M.A. in Muslim Leadership
This first-of-its-kind graduate degree in the U.S., the M.A. in Religious Leadership in Muslim Contexts is designed to equip students with both a firm grounding in Islamic thought and the practical skills needed to become a leader in a variety of Muslim contexts. Students are required to become proficient in Arabic, as well as take courses on the Qu’ran, Islamic philosophy, theology, history and jurisprudence. Praxis-based elective courses in specialized areas ranging from urban education to spiritual care provide the opportunity for students to focus the program toward their individual vocational goals.
Students in this program will be well prepared for a variety of careers in public, private, religious and non-profit contexts that require grounding in the Islamic tradition, including:
- Development and management of community services and centers
- Community organizing
- Leadership in NGOs and non-profit organizations
- Consulting in governmental agencies
Core Faculty
Master of Arts Degree Handbook
For more information, complete the Information Request Form.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Islamic Studies (15 units, 5 courses)
Students receive an core grounding in Islamic studies and thought through the following courses:
- Religious Leadership and Spirituality in Muslim Contexts
- The Qur’an and its Interpreters
- Survey of Islamic Theology, Philosophy and Mysticism
- Islamic Law and Legal Theory
- History of Islam
Arabic Language (6 units, 2 courses)
Students must pass a proficiency exam covering one year's equivalency of Arabic Studies and correct recitation of Qur’an. Students may also take a proficiency exam in Arabic III and IV. Students who pass the exam take 6 additional units of free electives.
- Arabic III
- Arabic IV
Interreligious Studies (6 units, 2 courses)
Interreligious studies is a core component of Claremont Lincoln's approach to religious leadership. Students take the following two courses.
- Interreligious Dialogue and Leadership
- Elective in Interreligious Studies
Ethics (6 units, 2 courses)
Students are required to have at least two classes in ethical theory and/or contemporary social issues.
Practical Theology (12 units, 3-4 courses)
Practical theology combines theology and the social sciences to develop new religious insights and practices in one's particular context. Students can use these courses to specialize in areas such as: Youth development, justice education, interreligious education, urban leadership, immigration rights, community organizing, spiritual care and counseling, and spiritual formation.
Free electives (9 units, 3 courses)
Students can select courses from Claremont Lincoln University; Claremont School of Theology; Claremont Graduate University (with faculty permission); and the Academy for Jewish Religion, California, to customize their degree programs for their interests and contexts.
Summative Exercise (2 units, 2 courses)
All students take the Research Colloquium, a two-class sequence that guides students in preparation for their final summative exercise, which can be a master’s thesis, a major paper or a project.