Interest in the Arabic language has increased greatly throughout the world. With this has come a demand for professionals trained in the field. Based on modern theory and practice, the master's degree and the diploma programs in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) are especially designed to meet this need.

Applicants for the master of arts degree in TAFL should hold a bachelor of arts degree specializing in Arabic language, Islamic studies, Middle East area studies, or a modern language. Applicants should also meet general university admission requirements. Applicants with undergraduate specialization in a modern language other than Arabic must take a number of additional courses in the field of Arabic studies. Applicants for the master of arts degree in TAFL should have teaching experience prior to admission into the program or must acquire this experience concurrently with the program.

Language

Non-native speakers of Arabic and holders of degrees other than Arabic language or Islamic studies must demonstrate in an examination that their proficiency in Arabic is adequate for study in the program. The level of language proficiency required for admission is not less than the level Superior as specified by the guidelines of the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).  Those with less but showing exceptional promise may be recommended for AUC preparatory training for a period not to exceed one year.

An applicant who is not a native speaker of English must have sufficient command of English to qualify for admission as an AUC graduate student. Those with less but showing exceptional promise may be recommended for AUC preparatory training for a period not to exceed one year.

Courses

The comprehensive examination consists of a written examination followed by an oral examination. It is required only of students not writing theses and may not be taken more than twice.

Thesis

The thesis is usually required for graduation. In some circumstances and with the adviser's approval, a candidate may be allowed to replace the thesis with two additional courses, increasing the total number of minimum credit hours required from 30 to 36. In such cases the candidate would be required to take the comprehensive examination.

The student writing a thesis must produce a professional paper on some aspect of TAFL. The thesis must be prepared under the guidance and close supervision of a faculty adviser and a designated committee.

A maximum of one appropriate course may be accepted, with departmental approval, as transfer credit toward the diploma in lieu of 502, 510, 516, 565, or an acceptable elective.