Arm457

Hi guys, I'm looking to get a terminal masters degree so that I can improve my language skills, get better recs, and produce graduate quality work before I move onto a PhD. The problem is that I'm not sure whether my research interests make me a more competitive applicant for a terminal MA in Middle Eastern Studies or Comparative Literature. I'm a US citizen, and if I pursue a MA in Middle Eastern Studies, I feel as though I could receive funding through FLAAS and the like, whereas, if I pursued the masters in comp lit, I would have to fund myself. (I would have to take out loans, which isn't the end of the world, but obviously not ideal.) My research interests include postcolonial theory, cosmopolitanism, exile, migration, the Modern Arabic/North African novel, the Modern South Asian novel, Pakistan's operational military involvement in the Bosnian War and Siachen Conflict, and the work and lives of authors such as Tayeb Salih, Yaya Haqqi, Naguib Mafouz, Manto, among others. My question is, what terminal masters programs would be the best fit for me, whether Comp Lit or Near Eastern Studies. Could you guys point me to some scholars/academics who have similar research interests as I do? This would be invaluable if you guys could help. Thank you!

Hi guys, I'm looking to get a terminal masters degree so that I can improve my language skills, get better recs, and produce graduate quality work before I move onto a PhD. The problem is that I'm not sure whether my research interests make me a more competitive applicant for a terminal MA in Middle Eastern Studies or Comparative Literature. I'm a US citizen, and if I pursue a MA in Middle Eastern Studies, I feel as though I could receive funding through FLAAS and the like, whereas, if I pursued the masters in comp lit, I would have to fund myself. (I would have to take out loans, which isn't the end of the world, but obviously not ideal.) My research interests include postcolonial theory, cosmopolitanism, exile, migration, the Modern Arabic/North African novel, the Modern South Asian novel, Pakistan's operational military involvement in the Bosnian War and Siachen Conflict, and the work and lives of authors such as Tayeb Salih, Yaya Haqqi, Naguib Mafouz, Manto, among others. My question is, what terminal masters programs would be the best fit for me, whether Comp Lit or Near Eastern Studies. Could you guys point me to some scholars/academics who have similar research interests as I do? This would be invaluable if you guys could help. Thank you!

Hi guys, I studied literature with a focus on the Middle East in college. While I had internships related to research, I did not publish any research while an undergraduate. I was wondering if research was perceived as a requirement for a recent college grad seeking to get into a terminal MA in Comp Lit? Thanks!

Hey guys, I think the title of this post sort of says it all, but I was wondering how important undergraduate research was in terms of terminal MA admissions in middle eastern studies? I didn't do a lot of research with my professors, but have a lot of internships that might show some of my research skills. Just wondering how necessary it was at the terminal MA level. I know as a masters student applying for a PhD it's one of the main things, but how about otherwise? Thank you to all! Everyone in this community is really supportive.

I see, but what about for the private schools I listed? I'm sure if UT has an acceptance rate of around 40%, others can't be too far off. That clears it up a lot. Thanks!

Thanks for the input TwentySix, I'm sure the rate for middle eastern studies isn't too far off from that. Any other feedback would be great, I'm not sure why schools don't publish these "admitted students statistics" like MBA or Law Schools. Thanks.

Hi guys, I'm applying to masters programs in near eastern studies with the hope of one day pursuing academia. I'm still at the point where I'm studying for the GRE and completing the rest of my application. I've called a couple of schools to get more information about their specific programs/professors whose research is in line with my own interests, but none of the schools gave me specific info about acceptance rates. My question is, for top, paid masters programs at schools like Harvard, Columbia, NYU, or Yale, what is the acceptance rate like? I saw a post where an individual stated the acceptance rate was as high as 50%? Any input would be greatly appreciated.