Required Documentation

Official Transcript(s)

The applicant must submit official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate programs, excluding BIS courses, as the Office of Admission already holds all internal, BIS, transcripts.

For degrees awarded outside of the United States, BIS requires official college transcript evaluations from one of the following agencies (click here). Evaluations done by the selected agency must be course-by-course evaluations and provide verification that the degree the applicant holds is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from the United States.
If transfer credit shows on the degree transcript, the applicant must also request a transcript from the original credit-awarding institution.

A transcript is official when it comes directly from the institution. If an applicant is submitting an official transcript, it must be in a sealed envelope from the institution indicating that it is an official document. If the envelope has been opened prior to arriving at the Office of Admissions, it is no longer considered an official transcript. Institutions that send electronic transcripts should send them directly to the Office of Admissions at mirl@bostonislamicseminary.org.

Four letters of recommendations

An applicant must submit two (2) letters from referees at an accredited academic program and two (2) more from a mosque, Islamic center, or similar organization in the U.S.

Applicants are asked to provide the name and email address of each of the referees during the application process. Once the application is submitted, an email will be generated to the applicant’s referees directing them to submit the recommendation electronically.

References should be from qualified individuals, through direct experience with the applicant’s academic or professional work, to comment on their ability to undertake graduate study in Islamic Leadership.

Current Résumé/CV

Applicant’s updated resume detailing the candidate’s professional experience and community involvement.

Application essay or personal statement

An essay or personal statement addressing the candidate’s reasons for pursuing the Islamic Religious Leadership degree, intended future goals, etc.

In approximately 700 words, the candidate should describe what they perceive are some of the biggest challenges being faced by American Muslims today and how they understand leadership in today’s context.

Ijazat or Additional Certifications

Any ijazat or certifications from an Islamic Institute.

As per Massachusetts state law, a student under 30 planning to pursue studies on a full-time, in-person basis, must show proof of vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. A student studying entirely online is exempt and need not show proof.

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.