Frequently Asked Questions

BIS is proud to have a diverse list of acclaimed world-class educators from throughout the US. Our faculty profiles can be found here.

The subjects taught fall into three broad categories:

1- Islamic Sacred Sciences and Spirituality

1. Qur’an (2 courses)
2. Hadith & Sira (2 courses)
3. Social & Intellectual History (2 courses)
4. Theology (ʿaqīda) (2 courses)
5. Islamic Law (fiqh) (5 courses)
6. Tazkiya & Ethics (3 courses)

2- Contemporary Context

1. Intellectual Foundations of the Modern World
2. Islam in America
3. Religion in Contemporary America
4. Religious & Social Movements in American History
5. Contemporary Muslim Challenges

3- Practical Skills

1. Leadership (2 courses)
2. Communication (4 courses)
3. Counseling (3 courses)
4. Internships (2 Summers)

All books and materials are identified and chosen by the faculty according to the main objectives and nature of each topic.

Applicants are expected to be able to read and write in Arabic at a beginner’s level at minimum, to be assessed by a written evaluation and oral interview as part of the application process. By the time of graduation from the MIRL program, students are expected to have at least intermediate proficiency in Classical Arabic. This will be tested as part of the exit examination.

The program is open for everyone who meets the requirements and has the passion to be an exemplary religious leader to serve the Muslim American community.

The Master’s program does not currently award any certificates for partial completion of the requirements. BIS offers a separate part-time Certificate Programs, which can be found here.

Yes, students have the option to complete the program part-time. They can elect to take courses in the mornings or evenings. The program will take longer than three years to complete part-time.

The students can take as little as one course per semester. However, in order to be eligible for BIS scholarship funds, you must take at least 2 courses in each of the Fall and Spring semesters.

The program will be fully virtual/remote for the next MIRL cohort (whose classes start in Fall 2024).

Working full-time outside of the program is not allowed when pursuing the full-time track. BIS’s MIRL program is very rigorous, with 200 minutes of class time per week for each four (4) credit course and 150 minutes for each three (3) credit course. This means a full-time student would have more than 11 hours of class time per week, in addition to an estimated 22 hours of out-of-class time for reading, completing assignments, etc.

The tuition is $500 per credit hour. The MIRL program comprises courses that are either 3 credit hours or 4 credit hours, with a total of 102 required credit hours (with up to an additional 18 credit hours for students pursuing graduation with distinction).

For the 2024-2025 Academic year, the cost to attend the Master’s program (MIRL) as a full-time student is $22,000 per year. The part-time student’s tuition depends on the classes enrolled; the cost per credit is $500. (read more here)

The breakdown of the costs as a full-time student is as follows:

• Tuition: $17,500 ($500 per credit hour)
• Student services and activities fee $500
• Health insurance $3,000 (remote students can be exempt)
• Books and materials $1,500

TOTAL: $22,000

Merit Scholarships are available and will be awarded to students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in Islamic Studies and show a high potential to succeed in the program. The application will be made available after the submission of the admissions application.

The Boston Islamic Seminary does not currently offer need-based scholarships but will accept any external scholarships students provide. Here is a list of some great options.

Boston Islamic Seminary does not participate in federal or state-sponsored grant or loan programs; students who need tuition, room, and board assistance for the MIRL program should apply for external scholarships.