Arabic Language and Culture Studies, Minor

Director: Enaya Othman, Ph.D.

The Arabic Language Studies and Culture minor offers students a transformative opportunity to explore one of the world’s most influential languages. Spoken by over 400 million people, Arabic is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and serves as a gateway to the rich histories, diverse cultures, and political landscapes of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as the broader Global Middle East.

Designated as a critical language by the U.S. government, Arabic plays a key role in national security, economic development, and global engagement. This designation highlights the increasing demand for Arabic proficiency across sectors, with programs such as the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) providing immersive opportunities to develop expertise in Arabic and meet this growing need.

Students who choose to minor in Arabic are especially well-positioned to apply for prestigious, fully funded scholarship programs designed to support Arabic language learners, including:

  • Boren Awards: These competitive scholarships fund intensive Arabic study in countries of strategic importance. Students build not only language proficiency but also a deeper understanding of the region’s relevance to global affairs. Many Boren Scholars go on to careers in public service and international engagement.
  • Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC) SALAM Program: This summer immersion program offers full funding for U.S. students to study Arabic in Oman. Participants experience the Arabic language and culture firsthand through coursework and cultural engagement, with a focus on the Arab Gulf.
  • Critical Language Scholarship (CLS): Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the CLS program provides an intensive summer study experience in Arabic-speaking countries. It is a fully funded opportunity designed for students who are serious about advancing their Arabic proficiency through total immersion.

These scholarships are tailored to students who are committed to Arabic as a field of study and global engagement. Students in the Arabic Language Studies and Culture minor develop the strong linguistic and cultural foundation that makes them highly competitive candidates for these awards.

Students in the Arabic minor develop intermediate proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic, while also gaining familiarity with a variety of Arabic dialects, primarily focusing on Levantine. This balanced approach ensures that students can effectively communicate in both formal and everyday settings with cultural sensitivity and confidence.

The Arabic minor opens doors to a wide range of career paths, including health, law, education, nonprofit organizations, international business, journalism, diplomacy, community advocacy, social work, international development, and political analysis. The program equips students with essential language skills and connects their learning to contemporary global issues.

The minor includes courses spanning multiple disciplines—history, religion, literature, politics, culture, disability studies, and international affairs—giving students a comprehensive understanding of Arab and Muslim societies, the MENA region, and their interactions with global systems.

Additionally, students can take part in study abroad opportunities, community-based learning projects, and cultural outreach initiatives, which allow them to apply their knowledge outside the classroom and engage with Arab and Muslim communities. These experiences cultivate leadership and intercultural competency.

Aligned with Marquette University’s Jesuit mission, the Arabic Language Studies and Culture minor prepares students to become compassionate, informed global citizens who contribute to intercultural dialogue, religious literacy, peacebuilding, and social justice. Graduates emerge as advocates and bridge-builders, committed to fostering mutual respect and understanding at local, national, and international levels.

Students are also encouraged to explore the complementary Middle East and North Africa (MENA) major or minor to deepen their regional expertise and enhance their interdisciplinary connections.