Eligibility for MIRL

The Master in Islamic Religious Leadership (MIRL) prepares students for rigorous graduate study and responsible religious leadership. Admissions considers academic preparation, religious knowledge, character, and potential for service through a holistic review.

Admission Criteria

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, normally with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Demonstrated memorization and recitation of at least one juzʾ of the Qur’an.
• Foundational knowledge of the Islamic sciences, including Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, and Aqida.
• Demonstrated intermediate proficiency in reading and writing Arabic.
• Applicants who have been subject to serious disciplinary action or non-academic dismissal at a previous institution may be denied admission.

Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission. The Admissions Committee may request further documentation, interviews, or assessments and may grant provisional admission with specified conditions, in accordance with the Admissions Policy.

Transfer Applicants

Applicants who have completed graduate-level coursework at another eligible institution may apply to MIRL. Transfer applicants follow the same admissions standards and procedures unless the Admissions Committee determines otherwise. Transfer applications may be accepted on a rolling basis, subject to available space and program capacity.

Transfer of Credit

• After admission, students may petition for credit for graduate-level coursework completed at eligible institutions.
• Coursework must be determined substantially equivalent to coursework in the MIRL curriculum. Admission does not guarantee transfer credit.
• Official transcripts and supporting course documentation may be required. Written or oral competency assessments may also be required.
• Approved credits may count toward degree completion; grades earned elsewhere generally do not count toward the BIS GPA.
• Contact Admissions to confirm the applicable maximum number of transfer credits under current Seminary policy and accreditation requirements.

International Applicants

BIS accepts applications only from jurisdictions in which it is authorized and able to provide educational services. Contact Admissions to confirm current eligibility and any credential-evaluation requirements before applying.

Current Policy

This page summarizes the Admissions Policy (updated July 2026, PDF). Consult the policy and current application instructions for complete requirements. Students must meet applicable institutional and Massachusetts immunization requirements at enrollment.

Your Next Step

Questions? Contact mirl@bostonislamicseminary.org.