University of Maryland - Office of Professional Studies: Keep Learning

Persian Program

Master's Degree and Graduate Certificate Programs

Part of the National Flagship Language Program, the Persian Flagship program is intended for individuals with basic functional ability (1+ or better [ILR] or Advanced [ACTFL]) in Persian.

The program employs an innovative, task-based curriculum, with content areas in modern Iranian culture, politics and international relations.

Students will effectively be able to live in a Persian-speaking environment during their time at the University of Maryland, with at least five hours a day of structured language learning experiences. Students will also gain language exposure through various combinations of peer tutors (Persian native speakers matched with Flagship students in the same academic or career field) and faculty mentors. A dedicated Persian study area filled with Persian multimedia resources, possibility of residence in Persian Language House, and a rich variety of visiting speakers, field trips, and other formal and informal cultural experiences are key components of the program.

Students who successfully complete 15 credits of required courses will receive a Graduate Certificate of Professional Studies in Persian. Students who successfully complete 30 credits of required courses will receive a Master of Professional Studies in Persian.

Full funding is available through the Institute of International Education (IIE) to qualified students willing to make a two-year commitment to government service.

Please contact IIE for fellowship application deadlines.

Persian Program - Admissions

Application Deadlines:

The Persian Program has limited enrollment.

  • Spring 2009: For best consideration, apply by October 15, 2008.
  • Fall 2009: For best consideration, apply by April 15, 2009.

Qualifications

The Graduate School requires all admitted graduate students to have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree in another country. A GPA of 3.0 is required for admission into this program.

Application for the Persian Program is a 5-step process:

  1. All applicants interested in the program are required to demonstrate a minimum level of Persian language proficiency equivalent to 2 (ILR) or Intermediate-Mid (ACTFL) in listening and speaking, prior to submitting application and other documents.
    To schedule a test, please email SPOC at (spoc@umd.edu).
  2. Submit a completed online application:
    • Click here to apply for the Graduate Certificate of Professional Studies in Persian Language (15 Credits).
    • Click here to apply for the Master of Professional Studies in Persian Language (30 Credits).
  3. Submit the nonrefundable application fee of $60.
  4. Submit a complete set of transcripts reflecting all undergraduate and graduate work elected or in progress. Each transcript must bear the signature of the registrar and the seal of the granting institution and should include the years of attendance, courses taken, grades received, class standing and the degree, certificate or diploma received. If you attended the University of Maryland , College Park the SPOC Office will obtain the records of College Park courses completed.
  5. Submit a current résumé

International students and applicants with foreign credentials must submit academic records in the original language with literal English translations. Allow at least three months for evaluation. TOEFL scores are also required for all international applicants. For information on additional documentation required by International Education Services, click here.

Registration information will be sent upon acceptance into the program.

All materials should be sent to:

By mail
SPOC - Persian
1130 Mitchell Building
College Park, MD 20742
By e-mail:
spoc@umd.edu
By fax:
301-314-7915

Special offer for UM alumni who are members of the Alumni Association! Enjoy a 5% tuition reduction for courses in the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) and Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies (GCPS) programs. To receive this special offer, please complete the Alumni Tuition Application. Not a member? Join today!  Click here to apply NOW! 

Persian Program - Courses

PERS411: Readings in Iranian Islam (3 credits)
In-depth study of Iranian Islam via Islamic texts. Develops competency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension at advanced level. In Persian.

PERS601: Modern Persian Literature (3 credits)
Selected readings in Persian poetry, fiction, and drama covering topics related to contemporary Iranian society and culture. In Persian.

PERS611: Practicum in Persian/English Translation (3 credits)
Analysis, translation and interpreting of literary, expository, and oral texts, mainly from English to Persian. Focus on interdependence of language, context and culture. In Persian and English.

PERS632: Film and Popular Culture in the Persian-Speaking World (3 credits)
Study of socio-cultural, political and identity issues in the Persian-speaking world through visual media, primarily film. In Persian.

PERS641: Iranian Media and International Relations (3 credits)
Political interests and diplomatic positions of Iran in the contemporary international context as reflected in its print and electronic media. In Persian.

PERS642: Political Issues in Contemporary Iran (3 credits)
Analysis of current political context in Iran; impact of modernization and westernization. In Persian.

PERS662: Persian Sociolinguistics (3 credits)
Study of impact of social and regional factors on spoken and written usage. In Persian.

PERS672: Culture and Commerce in the Persian-speaking World (3 credits)
Major issues in Iranian business culture; relations between state and private sector; effects of globalization. In Persian.

PERS689: Special Topics in Persian Language Studies (3 credits)
An in-depth analysis of a particular aspect of Persian studies. In Persian.

Persian Program - Calendar

Summer 2008

June 2-July 31

  • PERS 662 Persian Sociolinguistics (Mondays- Fridays)
  • PERS 632 Film and Popular Culture in the Persian-speaking World (Tuesdays-Thursdays)

Fall 2008

UMD academic calendar

  • PERS 411 Readings in Iranian Islam (Mondays)
  • PERS 601 Modern Persian Literature (Fridays)
  • PERS 641 Iranian Media and International Relations (Thursdays)
  • PERS 689A Special Topics in Persian Studies (Tuesdays)

Spring 2009

UMD academic calendar

  • PERS 611 Practicum in Persian/English Translation (Mondays)
  • PERS 642 Political Issues in Contemporary Iran (Tuesdays)
  • PERS 672 Culture and Commerce in the Persian-speaking World (Thursdays)
  • PERS 689B Special Topics in Persian Studies (Fridays)

Persian Program - Tuition & Fees

Current charges (subject to campus approval)

Application Fee: $60 (nonrefundable)
Tuition: $2,000 per course
SPOC Fee: $40 per semester
Mandatory Fee: $539.35 for full-time students (9 or more credits)
$317.25 for part-time (up to 8 credits)

Supplies:

Supplies will vary by course and are not included in the tuition and fees listed here.

Late Registration Fee:

A late registration fee of $20 is charged to any student who registers for their first class on or after the first day the class meets.

Parking Fees:

Click here to access the Department of Transportation Services Web site for parking permit information. Parking permits are NOT required on campus for classes that begin after 4 p.m.

Please visit Billing and Payment for other important financial details.

Please Note: Although changes in tuition and fees are ordinarily announced in advance, the University reserves the right to make such changes without previous announcement.