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Understanding the Quran in its original language is a transformative experience. The Quranic Arabic Certificate Program is designed for students who wish to embark on this journey in a structured and supportive environment.
Eligibility & Requirements:
Open to students 16 years and older who have a strong interest in learning Quranic Arabic.
No formal Arabic coursework is necessary.
Students must be able to read Arabic proficiently, particularly the Quran, though prior knowledge of Arabic grammar, vocabulary, or writing is not required.
Applicants will be asked to share a short reflection on why they want to enroll in the program.
Applications
Open
Nov. 1, 2024
Application
Deadline
August 1, 2025
Admission
Notification
August 15, 2025
Fall Semester
Begins*
Sept 1, 2025
* The Quranic Arabic Certificate Program currently only accepts new students in the Fall Semester, as the program is structured around a cohort model with a sequential five-course progression. Each course builds upon the previous one, ensuring a strong foundation in Quranic Arabic.
Students who have prior Arabic knowledge and wish to place into an intermediate level may be considered for mid-program entry based on a placement assessment. If you believe you qualify for advanced placement, please contact us before applying.
For students enrolling in the Quranic Arabic Certificate Program, placement exams ensure that each student begins at the appropriate level of instruction.
Introductory Level: Students starting at the introductory level do not need to take a placement exam. However, they are expected to know the Arabic alphabet and be able to read Arabic proficiently, although they do not need to understand or write it. A good measure of proficiency is the basic ability to read the Qur’an.
Intermediate and Advanced Levels: Students with previous experience in Classical Arabic who wish to place directly into the intermediate or advanced courses must take a placement exam. This exam will assess their knowledge of Arabic grammar, morphology, syntax, and vocabulary to ensure they are prepared for the more advanced coursework. The placement exam helps maintain a consistent and effective learning environment by ensuring that all students have the requisite skills for their respective course levels.
The total cost of the Quranic Arabic Certificate Program, comprised of five courses, is $2600. Each course costs $500 coupled with a one-time $100 Application Fee.
By comparison, for students not in the Quranic Arabic Certificate Program who choose to take each course separately as auditors, the cost is $1000 per course. By committing to the complete certificate program, students save almost 50%!
Students are expected to know the Arabic alphabet and be able to read Arabic proficiently, although they do not need to understand or write it. A good measure of proficiency is the basic ability to read the Qur’an.
While synchronous online classes may be recorded for educational and/or administrative purpose, recordings will only be made available to students if their absence has been excused. Students who miss class due to an unexcused absence should not assume that recordings will be available to them. Naturally, pre-recorded asynchronous lecture recordings, to be watched before the synchronous sessions, are available to all registered students.
Yes, students will need a reliable internet connection, a computer or tablet capable of running video conferencing software (we generally use Zoom), and a headset or microphone for clear communication during online classes. Please note that we have a cameras-on policy to ensure active participation and engagement during sessions. Additionally, access to our Learning Management System, such as Google Classroom, is required for course materials and assignments. Specific details will be shared before classes begin.
We understand that plans can change, and we aim to accommodate students where possible. Please note that the application fee is nonrefundable. Tuition refunds are available if cancellation occurs before the start of the first course (100%) or before the second course begins (50%). After the second course starts, no refunds can be issued. If you need assistance or have concerns about continuing, we encourage you to reach out for support.
The Certificate in Classical Arabic consists of five courses, which can be completed as quickly as five consecutive semesters. However, students have up to 4 years to finish the program. Please note that not every level course is offered every semester. For example, the Beginner (Part 1), Intermediate (Part 1) and Advanced courses are typically offered in the Fall, while the Beginner (Part 2), Intermediate (Part 2) courses are usually offered in the Spring. This schedule allows flexibility, but students should plan accordingly based on course availability
The Certificate in Classical Arabic is entirely online. The program consists of asynchronous pre-recorded lectures, which students are required to watch before the live sessions. In addition, there are two 90-minute synchronous online classes each week, where students engage in real-time discussions and activities with instructors and peers. This format provides flexibility while maintaining interactive learning.
Yes, students will have weekly assignments and quizzes, along with a mid-term and final exam. These are required, and failure to complete them may result in a failing grade or dismissal from the course. The program is highly interactive, so students must come to class prepared, having completed all assignments. Based on past experience, students who do not allocate enough time to keep up with the coursework and assessments tend to struggle in the program. Consistent effort and time management are essential for success.
No, the courses cannot be taken concurrently as they are offered in different semesters. Additionally, students are not permitted to enroll in courses from two different levels at the same time. Each course must be completed in sequence, starting with the Beginner course, followed by the Intermediate, and then the Advanced course.
Only students who successfully meet all certificate requirements will be awarded the Certificate in Classical Arabic. This includes completing all three levels of the program—Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced—earning a grade of B or better in each course, and finishing all coursework within a maximum of four years. We encourage students to plan carefully and stay committed to their studies. If challenges arise, we are here to provide support and guidance to help you achieve your goals.
Yes, students can audit any of the Arabic courses offered each semester. However, auditing a course on its own is more expensive on a per-course basis compared to enrolling in the Certificate Program. The Certificate Program offers a more cost-effective option for completing the full course sequence.
Our focus is on Quranic Arabic, the language of the Quran, which encompasses its distinct vocabulary, grammar, and expressions. This form of Arabic is foundational for engaging with Islamic texts and has a deep connection to religious contexts. In contrast, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is used in contemporary writing, media, and formal communication. While MSA is valuable for modern contexts, classical Arabic provides the tools necessary to understand not only the Quran but also the works of traditional Muslim scholarship, which are deeply rooted in classical Arabic. Through our program, students build the skills to explore the linguistic nuances of the Quran and engage with the rich tradition of Islamic scholarship, offering a deeper and more comprehensive understanding than standard Arabic courses.