ADMISSIONS

Application

Admission to Bayan Islamic Graduate School programs is currently granted through the Chicago Theological Seminary and prospective students can complete an application on this site.

Bayan Degrees Offered:

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (DMin)
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MASTER OF ARTS (MA)

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Bayan admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, or gender to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate based on race, color, national and ethnic origin, or gender in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Admissions Requirements

MASTER OF ART IN RELIGION WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ISLAMIC STUDIES, ISLAMIC LEADERSHIP, ISLAMIC THEOLOGY, OR ISLAMIC EDUCATION

1) Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; a few exceptions may be made in lieu of relevant academic background and extensive community involvement. Applicants without a bachelor’s degree may be admitted as ‘Students-at-Large,’ and must successfully complete four graduate courses in order to be formally admitted to the MA degree program. These four courses will then be credited toward their MA degree program. While in the ‘Student-at-Large’ category, students are not eligible for institutional scholarships or government financial aid programs.

2) Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended.

3) Four letters of reference: at least two must be academic, plus one from an imam, religious leader, or other ministry professional, and one from a supervisor or colleague.

4) Written materials, including an autobiographical essay (2000 words or less) describing your interest in theological study.

5) Current resume or curriculum vitae including description of recent work experience, participation in volunteer and community service, involvement in Islamic or other religious organizations.

6) TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of applicants for whom English is a not first language. The exam must be completed no more than two years prior to application. The TOEFL may only be waived if the applicant has completed another degree in English in the United States.

7) $50.00 application fee.

MASTER OF DIVINITY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ISLAMIC CHAPLAINCY

1) Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; a few exceptions may be made in lieu of relevant academic background and extensive community involvement. Applicants without a bachelor’s degree may be admitted as ‘Students-at-Large,’ and must successfully complete four graduate courses in order to be formally admitted to the MDiv. degree program. These four courses will then be credited toward their MDiv. degree program. While in the ‘Student-at-Large’ category, students are not eligible for institutional scholarships or government financial aid programs.

2) Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended.

3) Four letters of reference: at least two must be academic, plus one from an imam, religious leader, or other ministry professional, and one from a supervisor or colleague.

4) Written materials, including an autobiographical statement (250 words or less) describing your interest in theological study.

5) Current resume or curriculum vitae including description of recent work experience, participation in volunteer and community service, involvement in Islamic or other religious organizations.

6) TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of applicants for whom English is a not first language. The exam must be completed no more than two years before application. The TOEFL may only be waived if the applicant has completed another degree in English in the United States.

7) $50.00 application fee.

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ISLAMIC LEADERSHIP

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.


The application period for Fall 2024 is open until July 1, 2024. All applications for Fall 2025 entry into the DMin program must be received by March 1, 2025.

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN ISLAMIC CHAPLAINCY

Students must apply for admission to Bayan’s degree and certificate programs through Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS). This can be done here. Select “Student at Large and Certificate Programs (SAL)” when starting a new application. Requirements for the certificate program are as follows:

1) Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended.

2) Autobiographical statement (250 words or less) describing your interest in theological study.

3) Current resume or curriculum vitae including description of recent work experience, participation in volunteer and community service, involvement in Islamic or other faith organizations.

4) 2 letters of recommendation as described within the application instructions.

5) $50.00 application fee.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

All students are assessed full tuition for each credit hour they are enrolled, in accordance with Chicago Theological Seminary's present rate of tuition.

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid may be available through the school's financial aid office, based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must fill out the FAFSA in order to be evaluated and counseled on financial aid options. FAFSA can be filled out by clicking here. Please make sure and use CTS' School Code of G01661. Completing the FAFSA is not a requirement to apply or be considered for any of the below scholarship programs.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Currently, Bayan provides scholarship support through named scholarships to students who meet the eligibility criteria. Over 72% of Bayan students receive scholarships and grants from Bayan. Outside of the named scholarships, no scholarships or discounts are available at present.

Muhammad Ali Scholarship for Spiritual Leadership

Eligible incoming students may be awarded this scholarship for up to 80 % of tuition.

The Bayan Muhammad Ali Scholarship for Spiritual Leadership is an honor bestowed upon deserving and highly qualified full-time entering graduate students enrolled in Bayan’s degree programs. In certain cases, eligible part-time students may be considered for this scholarship. Prospective awardees are individuals admitted to the school for graduate study and who currently work in an underserved community.

