Use this checklist for the Master in Islamic Religious Leadership (MIRL). Submit materials through the application portal and follow the instructions in your current application. Spring 2027 applications close December 15, 2026.
Arrange official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. A transcript is official when it is sent directly by the issuing institution. Electronic transcripts may be sent to mirl@bostonislamicseminary.org. BIS already holds its own internal course records.
If transfer credit appears on a degree transcript, also request the transcript from the institution that originally awarded that credit. For a degree earned outside the United States, contact Admissions about an accepted course-by-course evaluation and any required translation. If paper delivery is needed, contact Admissions before mailing sealed institutional documents to 60 Willow Street, Chelsea, MA 02150.
Provide up to four letters of recommendation, including academic and community references as specified by the Admissions Committee. Enter your referees’ names and email addresses in the application. Referees must submit their recommendations directly through the designated admissions system; follow the current portal instructions.
Include your education, professional experience, and community involvement.
Describe your educational goals, leadership aspirations, and commitment to serving Muslim communities. Discuss your Qur’an study and memorization, previous Islamic study, community involvement, and reasons for choosing MIRL. Follow the current application’s prompts and word limit.
You may submit ijāzāt, certificates, publications, writing samples, or other materials relevant to your candidacy.
Check that your application and required supporting materials are complete by the deadline. The Admissions Committee may request additional documentation, interviews, or assessments. Students must meet applicable institutional and Massachusetts immunization requirements at enrollment; contact Admissions for current instructions.
Read the Admissions Policy (updated July 2026, PDF).
Questions? Contact mirl@bostonislamicseminary.org.
