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    Ivana Organization

    Master of Arts (M.A.) in Organizational Leadership

    This 48-unit graduate program trains professionals to lead faith-rooted organizations with excellence. Designed for aspiring nonprofit leaders, community organizers, and public servants, the program develops your capacity to lead ethically, sustainably, and Islamically.

    You will:

    •   Ground your leadership in Islamic ethical frameworks
    •   Apply real-world leadership principles in nonprofit management, activism, and public service
    •   Learn from leading practitioners through immersive fieldwork

    Pre-requisite: Bachelor’s degree (any field)

    About the Curriculum

    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.

    Derrick Peat Class
    Graduates I-2

    Is this program for you?

    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.

    Faculty leads

    8-1
    Dr. Rami Nashashibi
    Founder, Inner City Muslim Action Network
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    Tayyab Yunus
    National Development Director, CAIR
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    Shariq Siddiqui
    Director, Muslim Philanthropy Initiative
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    Ivana Zajkosvska
    Director of Youth360

    Courses

    Required Core Courses for All Concentrations (5)

    Substitution: “Islamic Leadership and Spirituality” may replace “Islamic Ethics” only for Organizational Leadership students.

    The Quran A study of the Qur’an focusing on its themes, structure, modes of interpretation, and major exegetical approaches. The course explores spiritual, ethical, legal, and theological content and historical context.
    Islamic Theology and Philosophy An exploration of Islamic belief systems, key theological debates, and the philosophical traditions that emerged in classical and post-classical Islam.
    Islamic Law and Legal Theory A survey of the historical development of Islamic law, legal schools, methodologies of deriving rulings, and contemporary issues facing Muslim jurists and communities.
    History of Islam A comprehensive overview of Islamic civilization from the time of the Prophet Muhammad through major caliphates and empires, up to modern times.
    Islamic Ethics This course surveys the literature in Islamic ethical thought, identifying key themes and topics for Muslims committed to living Islam as a way of life. Students explore how diverse Muslims have chosen to navigate the challenges of global modernity. They also examine how Islamic principles can help Muslims live with integrity in contemporary American society.

    Additional Courses

    Students must complete the following additional courses and may select four electives from any offering by Bayan or CTS. Recommended Bayan courses include:

    Intermediate Arabic 2A 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.
    Intermediate Arabic 2B Continuation of Intermediate Arabic 2A (course description not provided in catalog, assumed to follow standard progression).
    Non-Profit Leadership and Management Covers leadership styles, organizational structure, governance, financial management, and program development specific to nonprofit institutions.
    Fundraising Strategies for Religious Non-Profits Focuses on methods of donor engagement, major gift solicitation, grant writing, and fundraising campaigns within faith-based organizations.
    Community Organizing for Muslim Leaders Introduces grassroots organizing, civic participation, and advocacy within Muslim communities, highlighting tools to build coalitions and drive social change.
    Preaching and Public Presentation of Islam Trains students in public speaking, khutbah development, media engagement, and interfaith communication, focusing on confident and ethical representation of Islam.
    Effective Ethics in Negotiated Spaces Investigates ethical dilemmas in pluralistic societies, focusing on negotiation, compromise, and preserving integrity in leadership roles.
    Social Integration and Civic Engagement Analyzes models of civic participation, integration, and social cohesion in diverse societies, particularly in the context of American Muslim experiences.
    Abrahamic Faiths in Conversation Examines theological and ethical teachings across Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, focusing on interfaith dialogue and collaboration.
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    Are you ready to enroll?

    Join a dynamic community of changemakers at Bayan Islamic Graduate School. Whether you're pursuing leadership in chaplaincy, education, scholarship, or public service, Bayan offers flexible, accredited graduate programs grounded in Islamic tradition and designed for modern impact. With a hybrid model ideal for working professionals, enrolling at Bayan means taking the next step in your spiritual, academic, and professional journey.