Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures

Earn an M.A. in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures

Would you like to develop a deeper understanding of the ancient, pre-modern, or modern Middle East? When you pursue a master’s degree in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures at HLS, you’ll work with renowned faculty to expand your knowledge of the history, culture, and language of a part of this region of the world.

The M.A. is excellent preparation whatever career you choose—whether you intend to continue your education in a doctoral program, or enter a field that requires strong regional expertise and language skills.

Learn more on the Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures website

Two tracks to choose from

The M.A. program consists of 36 credit hours in approved courses. There are two tracks in this program—the M.A. in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, and the M.A. track in Egyptology.

With the M.A. in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, you’ll focus on two historical eras, as well as research methodology/theory in an academic discipline that you choose.

For the M.A. track in Egyptology, you’ll take courses in ancient Egyptian language and civilization, as well as electives.

Opportunities to develop language skills

Studying a language of the Middle East—whether Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, or Turkish—is a key part of the M.A. program.

Students in the Egyptology track will take courses in ancient Egyptian, as well as in scholarly French or German.

Learn more about language study at HLS

Requirements to complete your degree

M.A. students complete their degree by taking a language exam, a history exam, and writing a final paper.

Students in the Egyptology track have different requirements for completing the program.

Visit the Egyptology website

Find out more

Learn more about the program