Graduate Program in Persian Studies

M.A. in Persian Studies

This program offers graduate training in Persian language and literature. It provides exposure to major literary texts and genres and introduces research methods leading to independent work.

Degree Requirements

A Master of Arts in Persian studies requires 30 hours of coursework, with two options: the thesis track or the report track.  The thesis track is recommended for those intending to continue to a doctoral program. In addition to the course requirements below, students must demonstrate reading competence in Arabic parallel to that achieved at the end of a first-year course.

MA with thesis (30 hours):

1. 6 hours of coursework in pre-modern literature;
2. 6 hours of discipline-based coursework;
3. 12 hours of coursework chosen in consultation with a faculty mentor;
4. 6 hours of thesis coursework.

MA with report (30 hours)

1. 6 hours of coursework in pre-modern literature;
2. 6 hours of discipline-based coursework;
3. 3 hours of coursework on Iranian or Persian studies;
4. 12 hours of coursework chosen in consultation with a faculty mentor;
5. 3 hours of report coursework.

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Ph.D. in Persian Studies

The program aims to broaden and deepen the student’s knowledge of Persian language, literature, and culture and to develop his or her skills and abilities for scholarly research and teaching.

Degree Requirements

Students pursuing a PhD in Persian studies typically complete 30 hours of coursework, including six hours of applied linguistics and twelve hours of discipline-based courses. In addition, students must take at least two years of Arabic and are expected to take two advanced courses in literary criticism through the Department of English or the program in comparative literature, as well as selected relevant area studies courses in such fields as art, history, and government.

To be admitted to candidacy for the degree, the student must pass a qualifying examination at a time approved by the graduate adviser.

An examination committee oversees the student's progress and eventually administers a comprehensive examination. After passing this examination, the candidate sets up a dissertation committee with the help of the graduate adviser. This committee approves the dissertation proposal, guides the student in writing the dissertation, and administers the final oral defense.