies. Students must complete intermediate Arabic as part of their program, by the time of graduation. Electives courses on a variety of topics can be taken to deepen understanding of Islamic thought, Muslim history, and contemporary issues pertaining to Muslim life.The concentration equips graduates for further studies at the doctoral level, and careers involving research, scholarship, and teaching.

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