Claremont School of Theology (CST) is pleased to announce a renewed\u00a0 academic partnership with Bayan, a California non-profit religious corporation that operates an educational program known as \u201cBayan Islamic Graduate School.\u201d This collaboration supports the development and delivery of programs in Islamic Studies under CST\u2019s academic authority and accreditation and marks a significant and hopeful step forward in interreligious theological education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through this collaboration, CST will offer graduate-level programs in Islamic Studies, with Claremont School of Theology serving as the accredited, degree-granting institution. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality, faith-rooted education while preparing leaders equipped to serve in an increasingly diverse, interreligious, and interconnected world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis initiative represents a meaningful expression of our mission to form leaders for compassion, justice, and belonging through interreligious and intercultural theological education,\u201d said Jeffrey Kuan, Co-President of Claremont School of Theology. \u201cWe are committed to building educational models that bring diverse religious traditions into rigorous academic engagement while maintaining the highest standards of academic quality and accountability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the terms of the agreement, CST retains full responsibility for all academic and institutional functions, including admissions, curriculum, faculty appointment and oversight, student services, and the awarding of academic credit and degrees. All students enrolled in these programs will be admitted as CST students and will be subject to CST\u2019s academic policies and standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The partnership includes collaboration with scholars and educators affiliated with Bayan, who will contribute to program development and instruction in Islamic Studies within CST\u2019s academic framework. This collaborative model enables CST to draw upon specialized expertise while ensuring that all programs operate under CST\u2019s governance, accreditation, and institutional oversight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students in these programs will have access to CST\u2019s academic resources and institutional support, while also benefiting from the distinctive perspectives and expertise brought through the collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis transition represents a return to a previously successful partnership that is firmly established in Bayan as a premier institution of higher learning,” said Dr. Jihad Turk, Founding President of Bayan Islamic Graduate School. \u201cCST was our original academic partner from 2011 to 2020. During that time, we launched core programs including an Islamic Chaplaincy offering and graduated nearly half of our alumni. That shared history allows both institutions to move forward with clarity, trust, and established academic coordination, ensuring a seamless experience for our students,\u201d Dr. Turk said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The partnership is not a merger or acquisition and does not involve any transfer of institutional control. CST remains fully accountable for academic quality, integrity, and compliance with accrediting and regulatory standards, including those of the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With final approvals from governing boards and accrediting bodies, the collaboration will begin in Summer 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This partnership underscores CST\u2019s continued leadership in innovative, inclusive theological education and reflects a shared vision with Bayan for forming leaders who can navigate complexity, foster understanding, and contribute to a more just and compassionate world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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