Deepen your Islamic knowledge and prepare to serve your community. The Embrace Scholarship supports eligible Embrace members pursuing graduate study at Bayan.
About the Scholarship
The Embrace Scholarship helps committed Embrace members pursue a master’s degree at Bayan through Claremont School of Theology (CST). Recipients build their Islamic knowledge and develop skills they can apply in spiritual care, community leadership, and service.
What Is Embrace
Embrace is a convert care and empowerment organization that creates social and educational spaces for American Muslim converts. Its programs help converts deepen their Islamic identity, build community, and grow as leaders and active members of society.
Through services designed around converts’ experiences, Embrace supports a sense of belonging, equality, and opportunity for growth.
Learn more and become a member of Embrace to become eligible for the scholarship.
Recipient Testimonial
“Early in my conversion into Islam, I learned it was a personal responsibility to seek knowledge, but also to live life free of interest bearing loans. I often raised my hands, begging my Creator for the opportunity to pursue formal Islamic education. That prayer was answered through the Embrace Scholarship at Bayan.”
Recipient, Embrace Scholarship
Master of Divinity in Islamic Chaplaincy
Tuition Award
The scholarship covers at least 50% and up to 80% of tuition for coursework at Bayan through Claremont School of Theology (CST). Funds are applied incrementally each semester until recipients complete their degree, provided they maintain scholarship eligibility.
- Master of Arts (MA): 39 credits over two years.
- Master of Divinity (MDiv): 72 credits over three years.
Enrollment and Eligibility
Full-Time and Part-Time Enrollment
Part-time degree students may be considered for the scholarship. Full-time students receive preference in both initial selection and continued eligibility.
Initial Eligibility
To be considered, applicants must:
- Have been admitted to Bayan’s MA or MDiv program at Claremont School of Theology.
- Be a citizen or legal resident of the United States.
- Be affiliated with the Embrace Membership Program and have completed at least one year of active membership.
Scholarship Application Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate academic merit, with an entering cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and submit the following:
- A 500-word personal vision statement.
- A 500-word professional growth plan.
- A résumé, uploaded as an attachment.
- One letter of endorsement from Embrace, uploaded as an attachment.
- One letter of recommendation from a person of the applicant’s choice, uploaded as an attachment.
The letters submitted for scholarship consideration must be different from those used for the application for admission.
Each applicant is evaluated on their overall qualifications, and extenuating circumstances may be considered. A bachelor’s degree is generally required for admission, although an exemption may be granted in certain cases.
Application Deadlines
Admission Application Deadline
- Fall term: June 15
- Spring term: November 15
Scholarship Application Deadline
For admitted and eligible students:
- Fall term: July 15
- Spring term: December 15
Maintaining Eligibility
Scholarship recipients must maintain continuous enrollment in accordance with the school’s policies and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Recipients must also maintain affiliation with the Embrace Membership Program throughout the scholarship period.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I apply for the scholarship?
Once you have been admitted to a Bayan degree program and meet the scholarship’s eligibility requirements, click the “Apply for the Scholarship” button on this page to complete the scholarship application by the applicable scholarship deadline.
Where can I learn about Bayan’s admissions process?
Visit Bayan Admissions for information about the admissions process and how to apply.
What is the Embrace Membership Program?
The Embrace Membership Program is a leadership development initiative for people committed to Embrace’s mission and vision. Members take on roles and responsibilities that support the organization’s growth. To learn more, email embrace@icnadallas.org.
When can an Embrace member apply?
Members must complete at least one year of active membership before becoming eligible. Active membership means participating in Embrace’s programs and activities and fulfilling membership responsibilities. Membership in name only does not qualify an applicant for an endorsement from Embrace.
Can I use the scholarship at another institution?
No. The Embrace Scholarship is available only to students admitted to Bayan’s master’s degree programs at Claremont School of Theology. It cannot be used for study at another institution.
Why do Embrace and Bayan offer this scholarship?
Embrace and Bayan share a commitment to developing leadership within American Muslim communities. Embrace supports leadership among Muslim converts, whose experiences and perspectives help shape Muslim life in America. Bayan provides graduate education that helps these emerging leaders deepen their knowledge and strengthen their capacity for spiritual and community leadership.
Who funds the scholarship?
The scholarship is funded by supporters in Muslim communities across the country who believe in Embrace’s mission and want to invest in leadership development among converts.
How can a Bayan graduate degree support my work?
Graduate study at Bayan develops knowledge and skills relevant to leadership, scholarship, spiritual care, and community service. Learning with faculty and peers provides a structured setting for academic growth and can strengthen your preparation for professional opportunities and service to your community.
How is convert identity determined?
We respect each person’s self-identification. People who have embraced Islam and identify as Muslim may apply if they meet all other eligibility requirements, including at least one year of active membership in ICNA’s Embrace program.
Does the scholarship include a living stipend or cover travel expenses?
No. The scholarship provides tuition support and does not include a stipend for living expenses, short-term housing for in-person classes, travel, books, supplies or other costs.