Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
Web: as.nyu.edu/meis
Email: mideast.studies@nyu.edu
Degrees and Fields of Study
Ph.D.
- Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
Ph.D.-J.D. (Dual Degree)
- Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies/Law
Joint Ph.D.
- History/Middle Eastern Studies
Applicants intending to pursue a terminal M.A. degree should apply to Near Eastern Studies.
Students intending to pursue a Ph.D. should apply to Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, whether or not they already have an M.A.
Note: The field of study descriptions may not exactly match the actual program name on the degree that is conferred. Please refer to the GSAS Bulletin section Degree and Certificate Programs as Registered by the New York State Education Department for the actual program name and degree conferred.
Application Deadlines
- December 15, fall only admission
For Ph.D.-J.D. Dual Degree applicants, students will submit TWO SEPARATE APPLICATIONS, a Ph.D. application by December 18 to Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, and a J.D. application per the Law School deadlines. **Please consult the NYU Law Admissions site for the most up-to-date information on Law School application deadlines.
All application materials must be received by 5 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date. If an application deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal U.S. holiday, then the next business day will be the deadline date.
Application Requirements for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit a complete application for admission. A complete application includes the online application, academic transcripts, test scores (if required), letters of recommendation, a résumé or curriculum vitae, a Statement of Academic Purpose, and an application fee. Applicants also have the option of providing a short Personal History essay. Please refer to the Instructions section of the online application. In addition, the department specifically requires the following:
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 or IELTS: Either the TOEFL or the IELTS is required of all applicants who are not native English speakers or who do not have a bachelor's or master's degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English. See test score FAQ.
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.
The Graduate School of Arts and Science reserves the right to change this information at any time. This document supersedes all previous versions.
Last updated September 30, 2021.