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    Ivana Organization

    Master of Arts (M.A.) in Organizational Leadership

    This 48-unit graduate program trains professionals to lead faith-rooted organizations with excellence. Designed for aspiring nonprofit leaders, community organizers, and public servants, the program develops your capacity to lead ethically, sustainably, and Islamically.

    You will:

    •   Ground your leadership in Islamic ethical frameworks
    •   Apply real-world leadership principles in nonprofit management, activism, and public service
    •   Learn from leading practitioners through immersive fieldwork

    Pre-requisite: Bachelor’s degree (any field)

    About the Curriculum

    The curriculum offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on application. Students study foundational Islamic teachings on leadership—drawing from the Qur’an, the Prophet’s example (sīrah), and models of leadership in Islamic history—to establish an ethical framework for decision-making. In parallel, they engage with modern disciplines like strategic management, organizational behavior, project planning, and conflict resolution. Courses might cover topics such as nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, public policy (from an Islamic perspective), and community development. Case studies and project-based assignments enable students to practice management skills in scenarios reflective of challenges faced by Muslim organizations and civic institutions. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to engage in reflective practice, examining how Islamic moral and spiritual teachings can inform their leadership style and strategies.

    Derrick Peat Class
    Graduates I-2

    Is this program for you?

    Ideal candidates for the M.A. in Organizational Leadership are early to mid-career professionals who aspire to leadership positions in Muslim community centers, charities, interfaith organizations, educational nonprofits, or public sector agencies. Applicants should have at least a bachelor’s degree and some relevant experience (professional or substantial volunteer work) that demonstrates leadership potential and community engagement. The program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds and leverages their experiences in collaborative learning. Graduates will be equipped to take on roles such as program directors, nonprofit executives, community outreach managers, or policy advisors. They will emerge with a nuanced understanding of leadership that is both practically effective and deeply rooted in Islamic ethical principles, enabling them to drive positive change and uphold trust within the organizations and communities they serve.

    Faculty leads

    8-1
    Dr. Rami Nashashibi
    Founder, Inner City Muslim Action Network
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    Tayyab Yunus
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    Shariq Siddiqui
    Icons (12)
    Ivana Zajkosvska

    Courses in the Organizational Leadership Concentration

    Required Core Courses for All Concentrations (5)

    Substitution: “Islamic Leadership and Spirituality” may replace “Islamic Ethics” only for Organizational Leadership students.

    The Quran
    Islamic Theology and Philosophy
    Islamic Law and Legal Theory
    History of Islam
    Islamic Ethics

    Additional Required Courses

    Intermediate Arabic 2A
    Intermediate Arabic 2B

    Elective Courses (Choose 4)

    Students may select four courses from any elective offerings from Bayan or CTS. Recommended Bayan courses include:

    Non-Profit Leadership and Management
    Fundraising Strategies for Religious Non-Profits
    Community Organizing for Muslim Leaders
    Preaching and Public Presentation of Islam
    Effective Ethics in Negotiated Spaces
    Social Integration and Civic Engagement
    Abrahamic Faiths in Conversation
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    Are you ready to enroll?

    Join a dynamic community of changemakers at Bayan Islamic Graduate School. Whether you're pursuing leadership in chaplaincy, education, scholarship, or public service, Bayan offers flexible, accredited graduate programs grounded in Islamic tradition and designed for modern impact. With a hybrid model ideal for working professionals, enrolling at Bayan means taking the next step in your spiritual, academic, and professional journey.