Accelerated MA Program

Complete a BA and MA in Middle Eastern and North African Studies in as little as five years.

About the Program

Students admitted into the MENAS Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) will be able to complete a BA and an MA in five years. Students are required to complete 33 units of coursework, 12 of which may also be applied to the MENAS BA. Students in this program complete the professional track in the MENAS MA. Students who wish to be in the thesis track in the MENAS MA need to apply to the MENAS MA program.

Admission Requirements

University of Arizona undergraduate students need to apply by April 1st of their third (junior) year.

To be considered for the MENAS AMP applicants must:

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online.

  1. Create a GradApp account.
  2. Complete GradApp profile under "My Account".
  3. Select "Apply to a Program" from the sidebar.
  4. Choose "Degree Seeking" under application type and "Middle Eastern and North African Studies (MA) - Accelerated Master's Program" under program of study.
  5. Choose the term of admission to the program.
  6. Application will be initiated under "My Active Applications."

Application Requirements

  • Transcripts: Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended are required. Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded with your application. Submission of official transcripts is required upon being admitted.

  • Letter of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation from a MENAS faculty member. Referees will be contacted directly by the University of Arizona.

  • Writing Sample: 10 page/3,000 word writing sample in English (term paper, chapter of thesis, etc.).

  • Statement of Purpose: 1-2 page statement of purpose that discusses academic and professional goals, research interests, and qualifications and indicators of success in this endeavor.

  • Application Fee: The application fee is due upon submitting an application.

Degree Requirements

Fourth Year

  • Fall
    • MENA 595D: Middle East (3 units)
    • Graduate core course in gender or culture in the Middle East, Islamic Studies, or Middle Eastern History (3 units)
  • Spring
    • Graduate core course in gender or culture in the Middle East, Islamic Studies, or Middle Eastern History (3 units)
    • Graduate core course in gender or culture in the Middle East, Islamic Studies, or Middle Eastern History (3 units)

Fifth Year

  • Fall
    • 12 graduate units of MENAS elective courses
  • Spring
    • 6 graduate units of MENAS elective courses
    • MENA 909: Master’s Report (3 units)

A list of courses that meet the core course requirements can be found here: MENAS Graduate Courses