How to Apply

The MAAS program welcomes applicants who have some background in the region and in their proposed concentration. 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, high standardized test scores, and a commitment to a future career related to the region.

The MAAS program admits students for the fall term only. Applications are assessed without regard to race, sex, religion, sexual orientation or national origin.

Those applying to a dual MAAS/PhD or MAAS/JD program must apply separately to both programs.

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 unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Do not send electronic or paper copies of your transcripts before receiving an offer of admission. Review the unofficial transcript requirements for additional details and FAQs.
  • 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)
  • Supplemental Essay
    This should be a well-written, scholarly essay analyzing what you consider to be a significant situation, issue, or development in the society, politics, economics, modern history, or culture of the Arab world. The essay should not exceed 750 typed words, not including any references or bibliography.
  • 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).

Note: For those applying for Fall 2020 admission to the program, the MAAS program will not require the GRE.

Deadlines

  • For Scholarship Consideration: January 15
  • Final Deadline: April 1

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

Please note that 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.

For questions, please contact Kelli Harris, Assistant Director of Academic Programs, at Kelli.Harris@georgetown.edu or (202) 687-8957.

Fee Refunds and Waivers

The standard application fee for the program is $90. However, many students qualify to have the application fee waived or refunded.

All applicants who submit their complete applications by December 1 will have their application fee refunded. To qualify, applicants must submit their complete application, including all letters of recommendation and unofficial transcripts, by midnight on December 1. These applicants will pay the $90 application fee up front and will have the fee refunded to them in late December or early January.

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

  • Rangel Finalists and Fellows
  • Pickering Finalists and Fellows

To request your fee waiver, please contact Kelli Harris by January 2 to verify your eligibility.