To support this program as a donor, please click here.

The Muslimah Changemaker Scholarship at Bayan

Eligible students may be awarded a scholarship for up to 80% of their tuition.

The Muslimah Changemaker Scholarship at Bayan enables eligible Muslim women to build upon their Islamic knowledge and pursue education at a graduate level. Awardees become better equipped to lead and serve their communities and benefit society at large. Bayan is committed to providing women with access to Islamic and interdisciplinary knowledge along with a range of skills that enhance authority and opportunities to make a significant impact in their communities.

To support this program as a donor or start a fundraiser, please click here.

THE EMBRACE SCHOLARSHIP AT BAYAN

Eligible students may be awarded this scholarship for up to 80% of their tuition.

The Embrace Scholarship at Bayan empowers committed members of the organization to build upon their Islamic knowledge and its understanding at a higher level of education. The scholarship supports study in a Bayan master's degree program at the Chicago Theological Seminary. Embrace scholarship recipients will be taught and trained in the skills to apply their education for communal benefit.

To support this program as a donor or start a fundraiser, please click here.

THE PRESERVERS SCHOLARSHIP AT BAYAN

Eligible students may be awarded this scholarship for up to 80% of their tuition.

The Preservers Scholarship at Bayan offers an opportunity for the Preservers of the Qur’an to expand and implement their sacred knowledge in service of its divine mission. This scholarship supports these esteemed individuals by equipping them with the Islamic and interdisciplinary knowledge needed to contextualize and apply the Qur’anic message within their communities, fostering holistic insights and impactful leadership that is built upon the timeless wisdom of revelation.

To support this program as a donor or start a fundraiser, please click here.
Tuition & Fees

Bayan’s degree programs are accredited in partnership with Chicago Theological Seminary, and Bayan’s students are enrolled at CTS. Thus, Bayan students are assessed the prevailing tuition rates at CTS for their courses. For 2024-25, tuition for a 3-unit course is $3,306 for our Masters of Arts and Master of Divinity programs (equates to $26.448 per year of full-time study) and $3,804 per course for our Doctor of Ministry programs (equates to $ 19,020 for the first year, $ 15,216 for the second year, and $ 3,804 for the third year or $ 38,040 for the entire 3-year program).

Interested applicants can explore applying for Bayan Scholarship Programs if they meet the requirements and/or for federal financial aid with the CTS Financial Aid office. We also encourage students to investigate external scholarships and support from their local communities or employers.

Students interested in a Graduate Certificate are assessed the standard tuition rate. Certificate students are not eligible for scholarships or federal financial aid.

Transcripts

TRANSCRIPTS

    In order for your Application for Admission to be complete, official transcripts must be received from all academic institutions you have attended. These should be sent directly from the respective institutions. They can be sent either electronically or by mail:

      Office of Admissions
      Chicago Theological Seminary
      1407 E. 60th Street
      Chicago, IL 60637
      United States of America
      admissions@ctschicago.edu
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of Recommendation are required for admission for any of our degree and certificate programs. Please see Admissions Requirements section to determine what types of letters of recommendation will be required for the program you are applying for. When you apply, you will have the opportunity to provide us with the names and contact information of who we should contact to obtain letters of recommendation on your behalf. If you have already applied and want to send requests for letters of recommendation, please click here.
Information Sessions

The Bayan admissions team periodically schedules virtual information sessions. However, you can reach us at any time to learn more about Bayan’s academic programs, review admissions requirements, and discuss your educational and professional plans.

If you would like to speak with a graduate of Bayan, or a current student, please let us know.
You can reach us at admission@bayanonline.org or at (714) 862-2926.

Program Structure
Bayan academic programs are hybrid. Students study online and in person. During a period of up to two weeks in the middle of each semester, a number of Bayan courses have in-person meetings with faculty. These classes are held at the Chicago Theological Seminary campus. During the rest of the semester, classes are conducted virtually. Attendance during online sessions and in-person meetings is required.
Important Deadlines

APPLICATION DEADLINES

ALL MASTERS DEGREE & CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Fall: June 30
Spring: December 1
Summer: March 1

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (DMIN) PROGRAM

For Fall 2025: March 1, 2025.