International Letters and Cultures (Arabic Studies), BA
With approximately 420 million speakers around the world, Arabic is rooted in influential and emerging economies, ancient history and modern politics. When you learn this strategic language, you'll also gain cultural intelligence and competence, giving you a competitive edge and a pathway to a number of fields.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Bachelor of Arts program in international letters and cultures with a concentration in Arabic studies provides you with critical and cultural diversity in advanced Arabic language and literature.
This concentration complements existing degree programs in the School of International Letters and Cultures and enhances your studies in social science disciplines such as political science and global studies, as well as many humanities fields, including anthropology, history, philosophy and religious studies. You gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the culture, literature and traditions of the vast Arabic-speaking world.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you're interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| SLC 201 Introduction to Linguistics |
| ARB 311 Advanced Arabic Skills I |
| ARB 331 Arabic/Islamic Culture and Literature |
| ARB 341 Quran Text and Women |
| ARB 351 Classical Arabic Literature |
| ARB 352 Modern Arabic Literature in Translation |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Effectively communicate orally and in writing in Arabic at the mid-to-high Intermediate level standards according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines.
- Evaluate cultural practices, film, religion, history, geography, arts, and politics in Arabic literature through research projects.
- Apply literary criticism to a variety of primary Arabic sources.
Effectively communicate orally and in writing in Arabic at the mid-to-high Intermediate level standards according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines. Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
As students become scholars in the language, cultures and history of the Arabic-speaking world, studying abroad is the perfect transition to life outside the classroom. Students can become culturally and linguistically immersed while gaining a deeper insight into a particular part of the world. Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options provides an opportunity for students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in their career as well as personal enrichment.
Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, Global Education programs encourage students to build communication skills, challenge them to adapt and persevere, expose them to differences across the world, and increase their ability to work with diverse groups of people. When studying abroad, students gain a global perspective and knowledge that prepare them for a future-focused career.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Intelligence Analyst | 34.6% | $120,230 | Learn more |
| Community Specialist | 5.5% | $56,730 | Learn more |
| Cultural Studies Professor | 2.7% | $85,020 | Learn more |
| Education Professor | 2.5% | $75,350 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Intelligence Officer | 0.2% | $93,790 | Learn more |
| Lawyer | 4.7% | $159,670 | Learn more |
| Political Analyst | -2.0% | $142,080 | Learn more |
| Translator | 2.0% | $60,170 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Graduates of the program have greater insight into the vast Arab world of 22 countries, leading to career opportunities in areas such as journalism, translation, international consultations, government (e.g., United Nations, CIA), social work, law and health.
Graduates are prepared for a thriving job market. The degree also benefits those interested in academic research and careers in public and diplomatic service, and national security.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of International Letters and Cultures
|
DH 131
silcadvising@asu.edu
480-965-6281
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
