Near Eastern Studies (PhD)

At Cornell University, tuition comes to 29,500 USD per year.

The Near Eastern Studies PhD program prepares students for doctoral research and careers. It emphasizes broad knowledge across sub-fields, advanced research skills, and the ability to produce original, publishable work. Students are expected to master languages relevant to their dissertation topics and are encouraged to explore the breadth of the Near East, past and present.

Focus areas include ancient Near Eastern and Biblical studies, archaeology, Arabic literature, early Christianity, Hebrew literature, Islamic studies.

The program typically involves three years of full-time coursework, including a graduate colloquium each semester and professionalization training, followed by two years of dissertation research and writing, for a minimum of 8 semesters. Students must also complete language courses and research credits each semester.

Graduates are prepared for careers in academia and beyond.

Applicants must meet all Graduate School requirements, including English proficiency. Required materials include three recommendations, an academic statement of purpose, a personal statement, a writing sample of approximately 25 pages, and a resume or CV. At least two years of study in one Near Eastern language is also required.

This is an in-person program located in Ithaca, NY, typically requiring three years of full-time coursework followed by dissertation research. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.