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Bayan Islamic Graduate School was founded in 2011 at the Claremont School of Theology (CST), a world-renowned seminary that sought to “desegregate” theological education and enable its students to learn about multiple faith traditions in an authentic manner. The need for a partner to provide graduate-level Islamic Studies led to the formation of Bayan and its incubation towards eventually becoming a free-standing institution. The support of the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC), where the founder and president of Bayan, Jihad Turk, was the Imam and Religious Director, helped launch Bayan.
Key community members drawn to the vision of higher education and leadership development for Muslim Americans also helped establish the school. Through the partnership with CST, Bayan was able to design and manage accredited graduate degrees with concentrations relevant to the needs of the Muslim community. Bayan functioned as part of an interreligious consortium representing Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and other faith traditions in Southern California.
Today, Bayan partners with the Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS), and will continue this open structure of collaborative education so Bayan students learn within a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, graduate institution that values diversity. Bayan's degree programs, certificates, and courses are open to students of all backgrounds. As of May 2024, Bayan now has 95 alumni.
President
Partner Schools
The Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS) is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Within the established degree programs at CTS, Bayan’s programs constitute “concentrations,” and the majority of courses required in these concentrations are fulfilled by Bayan faculty who possess the requisite credentials. CTS, founded in 1855, is affiliated with the United Church of Christ (UCC). Bayan is not independently accredited by either ATS or HLC. In due course, Bayan intends to apply for independent accreditation with the appropriate bodies.
Claremont School of Theology (CST)
Legacy Partner (2011 – 2021)
With a legacy of boundary-pushing education, CST embraced social justice, interfaith dialogue, and innovation. Bayan proudly partnered with CST in its founding years to pioneer Islamic graduate education.
Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS)
Current Partner (2019 – Present)
Founded in 1855, CTS has long championed theological education and social justice. One of the most inclusive institutions in the U.S., CTS helps develop leaders for societal transformation.
Bayan Milestones
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2012
Beginning of National Recruitment: Bayan starts student recruitment efforts nationwide and begins consistent enrollment growth.
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2013
First Bayan Students Graduate: During this academic year, Bayan had its first 2 graduates with a cohort of 8 students.
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2014
Intensive Course Format: Bayan pioneered an intensive format featuring visiting faculty from top institutions.
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2015
Online Arabic Courses: Bayan initiated fully-online Arabic language courses at beginning and intermediate levels.
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2016
M.Div. and M.A.: Launched the first 72-unit accredited M.Div. in Islamic Chaplaincy and the first 48-unit accredited M.A. in Islamic Education.
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2017
Scholarship and Bayan On-Demand: Muhammad Ali full-tuition scholarship launched; Bayan On-Demand educational platform created.
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2018
Bayan Tours: Launched academic group travel programs to global destinations.
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2019
60 Students: Significant enrollment growth and new partnership with Chicago Theological Seminary.
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2020
Largest Cohort of 16 Graduates: Enrollment growth continues despite the pandemic; key grants from Luce and Templeton Foundations.
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2021
$1 Million Grant: Annenberg Foundation grant strengthens mission to educate Muslim leaders.
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2022
Bayan Now Has 70 Alumni: Graduates first class at CTS; alumni network grows significantly.
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2023
Doctor of Ministry Program: Launches the first accredited DMin in Islamic Leadership in North America.
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2024
150 Students: Anticipated enrollment exceeds 150 students across all degree programs.
Explore Bayan's Journey
History
Founded in 2011, Bayan has pioneered Islamic graduate education with national recruitment, innovative formats, and trailblazing graduates.
Accreditation
Degrees are conferred through Bayan’s accredited partnership with Chicago Theological Seminary, recognized by ATS and HLC.
Educational Model
Our flexible hybrid format combines intensive in-person weeks with live online learning—ideal for working professionals across the U.S.
Alumni Growth
With over 150 students and 100+ alumni, Bayan continues expanding its national impact through leadership and chaplaincy.
Partner Schools
We collaborate with respected institutions like CTS and formerly CST to deliver rigorous and inclusive Islamic graduate education.
Join a Legacy of Spiritual Leadership
“Those who give, out of their own possessions, by night and by day, in private and in public, will have their reward with their Lord: no fear for them, nor will they grieve.”
(Qur’an 2:274)