Arabic Studies, Certificate
Complement almost any major with regional expertise through this undergraduate certificate that lets you layer Arabic language and culture onto your field of study, adding depth that broadens your academic path.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Arabic Studies undergraduate certificate description
The certificate program in Arabic studies provides you with skills that enable you to communicate effectively in Arabic in the four areas of language acquisition: listening, reading, speaking and writing.
Simultaneously, you gain broad knowledge and understanding of the culture, literature and traditions of the vast Arabic-speaking world. The program provides critically needed educational and cultural diversity that enriches your undergraduate experience and prepares you for life as an employee and employer.
If you are a graduate student in the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences seeking an academic or professional career, you can also benefit from the program, given the demonstrably high need for graduates with knowledge of the Arabic language.
Why earn an Arabic studies undergraduate certificate at ASU?
Tap into ASU's Council for Arabic and Islamic Studies and find opportunities to engage with Arabic-speaking communities through lectures, film series and language clubs.
Additional details
Get involved through student organizations including the Arabic Language and Culture Club, Saudi Students Club, MENA Students Union, Iraqi Students Club, Sudanese American Student Association at ASU, Ommani Student Club and SILC Attaches Club.
Courses
This undergraduate certificate includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The certificate requires 18 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the certificate, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
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The certificate in Arabic studies requires 18 upper-division credit hours. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be completed through The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better may be applied toward the certificate requirements. |
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9 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
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C | 9 |
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Some courses can be used either as a core course or as an elective, but no course can be counted more than once toward certificate requirements.
9 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 9 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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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 at a conversational level of spoken Arabic and a high intermediate level of written Arabic.
- Synthesize literary concepts to apply them to research in literature, culture or language.
Enrollment requirements
Any student accepted into an appropriate degree program at ASU can declare the certificate in Arabic studies. Requests to declare this certificate are reviewed by the academic advisor in the academic unit offering the certificate. The student may be contacted to discuss the certificate before it is added to their record.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Here are the admission and application details
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 estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this Arabic studies undergraduate certificate prepares you for
Graduates who have combined the certificate in Arabic studies with their major program of study may be more marketable to employers. Many decide to pursue employment in education, political analysis, the military, tourism and hospitality, or marketing.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of International Letters and Cultures
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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.

