Arabic and Islamic Studies

The Arabic and Islamic Studies program at Georgetown seeks to advance knowledge and understanding of classical and modern Islamic thought and to provide understanding of Arabophone culture and intellectual history in the pre-modern and modern periods. With a special emphasis on Arabic textual traditions, the program offers graduate training in the study of the languages, literatures, and thought of the Islamic world, and  introduces students to scholarly approaches to the study of Islam.

• M.A.
• Ph.D.

For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page. Review the program’s website for additional information on program application requirements.

Application Materials required:

• Application Form
• Non-refundable Application Fee
• Academic Statement of Purpose
• Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
• Writing Sample
• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• Transcripts – Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page for additional details and FAQs.
• Resume/CV
• TOEFL/IELTS  (if applicable)
  • TOEFL = 100 minimum
  • IELTS = 7.5 minimum

• Fall: January 15

For a detailed explanation of requirements, see the department’s Graduate Student Handbook.

All students must have Arabic language competence equivalent to three years of intensive undergrad language study.  Students will take a language exam in first week of classes.  If a student fails the exam, he/she must enroll in advanced Arabic courses, and will take exam at end of Fall term.  Students have until the end of the Spring term to pass the test.

Master’s candidates

• 36 credits, including 11 courses (33 credits) plus a M.A. research course (3 credits); 8 of these courses are in a major concentration and 3 in a minor concentration.
• Master’s Research paper (written in Arabic or English) to be completed during the last semester of course work as an MA research course; minimum grade of B+ required
• Must pass a Comprehensive Exam based on the study and reading done for the candidate’s coursework

Ph.D. candidates

• In addition to English, Ph.D. students must also have reading proficiency in at least one other European language that is relevant to their research.
• Candidates entering with a bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree in an unrelated field of study are expected to complete 54 credits/18 graduate courses including ten in the major concentration and five in each of two minor concentrations
• Students entering with advanced standing, that is, with a master’s in a related field of study, are expected to complete a total of 36 credits/12 courses
• Must pass a written and oral Comprehensive Exam
• Must successfully complete doctoral dissertation and dissertation defense

Program Contact: Ian MacCallum – im483@georgetown.edu

Begin your application today!