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Get Started with a Arabic Studies Degree

Arabic Studies is the perfect degree for students interested in all aspects of the Middle East including culture, politics, history, economics, media, film, and many other facets that meld together to form the entirety of Arabic society. A degree in Arabic Studies is interdisciplinary, examining the Middle East from many disciplines and perspectives. Similarly named degrees may include Middle Eastern and/or Islamic Studies.
A degree in Arabic Studies prepares students for careers in a variety of fields including:
  • Arts (Administration and Creative)
  • Business
  • Communications
  • Education
  • Government
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Media
  • Public Policy
  • Politics
  • Research
Earning a degree in Arabic Studies can be found as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral program. Certificate programs can also be found, although less common, yet are a wonderful educational asset to attain.

Certificate Programs in Arabic Studies

A Certificate in Arabic Studies can be a great introductory program to this field of study. Explore the cultures and histories of the Middle East. Study the various diasporic Arabic communities and their influences across the globe.

Students can earn an undergraduate certificate as a standalone program or in conjunction with an Associate or Bachelor’s degree. Graduate certificates are typically designed for the working professional and may be pursued by those already possessing a baccalaureate degree.

A Certificate in Arabic Studies can enhance career advancement and salary prospects. Certificates are also an excellent asset for those seeking to embark on a new career.

Jobs with a Certificate in Arabic Studies:

  • Human Service Assistants- Provide services for clients, and specific populations of clients, in a variety of social service fields. Human Service Assistants may work for nonprofit organizations, for-profit social service agencies, and state and local governments. Median Annual Salary: $35,000.
  • Travel Agent- Sell transportation, lodging, and entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips. Median Annual Salary: $52,000.
  • Translator- Convert information from one language into another language. Must be proficient in at minimum 2 languages. Median Annual Salary: $52,000.
  • Museum Technician- Prepare and restore items in collections of historical items and artwork. Median Annual Salary: $52,000.
Ready to start your Certificate in Arabic Studies? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools 

American UniversityOffers an undergraduate Certificate in Arabic Studies. American University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

George Mason University- Offers a Graduate Certificate in Middle East and Islamic Studies. George Mason University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Bachelor's Degree in Arabic Studies

With a Bachelor’s in Arabic Studies students will acquire the skills to think critically, creatively, and independently about important Middle Eastern and international issues that impact Arabic communities.

Students gain knowledge through a wide variety of courses including those in:
  • Anthropology
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Popular Culture
  • Politics
  • Art
  • Women’s Studies
Approaching education from the various perspectives of an Arabic Studies program encourages students to become active and engaged citizens in a complex global world. A Degree in Arabic Studies is excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers, especially those that serve specific cultural (most notably Middle Eastern) communities. A Bachelor’s Degree in Arabic Studies also prepares students for further educational success should they choose to continue with graduate studies.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arabic Studies

    • Legislator- An elected position responsible for development, introduction, and/or enactment of laws and statutes at the local, state, tribal, or federal level. Median Annual Salary: $30,000.
    • News Correspondent– Work for newspaper, website, or periodical publishers or in television or radio broadcasting and inform the public about news and events. Specifically, as it relates to and/or impacts international and Middle Eastern news. Median Annual Salary: $46,000.
    • Adult ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher- Instruct adults in fundamental skills, such as reading and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalency credential. Median Annual Salary: $55,000.
    • Public Relations Specialist- Create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. Median Annual Salary: $63,000.
    • Customs Broker- Works to ensure client shipments meet the dozens of requirements enforced by US Customs and Border Control. Median Annual Salary: $76,000.

GI Bill®-approved and Yellow Ribbon Schools with Bachelor's Degrees in Arabic Studies

The following schools all accept the GI Bill, participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, and offer Bachelor's degrees in Arabic Studies.  However it is important to note that any program you may be considering, including Arabic Studies, may not be approved for GI Bill funding or Yellow Ribbon tuition assistance.  Please make sure to ask the school prior to deciding to attend to ensure that your funding needs will be met.



    • American University - offers a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Studies and a BA in Arab World Studies. American University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
    • Georgetown University- Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Georgetown also offers a PhD in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Georgetown participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
    • Le Moyne CollegeOffers a Middle East and Islamic Studies Minor for its Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree. Le Moyne participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
    • Syracuse University- Offers a Minor in Arabic for its undergraduate degrees. Syracuse participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
    • University of Chicago- Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies and a BA in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations with a Specialization in Arabic Studies. The University of Chicago participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
    • University of South Alabama- Offers a Middle East Studies Concentration for its Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. USA participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Arabic Studies

    • California University of PennsylvaniaOffers a fully online Bachelor’s in Arabic Language and Cultures. This degree is designed to advance students from beginner to advanced Arabic language skills while also imparting a deep understanding of Arabic culture.

Master's Degree in Arabic Studies

A Master’s Degree in Arabic Studies will provide students with a solid foundation in language, literature, and cultural aspects of the historical and the modern Arab world. Students will develop a deep understanding of the peoples of North Africa, Egypt, the Arab Middle East, and the Arab diaspora.

A graduate degree in Arabic Studies will help students further build their analytical and critical thinking skills. Students will also further develop their research, communication, and writing skills. A Master’s Degree in Arabic Studies is a popular choice for those seeking to become an expert in this field and those choosing career paths such as writing or postsecondary teaching.

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Arabic Studies:

Ready to start your Master’s Degree in Arabic Studies? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools 

George Mason University- Offers a Master of Arts in Middle East and Islamic Studies. George Mason University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Georgetown UniversityOffers a Master of Arts in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Georgetown participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

University of Chicago- Offers a Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies. The University of Chicago participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.