Apply to MA or PhD Program

Applications for Fall 2025 M.A. admissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority application deadline of January 31, 2025.

The deadline for Fall 2025 Ph.D. admissions is January 31, 2025.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the MA or PhD programs applicants must:

  • Hold a BA or MA with a 3.0 GPA (cumulative GPA or last 60 semester units if your undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.0 cumulative; graduate GPA will be taken cumulative only)
  • Meet Graduate College requirements for international applicants

 

Entering the PhD Program without an MA

Applicants accepted into the PhD program without an MA will be awarded an MA in MENAS after successfully completing the MENAS MA requirements.

Students entering the PhD program with only a BA/BS will be reviewed at the end of their second year, after completing the MA thesis. The Graduate Committee and the student’s advisor will review the student’s performance and make a recommendation as to whether the student should be awarded a terminal MA or continue with the PhD program.   

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 either "Middle Eastern and North African Studies (MA)" or "Middle Eastern and North African Studies (PhD)" under program of study.
  5. Choose the term of admission to the program.
  6. Application will be initiated under "My Active Applications."

Application Requirements

  • GRE Scores: Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional for both domestic and international students. Scores can be sent to Institution Code 4832. School code 2201 (area studies) or 2299 (social sciences, other) should be used.
  • English Language Proficiency (International Applicants): The University of Arizona Graduate College outlines English Proficiency requirements for international students here: https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/requirements/international-applican…. All tests must be dated within 2 years of the enrollment term to be considered valid. The University of Arizona's institution code for sending official electronic score reports from ETS is 4832. 
  • Transcripts: Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended are required. Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded with the application. Submission of official transcripts is required upon being admitted.
  • Letters of Recommendation: 3 letters of recommendation. Referees will be contacted directly by the University of Arizona.
  • Writing Sample:
    • MA Application: A 10 page/3,000 word writing sample in English (term paper, chapter of thesis, etc.)
    • PhD Application: A 20 page/6,000 word writing sample in English (term paper, chapter of thesis, etc.)
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae: A current resume or curriculum vitae outlining education, honors, membership and participation in professional organizations, employment history, research and scholarly activities and publications.
  • Statement of Purpose: A 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.

Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship

We encourage all domestic students to apply to the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowship.