MA Application Process

• Bachelor’s degree or seminary (madrasah) equivalent

• Proficiency in reading and comprehending classical Arabic texts

• Successful passing of oral examination administered as part of the admissions interview process to assess Arabic reading/comprehension and degree concentration proficiencies

• Documented study of introductory classical texts of grammar, Islamic law, legal theory, theology, rhetoric, and the other Islamic sciences with a qualified teacher

• Proficiency in the English language similar to a native speaker

• Three letters of recommendation

• Statement of purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe your academic background, your reasons for pursuing graduate study in Islamic texts, and how the MA Program at Zaytuna College aligns with your scholarly and professional goals. The statement should reflect your intellectual formation, including any relevant study with qualified teachers, and demonstrate the depth and seriousness of your commitment to the Islamic scholarly tradition.

• Statement of research interest: In 350–500 words, describe the area of the Islamic intellectual tradition you wish to explore, identifying the primary texts, scholarly problems, or questions that motivate your inquiry. Indicate your intended area of concentration and explain why it is the most suitable framework for your proposed work. While you are not required to have a fully formed thesis topic at the time of application, your statement should convey a genuine and considered engagement with the relevant literature and tradition.

• Statement of academic history (optional)

• Academic transcripts

• Writing sample: Applicants must submit one academic writing sample of 5,500–6,500 words (approximately 20 pages), excluding footnotes and bibliography. The sample must be an original academic paper demonstrating the applicant’s capacity for scholarly argumentation, close textual analysis, and engagement with primary and secondary sources. It should include full citations and a bibliography formatted according to a recognized academic style (e.g., Chicago, Turabian). Papers written for coursework, independent research, or publication are all acceptable. The writing sample must be the applicant’s own work; the use of artificial intelligence tools to generate or revise any portion of the writing sample is not permitted.* While applicants are not required to do so, they are strongly encouraged to submit a writing sample that reflects their research interests and is aligned with their intended area of concentration, as this gives the admissions committee the clearest possible sense of the applicant’s scholarly preparation and direction. Applicants who want to submit an Arabic writing sample are highly encouraged to submit an English writing sample as well. Most of the research work during the program happens in English, so it is highly valuable for us to be able to assess your English writing skills beforehand.

* Note: The use of artificial intelligence tools (including large language models and generative AI applications) to produce, draft, or revise any component of the application—including the statement of purpose, statement of research interest, statement of academic history, and writing sample—is strictly prohibited. Zaytuna College is committed to evaluating the applicant’s own voice, judgment, and scholarly preparation. Applications found to contain AI-generated content may be disqualified. This policy applies to all submissions made through the admissions portal and the College website.

• Foundational training in the Islamic sciences

• An existing BA degree in Islamic Studies or ancillary fields (e.g. theology, philosophy, Arabic, Islamic Law, history)  

• Foundational training in Qur'anic studies (memorization is highly valued)

• GPA of 3.5 or better