Near Eastern Studies Ph.D. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

Near Eastern Studies

Program Description

The graduate program in Near Eastern studies emphasizes the languages, literatures, history, and cultures of the Near East. It is designed to help students acquaint themselves with the fundamental elements of these cultures, and also to acquire a high degree of specialization in one or more of the following areas: ancient Near Eastern studies (including archaeology); Arabic literature; biblical studies; early Christianity; Hebrew literature; Islamic studies; Judaic studies; and the modern Middle East.

Candidates for the Ph.D. degree are expected to demonstrate mastery in the language or languages of the main texts that are directly related to the topic of their dissertations. Students are advised to determine early in their training the special field of their concentration and to consult their advisors about linguistic requirements.

Before the end of the sixth term of graduate study, each Ph.D. degree candidate must demonstrate competence in reading scholarly secondary materials in two of the following languages, chosen in consultation with their committee chair: French, German, modern Greek, modern Hebrew, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. Candidates for the master's degree must demonstrate competence in one of those languages at least one term before the degree is awarded.

Contact Information

Website: http://www.neareasternstudies.cornell.edu
Email: neareastern@cornell.edu
Phone: 607 255-1329

409 White Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY  14853

Concentrations by Subject

  • near eastern studies

Tuition

Visit the Graduate School's Tuition Rates page.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

Fall: Dec. 15

Requirements Summary:

All applicants to the field are expected to have had at least two years of undergraduate study in one Near Eastern language or the equivalent. Applicants are required to submit a writing sample of approximately 25 pages.

Learning Outcomes

The Graduate Field of Near Eastern studies emphasizes the languages, literatures, history, cultures and societies of the Near East. It is designed to help doctoral students acquaint themselves with the fundamental elements of these cultures and societies, and also to acquire a high degree of specialization in one or more of the following areas: the ancient Near East; archaeology; Arabic literature; biblical studies; early Christianity; Hebrew literature; Islamic studies; Judaic studies; and the modern Middle East.  Candidates for the Ph.D. degree are expected to demonstrate mastery in the language or languages of the main texts that are directly related to the topic of their dissertations. 

Upon completion of the doctoral program, we expect a Near Eastern Studies Ph.D. ideally to be able to:

  1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of their chosen area(s) of expertise.
  2. Demonstrate broad knowledge of theory and scholarship across relevant sub-fields.
  3. Demonstrate advanced research skills.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to produce and communicate original, publishable research.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to teach effectively.