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Bayan Graduate School was founded in 2011 at the Claremont School of Theology (CST), a world-renowned seminary that sought to “desegregate” theological education and enable its students to learn about multiple faith traditions in an authentic manner. The need for a partner to provide graduate-level Islamic Studies led to the formation of Bayan and its incubation towards eventually becoming a free-standing institution. The support of the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC), where the founder and president of Bayan, Jihad Turk, was the Imam and Religious Director, helped launch Bayan.
Key community members drawn to the vision of higher education and leadership development for Muslim Americans also helped establish the school. Through the partnership with CST, Bayan was able to design and manage accredited graduate degrees with concentrations relevant to the needs of the Muslim community. Bayan functioned as part of an interreligious consortium representing Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and other faith traditions in Southern California.
Today, Bayan partners with Claremont School of Theology (CST), continuing its collaborative model of education so Bayan students learn within a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, graduate institution that values diversity. Bayan's degree programs, certificates, and courses are open to students of all backgrounds. Chicago Theological Seminary is Bayan’s former academic partner. Historical milestones below reflect the partnerships and programs in place at those times.
Jihad Turk
President
Academic Partnership and Accreditation
Claremont School of Theology (CST) is Bayan’s current academic partner. Bayan’s graduate concentrations are offered within CST’s degree programs, with Bayan faculty providing instruction in the concentration coursework. Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS) is a former academic partner; its role remains part of Bayan’s institutional history.
Bayan is not independently accredited. Students and applicants should consult CST’s current accreditation disclosures for information about the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and CST’s current accreditation status. Bayan continues to pursue its long-term goal of independent accreditation.
Claremont School of Theology (CST)
Current Academic Partner
Bayan’s renewed academic partnership with CST began in 2026, building on the founding relationship that began in 2011. Bayan’s graduate concentrations are offered through this academic collaboration.
Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS)
Former Academic Partner
Bayan’s partnership with Chicago Theological Seminary began in 2019 and supported a significant period of growth in Islamic graduate education. The Chicago years remain an important part of Bayan’s history.
Bayan Milestones
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2012
Beginning of National Recruitment: Bayan starts student recruitment efforts nationwide and begins consistent enrollment growth.
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2013
First Bayan Students Graduate: During this academic year, Bayan had its first 2 graduates with a cohort of 8 students.
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2014
Intensive Course Format: Bayan pioneered an intensive format featuring visiting faculty from top institutions.
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2015
Online Arabic Courses: Bayan initiated fully-online Arabic language courses at beginning and intermediate levels.
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2016
M.Div. and M.A.: Launched the first 72-unit accredited M.Div. in Islamic Chaplaincy and the first 48-unit accredited M.A. in Islamic Education.
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2017
Scholarship and Bayan On-Demand: Muhammad Ali full-tuition scholarship launched; Bayan On-Demand educational platform created.
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2018
Bayan Tours: Launched academic group travel programs to global destinations.
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2019
60 Students: Significant enrollment growth and new partnership with Chicago Theological Seminary.
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2020
Largest Cohort of 16 Graduates: Enrollment growth continues despite the pandemic; key grants from Luce and Templeton Foundations.
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2021
$1 Million Grant: Annenberg Foundation grant strengthens mission to educate Muslim leaders.
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2022
Bayan Now Has 70 Alumni: Graduates first class at CTS; alumni network grows significantly.
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2023
Doctor of Ministry Program: Launches the first accredited DMin in Islamic Leadership in North America.
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2024
150 Students: Anticipated enrollment exceeds 150 students across all degree programs.
Explore Bayan's Journey
History
Founded in 2011, Bayan has pioneered Islamic graduate education with national recruitment, innovative formats, and trailblazing graduates.
Accreditation
Bayan’s current graduate programs are offered through Claremont School of Theology. See CST’s current accreditation disclosures. Bayan is not independently accredited.
Educational Model
Our flexible hybrid format combines intensive in-person weeks with live online learning—ideal for working professionals across the U.S.
Alumni Growth
With over 150 students and 100+ alumni, Bayan continues expanding its national impact through leadership and chaplaincy.
Partner Schools
Claremont School of Theology is Bayan’s current academic partner. Chicago Theological Seminary is a former academic partner.
Join a Legacy of Spiritual Leadership
“Those who give, out of their own possessions, by night and by day, in private and in public, will have their reward with their Lord: no fear for them, nor will they grieve.”
(Qur’an 2:274)