The American University in Cairo

Overview

The Master’s in Arabic Studies at The American University in Cairo (AUC) is designed to cultivate a deep understanding of Arabic language, literature, and Islamic intellectual traditions. This two-year program combines comprehensive graduate coursework with a research thesis, allowing students to engage in original research and contribute to the field of Arabic studies.

What you'll study

Degree components: The program consists of eight graduate courses followed by a research-based thesis.

Core graduate coursework (8 courses)

• Selected Work or Author in Classical Arabic Literature
• Modern Arabic Literature: Nineteenth Century
• Modern Arabic Literature: Twentieth Century
• Special Studies in Islamic Art and Architecture
• Studies in the Qur’an
• Selected Topics in Sira or Hadith
• Selected Topics in Islamic Law and Legal Theory
• Additional graduate course(s) tailored to align with your research interests

Thesis

• A research-based thesis developed through coursework and academic advising.
• The thesis topic will reflect the student's area of concentration.
• Completion of the thesis follows the completion of required graduate courses.

Academic focus areas (examples)

• Islamic Art and Architecture, exploring material culture and art-historical approaches
• Arabic Language and Literature, including classical and modern literature, literary criticism, and translation
• Middle Eastern History, covering the social, cultural, and political history from early Islam to the present
• Islamic Studies, focusing on Qur’anic studies, Hadith, theology, jurisprudence, Sufism, and Islamic philosophy

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to hold an accredited Bachelor’s degree that qualifies them for admission to graduate studies, either fully or provisionally.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master’s in Arabic Studies program can pursue a variety of career paths, including roles in academia, research, cultural institutions, government agencies, and international organizations. The program equips students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and a profound understanding of Arabic culture and language, enhancing their employability in diverse fields.