Georgetown University in Qatar Introduces new Minor in Arabic

Undergraduate students at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) will now be able to further enhance their studies with a minor in Arabic. While the University currently offers its students the choice of four majors and three additional certificates, this is the first time students at GU-Q can also choose to minor in a language.

All students studying towards GU-Q’s internationally recognized Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BFSF) degree are required to demonstrate proficiency in a second language in addition to English. The new minor will allow students to further grow their cultural understanding and Arabic language skills.

The option to pursue the minor has been made available to all students, including those who are graduating at the end of the current academic year. The minor aims to complement students’ existing majors in Culture and Politics, International Economics, International History, and International Politics.

“We are excited to offer our students the opportunity to pursue an Arabic minor, the first minor for Georgetown’s Qatar campus. It’s appropriate that our first minor is one that builds on our location in Doha and our research and teaching expertise in Arabic language, politics, and culture,” said Heather Kerst, senior assistant dean for advising and curriculum. “Approximately one-fourth of our 2018 graduates have registered for the minor, so it is already proving very popular.” 

In order to graduate with a minor in Arabic, students will be required to take seven approved courses, demonstrate their proficiency in the language, and declare their interest in pursuing the minor. Both native Arabic speakers and non-heritage speakers are able to apply.