PhD Persian and Iranian Studies at University of Arizona

Programme overview

The Ph.D. in Persian and Iranian Studies prepares you for work in institutions of higher education where expert knowledge of Iran and other Persian-speaking societies is required. The degree focuses on modern or classical Persian literature and culture, as well as history, religion, social organization and politics in Iran and other Persian-speaking societies. Earning the Ph.D. requires core and elective coursework and a dissertation.

Faculty: Graduate College | Duration: 6 years / 63 units | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tucson, AZ, United States

What you will study

The PhD in Persian and Iranian Studies consists of 21 units of core courses, 12 units of elective courses, 3 units of a research methods course, 18 dissertation units, and 9+ minor units. The completion of a minor is also required. In addition, fourth-year proficiency in Persian is required, and reading knowledge of French, German, or another relevant language is required.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate College minimum (applies to all programmes; departments may add requirements): regionally accredited bachelor's degree or comparable international degree and a minimum 3.00 GPA for degree programmes on a 4.00 scale. The Graduate College does not require the GRE, though individual programmes may. Programme-specific requirements are listed in the Graduate Admissions Guide.

Domestic applicants: USD 15,500 a year (2026-27). FY 2027 published base tuition for the Resident Graduate rate band, which applies to main-campus graduate programmes. Excludes mandatory fees, college fees, program fees and differential tuition, housing and meal plans. Source

International applicants: USD 35,800 a year (2026-27). FY 2027 published base tuition for the Non-Resident Graduate rate band, which applies to main-campus graduate programmes. Excludes mandatory fees, college fees, program fees and differential tuition, housing and meal plans. Source

Spring semester begins January 13 and fall semester begins August 23 for undergraduate international students; for graduate students spring begins January 14 and fall August 25.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions

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