Middle Eastern Studies | College of Liberal Arts
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Graduate Admissions

College of Liberal Arts

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Applications for Fall 2024 admissions have closed. Check back in September for applications for admission in Fall 2025. 

Please take care to apply to the correct degree program. The name of our Ph.D. program is Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, while the name of our M.A. program is Middle Eastern Studies.

Dual Master’s Admissions Process

Prospective students submit a single Apply Texas application, and pay one fee, for the designated dual-degree major code. Since applicants must apply separately to both programs, they must fulfill the distinct application requirements and deadlines of each department. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the appropriate materials are sent to the respective departments.  

Each graduate program will independently review the application materials and it is possible to be admitted into one program but not the other. Some students accept admission in one program and then re-apply to the other in the following year. 

After you submit your ApplyTexas application, you'll receive an email from the Office of Admissions that includes your UT EID, allowing you to access MyStatus and the Document Upload System. During peak periods, this can take two to three days.

Please DO NOT call our office with admissions questions. You may email the Graduate Coordinator, Taylor Peterson, for assistance.

December 15; Midnight (Firm Deadline)

  • ApplyTexas Deadline
  • Application Materials Deadline, including Letters & Test Scores

Applicant Tasks

  • One year prior to the anticipated first semester
    1. Read MES website: including program specializations; degree requirements; admissions and application requirements; faculty research interests; current students and alumni interests; and placement data.
    2. Read University and Graduate School websites, including the application process, University GPA and test score minimums.
    3. Identify and contact faculty members with similar research interests.
    4. Begin studying for GRE and, if applicable, the TOEFL
  • One year to six months prior to the anticipated first semester
    1. Register for GRE and TOEFL exams
    2. Identify a substantial body of work that will be your Writing Sample
  • Six months to two months prior to the application deadline
    1. Begin preparation on Statement of Purpose and c.v.
    2. Identify and approach individuals to serve as recommenders for your application
    3. Ensure test date allows for scores to arrive prior to the FIRM December 15 deadline
  • One to two months prior to the application deadline
    1. Begin ApplyTexas application
    2. Coordinate submission of application materials, including official transcripts and letters of recommendation
    3. Monitor status of application materials by regularly monitoring MyStatus
    4. Apply for FLAS prior to deadline
  • January

    Complete the FAFSA

Admissions Process and Notifications

February

  1. Admissions decisions will be conveyed to applicants via MyStatus
  2. Funding decisions will be conveyed to applicants via email

April 15; Midnight (Firm Deadline)

  • Deadline to accept or decline admissions and funding offers*
  • In the event of no indication from the application, admissions and funding offers will be rescinded on April 16.
*Please note that the funding committee considers applications for any funding opportunities that become available after their initial meeting. They will notify selected students at that time. 

Important Dates and Processing Times

December 15; midnight

ApplyTexas and Application Materials Deadline; firm deadline.

mid to late January  

Admissions and Funding Committee collectively review applications. 

February  

Applicants are notified of Admissions and Funding Decisions.

April 15; midnight 

Deadline for applicants granted admission to notify CDMES of their decision.

April - August

Please note that funding opportunities do become available after the April 15th deadline. The Department and Center will communicate these opportunities.