South Asian & Middle Eastern Studies, MA
for the degree of Master of Arts in South Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
The Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies offers an MA in South Asian Studies and an MA in Middle Eastern Studies. The MA program provides preparation in language and area studies for students intending either to pursue a Ph.D. in a related field or to enter a career requiring language and regional expertise, such as in government, an NGO, business, media, international law, private foundations, or cultural exchanges.
Admission
Applicants to the graduate program must submit an application for admission online and submit a statement of purpose, three letters of reference completed by teachers, advisers, or recent employers, and a 10-20 page writing sample. Also required are original transcripts (with English translations if applicable) showing all undergraduate and graduate work completed. Applicants are expected to have a strong background in at least one South Asian or Middle Eastern language; normally, this means a minimum of two years of formal study. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required and should be submitted to institution code 1836. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and must score at least 103 on the internet-based test (iBT) for admission with full standing; they must also pass the speaking sub-section of the iBT with a minimum score of 24. Applicants must have a BA or a BS degree to apply to the MA program. Applications are accepted for fall admission only.
Financial Aid
The Center makes every effort to assist graduate students in securing financial aid. Financial aid packages usually combine some form of fellowship support with teaching or research assistantships in a manner that allows for both teaching experience and timely completion of the degree. Financial aid may include: University Fellowships, Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships, Minority Academic Partnership Plan (MAPP) Fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships. All awards of financial aid are made following competitive application.
for the degree of Master of Arts in South Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Programs and the Graduate College Handbook.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Three 500-level courses in the major field in area related courses | 12 | |
| Elective hours (For a list of approved courses, see the SAME Master's Program course list) | 20 | |
| Language Requirement: Third-year competency in South Asian or Middle Eastern language, demonstrated by satisfactory completion of appropriate coursework or by proficiency examination. | 0 | |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 |
| In their final semester, candidates take a comprehensive written exam and make an oral defense. | |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.25 |
for the degree of Master of Arts in South Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
- Interdisciplinary knowledge of South Asian (SA) or Middle Eastern (ME) area studies in terms of the cultures and societies of these regions in a broader international and global context
- Students should have a good understanding of the various historical, cultural, social, economic and political conditions that shaped the development of SA or ME region
- Students should be able to place their knowledge of SA or ME studies in a broader world context and from a multidisciplinary perspective.
- Proficiency in SA or ME languages and knowledge of research methodologies
- Students should develop appropriate expertise in a region or country in SA or ME, acquire proficiency in a relevant language of that region or country, and equip themselves with a good understanding of the appropriate research tools to study that region/country.
- Although international experience is not a requirement for the MA program, experience through study abroad is an integral part of the graduate experience, especially when fellowship opportunities for SA and ME language study are available. Students should demonstrate commitment to conduct fieldwork when opportunities for study abroad are available.
- Students should demonstrate adequate research skills at MA level. Currently, this is tested through term papers and an MA Exam. We are in the process of replacing the Exam with a thesis or two research papers. Completion of such requirements, as well as courses that require research papers and participation in conferences are good indications that the student has acquired good research skills.
for the degree of Master of Arts in South Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
The Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Center Director: Wail Hassan
Associate Director: Angela Williams
Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies website
Center for South Asian & Middle Eastern Studies faculty
221 International Studies Building, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 244-7331
Center email
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website
Admissions
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements