M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
M.A. in Semitics & Egyptian Language & Literature
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Semitics & Egyptian Language & Literature at The Catholic University of America is a highly specialized graduate program offered by the Department of Semitic and Egyptian Languages and Literatures. This program provides rigorous philological training, allowing students to delve deeply into the ancient languages and literatures of the Near East. It offers two distinct tracks: Ancient Northwest Semitic Languages (ANWSL), primarily focusing on the languages of the Hebrew Bible (Hebrew and Aramaic) and related literatures like Akkadian and Ugaritic; and Near Eastern Christian Languages and Literatures (NECLL), concentrating on Late Antiquity and the early Church through languages such as Arabic, Coptic, Ethiopic, and Syriac. The program is designed to equip students with the skills to unlock the mysteries of ancient inscriptions and manuscripts, preparing them for advanced academic research or careers requiring a profound understanding of these ancient cultures.
Curriculum: The M.A. program requires 30 credit hours of coursework. Students choose two primary research languages and generally undertake additional coursework in other relevant languages. For the ANWSL track, this involves at least nine credit hours in a major language (Aramaic or Hebrew) beyond the introductory level, and at least six credit hours in a second Semitic language (or Coptic) deemed necessary for the student's major field. The NECLL track similarly requires specialization in Arabic, Coptic, Ethiopic, or Syriac. Students may also take related history or language courses from the other track. Up to six credits of advanced Greek may also be counted. A reading knowledge of French and German is strongly recommended, with a requirement to fulfill one of these before comprehensive examinations. The program culminates in M.A. comprehensive examinations in the major and minor languages, and students must submit two major research papers (graded B or better).
Research Focus: The Department of Semitic and Egyptian Languages and Literatures at Catholic University has a unique and strong research focus on the languages, literatures, and history of both the Ancient Near East and the Christian Near East. Its commitment to the Christian Near East, including Arabic, Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopic, Georgian, and Syriac, is particularly distinctive in the U.S. The department also offers extensive coursework in various forms of Aramaic (Old, Official, Qumran, Targumic) and Hebrew (Epigraphic, Qumran, Mishnaic), as well as Akkadian and Ugaritic. Faculty research often delves into biblical studies, Christian history and literature of the Near East, and philological analysis. The department houses its own extensive Semitics/ICOR Library and special collections of manuscripts, ostraca, papyri fragments, and cuneiform tablets, which serve as invaluable resources for student and faculty research, drawing scholars from around the world.
Industry Engagement: As a highly specialized academic program in the humanities, the M.A. in Semitics & Egyptian Language & Literature does not typically engage with "industry" in a commercial sense. Its primary "engagement" is within the global academic and scholarly communities. The program is designed to train future scholars, researchers, and educators in these ancient languages and cultures. However, the rigorous philological training, critical thinking, and in-depth research skills developed are highly transferable. While direct corporate engagement is not a feature, the department's deep ties to research institutions, libraries (like the Library of Congress in D.C.), and religious organizations offer opportunities for practical application in areas such as archival work, textual preservation, and specialized translation projects.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Semitics & Egyptian Language & Literature inherently offers a profound global perspective. By focusing on the languages and literatures of the Ancient Near East and the Christian Near East, the program explores civilizations that span vast geographical regions from Mesopotamia to Egypt, the Levant, and beyond, with enduring cultural and religious legacies. The study of languages like Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, Coptic, and Syriac directly connects students to diverse historical periods, religious traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), and their interactions across continents. The department's focus on the Christian Near East is unique and provides a crucial understanding of global Christianity. Furthermore, the presence of scholars from around the world utilizing the department's unique library and collections fosters an international intellectual environment, enriching the global understanding of its students.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 16575
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
Graduates of The Catholic University of America's M.A. in Semitics & Egyptian Language & Literature acquire an extraordinarily specialized and rigorous skill set, including advanced linguistic proficiency in ancient languages, critical textual analysis, deep historical and cultural understanding, and sophisticated research methodologies. While this degree often serves as a pathway to doctoral studies, the unique combination of skills prepares graduates for a variety of distinctive careers.
University Professor/Scholar (requires further doctoral study): Teaching and conducting research in departments such as Near Eastern Studies, Biblical Studies, Religious Studies, History, or Theology at colleges and universities. The M.A. is a strong foundation for Ph.D. programs.
Biblical Scholar/Theologian: Pursuing advanced study or careers in religious institutions, seminaries, or academic settings focused on the interpretation of ancient biblical texts and related religious traditions.
Archivist/Special Collections Librarian: Managing, preserving, and providing access to ancient manuscripts, papyri, and rare books in Semitic and Egyptian languages within academic, seminary, or specialized research libraries. An additional Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) is often beneficial.
Museum Curator/Egyptologist/Near Eastern Archaeologist: Researching, interpreting, and curating ancient artifacts, inscriptions, and texts for museums or archaeological institutions, often involving field research and exhibition development.
Textual Translator/Editor (Ancient Languages): Specializing in the translation, critical editing, and annotation of ancient texts in Hebrew, Aramaic, Akkadian, Syriac, Coptic, or other Semitic/Egyptian languages for academic publications, religious organizations, or research projects.
Lexicographer/Philologist: Contributing to the creation and maintenance of dictionaries, grammars, and linguistic resources for ancient languages.
Digital Humanities Specialist: Applying digital tools and methodologies to ancient texts and linguistic data for research, preservation, and public access initiatives (e.g., creating digital editions of manuscripts).
Cultural Heritage Specialist: Working for governmental or non-governmental organizations dedicated to the preservation, documentation, or study of cultural heritage sites and artifacts in the Near East and Egypt.
Researcher (Think Tanks/Specialized Institutes): Conducting in-depth research on historical, religious, or linguistic topics related to the ancient Near East and its ongoing impact for specialized research institutes or think tanks.
Genealogist/Historical Consultant (Ancient Cultures): Providing expert historical and linguistic research for individuals, organizations, or media productions seeking to understand ancient lineages, cultural contexts, or the history of specific ancient communities.
