How to Apply

The MAAS program welcomes applicants who have some background in the region and in their proposed area of interest. Though not required, appropriate work or life experience in the region are helpful and at least two years of prior Arabic study is recommended. Successful MAAS candidates have strong analytic capabilities, an excellent academic record, and a commitment to a future career related to the region.

Our program is committed to fostering an environment that is inclusive of all groups and to elevating diverse voices, especially Arab world perspectives, through our curriculum, events and programming. We approach admissions through a holistic approach, cognizant that the diverse experiences and backgrounds of our students is one of our greatest strengths.

To be considered, applicants must submit the following:

  • The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences online application form
  • Transcripts
    Applicants are required to upload to the application system official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Do not send electronic or paper copies of your transcripts before receiving an offer of admission. Please review the transcript requirements for additional details.
  • Statement of Purpose
    The statement of purpose should address any or all of the following: your motivation for applying for this program of study at CCAS, previous academic background, prior experience in the Arab world, and/or what you hope to achieve from the MAAS program.
  • Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Writing Sample
    Please submit a 2-3 page scholarly writing sample (no more than 750 words) on a topic of interest related to the Arab world. The writing sample should draw adequately on academic references and may be a shortened version of a scholarly essay or paper that you have previously written. This must be your own work, so AI tools should not be used for research or writing.
  • Three letters of recommendation (submitted through the online application system)
    At least two letters should be from professors who have taught you. The MAAS program recommends that you submit no more than one letter from a language professor.
  • TOEFL/IELTS Score (International applicants only)
    All international students are required to submit the TOEFL (minimum score: 100 iBT) or IELTS (minimum score: 7.5).

The GRE is not required for admission to the MAAS program. Note that those applying to a dual MAAS/PhD or MAAS/JD program must apply separately to both programs.

Deadlines

  • Priority Consideration for Scholarships: January 15
  • Final Deadline: May 1

The application deadline for prioritized consideration for scholarships is January 15th and the final deadline is May 1st.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to be sure all required materials have been received by the Office of Graduate Admissions by the application deadline. After applying, applicants continue to have access to an application status portal, where they can verify when materials, including recommendation letters, have been received.

Please note that the application process is managed by the Graduate School. For questions about the application process, including submitting TOEFL scores and transcripts, please contact gradmail@georgetown.edu.

For questions specific to the MAAS program, please contact maas@georgetown.edu.

Fee Refunds and Waivers

The standard application fee for the program is $90. However, students may qualify to have the application fee waived. Refunds are typically not available, so waivers should be cleared prior to submitting the application.

All applicants who submit completed applications (including recommendation letters) by December 1 will not be charged an application fee. To qualify, applicants must submit their complete application, including all letters of recommendation and unofficial transcripts, by midnight on December 1.

Additionally, the following groups of applicants are eligible for fee waivers (and do not need to meet the early December 1 deadline):

  • AmeriCorps Alumni
  • Congressional Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Alumni
  • EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Grantees
  • Foreign Fulbright Scholars
  • Graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
  • International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) Alumni
  • Jesuit Volunteer Corps
  • McNair Scholars
  • Members of the U.S. Military
  • Payne Fellows
  • Pickering Fellows
  • PPIA Fellows
  • Rangel Fellows and Scholars
  • Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV)
  • Those applying from Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Teach For All (including Teach for America)
  • Truman Scholars

To arrange your fee waiver, please fill out the MAAS fee waiver request form and upload proof of eligibility no later than January 10th.