Arabic is one of the top five most-spoken languages, with nearly 300 million native Arabic speakers across 26 countries. More than one million Arabic speakers reside in the United States.
Choosing to study Arabic signals intellectual curiosity and a readiness to take on new challenges—qualities that stand out in college applications, scholarships, and competitive programs. It shows initiative and a commitment to engaging with the world in a meaningful way.
Why Iowa?
Engage with vibrant communities and complex histories—Arabic opens doors across the Middle East, North Africa, and the U.S.
At Iowa, Arabic language and culture go beyond the classroom. Our courses emphasize linguistic proficiency while immersing students in the historical, literary, and cultural contexts that shape the Arabic-speaking world. Small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities help you develop the skills to navigate diverse perspectives and global challenges. Students will also build a supportive learning community, in class, during extracurricular activities, and through collaboration with student organizations.
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Careers and Outcomes
Within six months of graduating, 95 percent of Iowa graduates are employed, continuing education, or not seeking work. Our Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
Arabic opens career opportunities. Proficiency in Arabic is highly sought after in fields such as business, translation, diplomacy, journalism, health care, and public policy. Even a basic knowledge of Arabic can enhance your ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships in professional and cross-cultural settings.
Student Opportunities
In addition to having over 600 Student Organizations, Iowa students choose from more than 100 study abroad programs and multiple undergraduate research opportunities.
The Arabic program offers exciting extracurricular activities. These include the weekly Arabic Cultural Hour; student led tutoring opportunities; film screenings; calligraphy workshops; Ramadan celebrations and much more. Students are encouraged to study abroad in the Arab world including in Morocco. Jordan, Oman, and Egypt. Faculty provide mentorship for students applying to fellowships such as the Fulbright Award, the Critical Language Scholarship, and the Boren Award among others.
Scholarships
The University of Iowa provides a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students through the Iowa Scholarship Portal. Scholarships are available to first-year, transfer, and currently enrolled students. For additional details on scholarships for your program of study, check directly with the department or college.
The Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Financial Aid are great resources for students seeking scholarships.
Coursework
The undergraduate Minor in Arabic Studies combines language study with complementary courses in the culture, literature, history, and politics of the Middle East and North Africa. Credit earned during study-abroad counts towards the Minor.
Students wishing to integrate Arabic Studies into a major may choose to complete the Translation or International Studies Major and choose their coursework to focus on Arabic language and cultures.
View the Arabic Minor in the UI General Catalog to learn more.