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Columbia's faculty began teaching what were then termed Oriental languages as far back as 1780. While Columbia scholars have since reexamined and challenged the concept of the Orient, the university's prestige has remained constant. The department provides instruction across three primary cultural domains: African Studies, Arab Studies, and South Asian Studies, along with Armenian, Hebrew, Persian, and Islamic Studies. Students can focus on specific subfields in consultation with their advisor and the department's academic affairs committee. Fellowships are granted based on academic excellence and potential for scholarly contributions. Graduate education emphasizes teaching and research experience, with fellowships incorporating these practical training components.
Applicant must have the equivalent of the U.S. baccalaureate degree with a superior examination record and can understand rapid idiomatic English and can speak, write and read English with a high degree of facility are eligible for admission.
English Language Requirement
Applicant must have TOEFL score of 600 on paper-and-pencil test, 100 on the internet-based test and IELTS score of 7.5