BA Persian Studies at University of Maryland, College Park

Programme overview

The 36-credit major in Persian Studies (PERS) offers a comprehensive study of Persian language and culture. The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with extensive training to become proficient in the language and acquaints them with the evolution of Iranian and other Persianate cultures in their diverse perspectives, practices, and products. The B.A. in Persian Studies prepares students for a range of professional opportunities, including careers in government, education, the arts, business, international relations, and communication.

Faculty: College of Arts and Humanities | Department: School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures | Study mode: full-time | Location: College Park, MD, United States

What you will study

Required courses include Beginning Persian I (Beginning Persian I), Beginning Persian II (Beginning Persian II), Intermediate Persian I, Intermediate Persian II, Modern Iran, Gender and Body in Iran. Major requirements total 36 credits.

Career pathways

in Persian Studies prepares students for a range of professional opportunities, including careers in government, education, the arts, business, international relations, and communication.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to the university through undergraduate admissions (applies to the university, not specifically to this major).

Domestic applicants: USD 11,015 a year (2026-27). Full-time undergraduate tuition for Maryland residents, fall and spring semesters; one university-wide undergraduate rate that applies to all bachelor's programmes. Excludes mandatory fees ($1,820), room and board. Juniors and seniors majoring in Business Source

International applicants: USD 42,266 a year (2026-27). Full-time undergraduate tuition for residents of the District of Columbia, other states and other countries, fall and spring semesters; one university-wide undergraduate rate that applies to all bachelor's programmes. Excludes mandatory fees ($1,820), roo Source

Fall enrollment begins in late August and Spring enrollment in late January. Freshmen who apply for Fall are automatically considered for Spring admission.

Fall entry, U.S. and international freshmen: Early Action deadline November 1 (decision by February 1; non-binding), Regular deadline January 20 (decision by April 1); enrollment confirmation by May 1. Applications after the regular deadline are considered on a rolling, space-available basis.

Fall entry, U.S. and international transfers: Early Action deadline March 1 (decision by late April), Regular deadline June 1 (decision by mid-July); enrollment confirmation within 30 days of admission.

Spring entry: international freshmen and transfers must apply by August 1; U.S. freshmen Early Action deadline December 1; U.S. transfers Early Action August 1 and Regular November 15.

The undergraduate application fee is $80 (non-refundable). Admitted students pay a $400 non-refundable enrollment confirmation deposit, credited to tuition. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are optional through the Spring and Fall 2027 application cycles.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.umd.edu/apply

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