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The MA program in Persian and Iranian Studies at the University of Arizona offers a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum. MA students can focus on a) modern or classical Persian literature and culture or b) Iranian (or other Persian speaking societies') history, religion, social organization, and politics. This option allows students to create a self-designed concentration with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies. They also engage in a critical examination of contemporary ideas and methodologies in the field of Persian and Iranian Studies.
MA students will be thesis track and will be required to reach fourth-year proficiency in Persian language.
The Graduate College sponsors several Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDPs) in addition to the many interdisciplinary possibilities available through regular graduate degree programs. GIDPs transcend departmental boundaries by facilitating cutting edge teaching and research at the nexus of traditional disciplines. The high value placed on interdisciplinary research and education is indicative of The University of Arizona's enthusiasm and commitment to fostering innovation and creativity among its faculty and students.
School Requirements
NOTE: Graduate applications can now be done entirely online
All documents, including the following may be uploaded:
MINIMUM Requirements
Other Graduate College Information/Requirements
Phone: (520) 621-3471 | Email Graduate College Questions: OnlineAppHelp@grad.arizona.edu
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 Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Persian and Iranian Studies 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:
The following awards require separate applications:
Domestic Applicants:
*Applications must be paid for and submitted by the close of business on January 31st .
International Applicants:
*Applications must be paid for and submitted by the close of business on January 31st.
4832
Thesis Track Requirements
The MA in Persian and Iranian Studies will consist of 30 units of coursework that will include 12 units of required core courses, one research methods course (3 units), one to four elective courses (3-12 units), a Master’s Thesis (3-6 units) in the final semester(s), and a fourth-year Persian language proficiency, which may include taking 6 units in Persian language courses. Core Courses (12 units total): MENA/GWS 563, PRS/MENA 571PRS 571, MENA 580, MENA 595D Method options (choose 1; 3 units total): ANTH 609, ENGL 596B, ENGL 596L, HIST 695K, LING 503, LING 696A, MENA 530A, MENA 596S, MENA 696J, PRS 5XX Language Proficiency (complete proficiency assessment or take these 2 courses; 0-6 units total): PRS 507, PRS 508 Thesis Research (choose 1; 3-6 units total): PRS 910 Electives options (choose 1-3; 3-12* units total): See Appendix A *Note: The student would need only 3 elective units if the student takes the two courses to demonstrate the Persian language proficiency (PRS 507 and PRS 508) and the student opted to take 6 units of Thesis (PRS 910) credit, instead of 3 units. The student would need up to 12 elective units if the student passes the Persian language proficiency assessment and opted to take only 3 units of Thesis (PRS 910) credit.