Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies

Degrees and Fields of Study

  • Ph.D. in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
  • Joint Ph.D. in History/Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
  • Ph.D.-J.D. in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies/Law (Dual Degree)

See also Near Eastern Studies.

Application Deadlines

  • December 18: Fall admission
    • Ph.D.-J.D. applicants must submit two separate applications — one to GSAS, and another to NYU Law. Please consult NYU Law Admissions for the J.D. application deadline.

Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted online by 5PM Eastern Time. If a listed deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or U.S. federal holiday, then the next business day will be the actual deadline.

Test Scores

GRE

  • GRE general test optional. We will consider GRE test scores if they are submitted. Scoring well on the GRE may strengthen your application, especially if you perceive that you have weaknesses in your prior academic record. Not taking the GRE will not adversely affect your application and we will make no assumptions about why you did not take the test. 

TOEFL/IELTS

Applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores unless they:

  • Are a native English speaker; OR

  • Are a US citizen or permanent resident; OR

  • Have completed (or will complete) a baccalaureate or master's degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English.

Statement of Academic Purpose

In a concisely written statement, please describe your past and present work as it relates to your intended field of study, your educational objectives, and your career goals. In addition, please include your intellectual and professional reasons for choosing your field of study and why your studies/research can best be done at the Graduate School of Arts and Science at NYU. The statement should not exceed two double-spaced pages.

Writing Sample

An academic writing sample is required. It can be a seminar paper, a chapter from a senior or MA thesis, or a published article, and should not exceed 8,000 words. It is preferred that it be in the field of the applicant’s interest, but other work will be accepted.