PhD in Near Eastern Studies - Near Eastern Archaeology/Near Eastern Art in Baltimore United States | Johns Hopkins University

Established in 1883, the Department of Near Eastern Studies pioneered the first PhD program in this discipline in the U.S. Students can select from four specialized tracks: Assyriology, Egyptology, Hebrew Bible and Northwest Semitic Studies, and Near Eastern Archaeology/Art.
The archaeology and art concentration explores the material heritage of southwest Asia from the Neolithic through Roman eras, focusing particularly on socio-political, economic, and ideological factors influencing societal organization and transformation. Learners may specialize in either archaeology or art, while gaining foundational knowledge in archaeological theory, anthropological methods, and regional evidence. Since this study examines cultural artifacts within their historical context, students must also develop proficiency in ancient Near Eastern languages and history. An alternative option allows focus on spatial technologies in archaeology, incorporating Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite mapping, and geoarchaeology (see non-language minor below).
For their primary studies, archaeology and art majors should enroll in relevant seminars from the department, chosen with advisor guidance. Art specialization students must additionally complete methodology and theory courses offered by the History of Art Department.