Application Process & Deadlines

Apply to MIRL Program

The MIRL program aims to attract candidates that possess the moral character, religious integrity, academic ability and personal qualities necessary to both serve and lead the Muslim community in America.

The Admissions Committee reads applications holistically to identify applicants who have the ability, interest and maturity to manage the rigors of the program, as well as the potential for future scholarly and professional growth and effective service. Please note:

Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.
Admission may be granted to applicants lacking in certain discrete criteria if other indicators suggest probable success in the program.
In cases as above, students may be granted conditional admission or be required to take BIS Islamic Foundations certificate courses.

Admissions Policy

Please take a moment and familiarize yourself with the MIRL Admissions Policy: click here.

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Application Deadlines

December 10th, 2025	Admissions Open for Spring 2026
December 22, 2025	Review Period Begins
January 15, 2026	Admissions for Spring 2026 close
April 1, 2026	Review of Fall 2026 applications begins
June 15, 2026	Priority Scholarship Consideration deadline
July 31, 2026	Admissions for Fall 2026 Close

Submitting Application Materials

All electronic transcripts and other application materials should be submitted directly on our Application Portal or emailed to mirl@bostonislamicseminary.org.

In the event that online submission is not possible, you can send printed documents to the following address: 60 Willow Street, Chelsea, MA 02150.

Application Process

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must show promise of their ability to pursue advanced study and research in Islamic Studies and Leadership by meeting the admissions criteria. Please click here to access the eligibility criteria.

Application

Applications should be submitted through the online application portal. The applicant should follow the application’s form instructions to complete the application. The application fee is $50.

Materials & Documents

Applicants should submit all supporting materials online, as per the instructions. However, in circumstances where that is not feasible, printed documents will be accepted*.

Candidate Interview

Applicants may be contacted by the Admissions Committee for a remote interview during the initial phase of review.

Evaluation of Qualifications

Written and oral evaluations may be administered to assess Islamic knowledge, Quran memorization and Arabic proficiency.

Decision

After a holistic review of all the submitted materials, interviews, and evaluations, the MIRL Office of Admission will inform the applicant of their decision. This would normally be within two weeks after the interview.

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Philosophy

The program imparts knowledge and skills in all subjects with an eye to practical applicability and on-the-ground implementation.

Travel Seminars

Travel seminars will help students establish relationships and networks with others that will support their work as leaders in the future.

Opportunities

MIRL graduates will be well-positioned to bring an Islamic framework to all sorts of career paths and disciplines.

Internships

MIRL students participate in extracurricular activities designed to support their personal, professional, and spiritual development.