Arabic Minor

Learn the fundamentals of Arabic language and culture by participating in this experience-based program. In addition to studying Modern Standard Arabic, you will become familiar with the spoken dialects of the Arab world.

Total Credit Hours: 18

Arabic Minor Requirements (18 Hours)

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What You'll Study

We offer Arabic at elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. Our language courses are proficiency-based and include reading, writing, speaking, grammar, and cultural competency. Courses such as Arabic literature and culture and Arab cinema (in translation) will help you develop familiarity in both literacy skills and cultural movements.

In your Arabic-learning journey you have access to personalized support. You will connect with conversation partners and peer-tutors of Arabic, and work closely with various Middle East related student organizations. This allows you to interact with students of Arab heritage in an informal setting that promotes cross-cultural understanding.

Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures

Forms to add major/minor

Why study Arabic?

Arabic is an official language of the United Nations and the official language in 22 Arab countries. It is also the religious language of Islam, the faith of over 1.5 billion people worldwide.

Arab civilization has made significant contributions to the world in areas including medicine, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, music, philosophy, poetry, and astronomy. Learning Arabic will help you better understand and appreciate a region that is often misrepresented and oversimplified in the mainstream media.

Studying Arabic is made easier by the systematic, easy-to-follow structures and patterns. Learners appreciate more and more as they progress in their studies by reading texts in original Arabic language and conducting valuable fieldwork.

What do I do with a minor in Arabic?

Students pursuing Arabic often secure study-abroad scholarships and other professional development opportunities because Arabic is designated as a critical language.

Proficiency in Arabic makes you a stronger candidate for graduate school, particularly in disciplines such as middle east studies, religious studies, international studies, political science, anthropology, education, comparative literature, cultural studies, and linguistics.

Knowing Arabic makes you more marketable in fields such as journalism, translation, engineering, foreign service, international law/business/banking, teaching and research, consultancy, and international development.

Beyond the Classroom

Get Experience

Come spend your summer in the historical city of Nizwa! Study Arabic at Nizwa University, visit many regions in Oman, and explore the beautiful coastal city of Muscat.

This 5 week program allows you to deepen your understanding of Arabic culture, practice your written and oral communication, and participate in a once in a lifetime learning experience!

Come with us!

Strong Community

Several student clubs provide you with organized events to help explore the Arab world and all of its diversity. Opportunities for linguistic and cultural immersion encourage cross-cultural understanding. They organize a variety of educational and fun cultural events, including Arabic conversation tables, lectures, films, and artistic performances.

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Learn More

The best way to practice your Arabic is to talk with native speakers. Since Arabic is a critical language of strategic importance, there are increasing opportunities for funding that will allow you to study Arabic in an immersive environment in the Middle East.

Scholarship Opportunities

Project Global Officer, better known as Project GO, promotes critical language education, study abroad, and intercultural dialogue opportunities for Reserve Officer Training Corps students.

Learn more here!

Hear From a Graduate

"Working closely with my Arabic professors allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the language and culture of the region. This experience encouraged me to incorporate multicultural issues in my graduate course work to prepare for my future career as a psychologist."

- Ally Miller, '18