MA in Arabic Studies Program Requirements

This track is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of students, members of the business community, and government personnel who want to study Arabic for professional employment in government, business or public policy.  

The MA in APP program is composed of a blend of courses in Arabic language, linguistics, literature, and culture, as well as courses in other disciplines (anthropology, history, political science, business, public policy) that will permit each student to emphasize particular interests within the comprehensive MA in APP program and to build their Arabic proficiency to the Advanced Mid level and beyond. It consists of eight (8) required core courses in Arabic language and literature, two (2) elective courses in Arabic literature and linguistics, and two (2) cognate courses related to Middle Eastern Studies. A particular strength of the APP track is its rigorous language training which includes intensive advanced Arabic study and internships or study abroad appropriate to students' interests during their course of study.

Prerequisites for the MA in APP program include a B.A. in Arabic, Education, English, Linguistics, or related disciplines, and three years (or its equivalent) of Arabic language study.

The MA in APP program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours excluding the prerequisite courses. Students who need remedial Arabic language training to meet the prerequisites must take the courses required with no credit counted towards the Master's degree. The pace at which courses are taken is flexible. The time required for completion of this degree depends on the student's academic background and experience. Applicants with adequate undergraduate preparation and a strong background in Arabic may complete this degree in two years of full-time study. 

This track is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of those who are seeking qualifications and training to become professional teachers of Arabic as a foreign/second language.  

The MA in TAFL program provides training in Arabic language and linguistics and Arabic foreign language teaching methodology with special emphasis on learning and teaching Arabic as a foreign language. It provides opportunity for systematic classroom observations and practice teaching, in addition to teacher training seminars and workshops. It consists of five (5) required core courses in Arabic language and linguistics, three (3) elective courses in Arabic language, literature, and linguistics, and two (2) cognate courses from related disciplines/departments such as anthropology, linguistics, education, and psychology.

Prerequisites for the MA in TAFL program are a B.A. in Arabic, Education, English, Linguistics, or related disciplines and a score of at least Advanced Mid on the UM Arabic Proficiency Test (administered by the MA TAFL program director during the admissions process).

The time required for completion of the MA in TAFL program depends on the participant's academic background and experience. Applicants with adequate preparation and a strong background in Arabic and English may complete the thirty credit hours required for this track in 3-4 semesters of full-time study.