Languages, Literature, and Culture
Arabic Minor
As an Arabic minor, you will engage with Arabic-speaking cultures from day one and keep improving your language skills until graduation and beyond. Arabic is one of the fastest-growing languages in the U.S. and the fifth most-spoken language in the world — and Arabic speakers are in high-demand in a wide range of career fields.
Your Four-Year Journey
Students often combine Arabic with a major in Art, History, International Studies, Political Science, or Psychology.
Understand the basics of language and culture. You can start from the very beginning if Arabic is new to you or if you've studied Arabic before. We'll ensure you start in a suitable class to make the most of what you already know while building a solid foundation for the coming years.
Your second year is a great time to reach out to the Arabic-speaking community on campus. If you haven't already, apply to live in the Arabic house in the Max Kade Wing, where you'll speak Arabic all the time and have a native speaker for a roommate. Don't forget to declare your Arabic minor before the end of the year!
By now, you'll be advancing your language skills and gaining rich knowledge of its culture. Nothing helps you do that more than studying in an Arab-speaking country. Most Arab minors go abroad in their third year. Visit the Global Education Office about your options and talk with your advisor to ensure you don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime immersion opportunity!
By now, you've had an unforgettable time abroad, speaking Arab comes easy to you, and you might even have a bit of reverse culture shock when you return home to Allegheny! For most students, the Senior Comp is the defining feature of their major in the fourth year. You'll start by choosing a topic and relating it to an Arab-speaking culture. Then, a professor will work with you to refine, research, and develop it.
WHY STUDY arabic AT ALLEGHENY?
Put your language skills to work.
Because, as an Arabic minor, you'll have a major in another discipline, you'll have a head start at putting your language skill to work in your chosen field.
Get more "talk time."
Allegheny's small classes mean you have more time to practice the language in class.
Close-knit community
You'll get to know other language students and be part of a community of students who love language in and out of the classroom.
Career Outcomes
93
of Allegheny graduates are employed, in grad school, or in full-time service within six months.
80+
Acceptance rate to graduate and professional school for Allegheny students
90
of US employers need multilingual employees
Grant Marthinsen, Alumnus
Class of 2018, International Studies Major/Religious Studies Minor; Arab Studies master’s program, Georgetown University
“ I enrolled in [Beginning Arabic] during my first semester as a Gator and quickly fell in love with the language, thanks in no small part to the enthusiasm and excellence of the Arabic instructors. … If not for the Allegheny Arabic program, then I would not be where I am today. ”
Alumni Careers — A Sampling
Madeline Fodor, Alumna
Class of 2020, Global Health Studies, International Studies Double Major
“ I look back over my experience studying Arabic with the utmost gratitude. Learning a new language – especially one so structurally different than my primary language – rewired thinking patterns in my brain. Arabic writing and speech began as this beautiful enigma, and then, in bursts of clarity, I connected the letters and sounds to create meaning. It is truly a spectacular feeling to see meaning where you didn’t before. ”