Middle Eastern and North African Studies (MA)

School Requirements

NOTE: Graduate applications can now be done entirely online

All documents, including the following may be uploaded:

• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• 3 Letters of recommendation from academic references preferable. Note: recommenders will be required to upload their letters through the graduate college website. Instructions on how this works are provided within the online application process- we do not have a recommendation form.
• Statement of purpose
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Writing Sample (term paper, chapter of thesis, etc.)

MINIMUM Requirements

• GPA 3.0 on undergraduate or M.A. degree (cumulative GPA or last 60 semester units if your undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.0 cumulative; graduate GPA taken will be cumulative only)
• GRE – UA code is 4832.  Use school code 2201 (area studies), or 2299 (social sciences, other) This is required for both domestic and international students.

Other Graduate College Information/Requirements

Phone: (520) 621-3471 | Email Graduate College Questions: [email protected]

• Application Fee Due at time of Submission
• Domicile Affidavit

Required test(s):
GRE and TOEFL for International Students

Minimum GRE: No minimum GRE. GRE is required. UA code is 4832.  Use school code 2201 (area studies), or 2299 (social sciences, other) This is required for both domestic and international students.
Minimum TOEFL: TOEFL score of 550 (213 CBT; 80 IBT)

The School of Middle East and North African Studies (MENAS) awards financial aid on a competitive basis. Meritorious factors include demonstrated excellence in academics including GPA, progress in the program (for current students), test scores (for incoming students), publication, and professional experience such as a previous assistantship or other Middle East-related experience. Most funding is awarded in the fall for the academic year, therefore students entering the program in the spring have a minimal opportunity for departmental support. Many of our students also receive academic year and summer FLAS (Foreign Language Area Studies) scholarships through the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES). Comprehensive information on FLAS awards may be obtained by visiting the CMES web site. Listed below are the types of financial aid awarded by the Department.

Complete only ONE Financial Aid Application (due first Monday in Feb) to request the following types of support:

• Teaching Assistantships (TAs)
• Tuition and Registration Scholarships
• Graduate College Fellowships (normally for incoming students only)

The following awards require separate applications:

• Foreign Language and Area Studies Award
• Study Abroad
• Roshan Fellowships in Persian and Iranian Studies (due first Monday in February)
• Summer TAs (due second Monday in February, 4:00 p.m.)
• Winter TAs (due first Monday in October, 4:00 p.m.)
• Travel Award: Travel Authorization Form (ongoing: students may request awards for conferences in which they are presenting or participating)
• Thesis/Dissertation Tuition Waiver

Domestic Applicants:

• Fall: January 15th

  *Applications must be paid for and submitted by the close of business on January 15th. 

International Applicants:

• Fall: January 15

  *Applications must be paid for and submitted by the close of business on January 15th. 

International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.