Why study Arabic Language and Culture?

The Arab world, made up of 22 countries and the Palestinians, extends from the Arabian/Persian Gulf in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west and has a population of about 300 million, 20 million of whom are Christian Arabs. Arabic is their dominant mode of expression. It is also an important language in other countries. Arabic is the language of Islam, and more than a billion people use it as a vital spiritual component of their daily lives. The United Nations adopted Arabic as one of its six official languages in 1974.

Events in the Middle East affect our daily lives, and only through the study of Arabic can one gain necessary insights into the cultural, religious, and political forces that motivate the inhabitants of that vital region - insights that our monolingual media seldom provide.

Middle East is the birthplace of civilization and the cradle of the three monotheistic religions. It also contains some of the world's greatest archeological and religious sites. It is the locus of two thirds of the world's known oil reserves. Moreover, it is rich with interesting cultures and warm, hospitable people. A good knowledge of Arabic will greatly enhance the enjoyment of travel in the region and the ability to work and interact with Arabic speaking people. Qualified students may seek available funding - for example, from the UC Office of International Programs, the Taft Foundation, and federal agencies - to enroll in an Arabic study abroad program.

Career Possibilities

The diligent study of Arabic can lead to exciting careers in various fields. The following are only a few of the many positions open to those who have a high proficiency in Arabic:

1. Communications: foreign correspondent, reporter, translator.
2. International finance: international banker, international consultant, political risk analyst.
3. Industry: manager of government relations for oil companies, market analyst for export companies.
4. Government: foreign service officer, development program officer, intelligence analyst, government relations specialist, translator or interpreter.
5. Law: contractual and corporation consultant.
6. Academia: teaching and research positions. The U.S. government currently considers Arabic a critical language and many scholarships and fellowships in Arabic studies are available.

[The above paragraphs are adapted from the website of The American Association of Teachers of Arabic.]

Minoring in Arabic Language and Culture

The minor is equivalent to the Certificate in Arab language and Culture.

Major Maps

• Guide: Arabic Language and Culture (BA) Curriculum

Advising

Contact the program director, whose name and information appear at the top of this screen.

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students in College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-extensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Admission Requirements

First year applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information.

Transferring to UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 at most recent institution

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application

For any inquiries please contact us at artsci@ucmail.uc.edu

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges if they were admissible directly from high school, have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in their most recent UC college.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

 Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.

• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the university.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

While midyear admission is possible, fall semester is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that semester. Applicants to the UC College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).

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