World Language: Arabic Major

World Language: Arabic Major

World Language: Arabic

Major

The Middle East is the cradle of civilization, is the birthplace of the world’s three great monotheistic religions, and stands at the center of both the global economy and many of the key strategic military and political alliances of the United States.

Offered by the Department of English and World Languages.

If you're interested in learning a new language, exploring other cultures, and preparing to lead in today’s global environment, the World Language: Arabic major at the United States Military Academy at West Point could be a great fit for you. The program provides deep language skills and cultural understanding in one of the most important and strategic languages in the world. 

You’ll study Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) and the Levantine (Shami) dialect simultaneously, as well as Middle Eastern culture, politics, history, and religion. This proficiency gives you the skills you need to succeed both as a consumer and practitioner of the language. Finally, you will be given multiple opportunities to travel abroad, either through Summer Immersion or a full semester abroad.

What is World Language - Arabic?

Arabic is one of the most important languages in the world - spoken across the Middle East and North Africa and critical to U.S. national security and global operations. In the Arabic major, cadets do more than just learn how to speak, read, and write the language. They also explore the history, politics, religion, and culture of the Arab world. 

This major focuses on helping cadets communicate confidently and effectively in Arabic-speaking environments while preparing them to serve in roles that require strong language, diplomacy, and cross-cultural leadership skills. The Middle East is the cradle of civilization, the birthplace of the world’s three great monotheistic religions, and stands at the center of both the global economy and many of the key strategic military and political alliances of the United States.

This curriculum accommodates learners of all skill levels. 

Why Consider World Language - Arabic at USMA?

  1. Serve Where the Army Needs Soldiers
    Arabic is one of the most in-demand languages in U.S. national security. USMA graduates' skills can help in military intelligence, civil affairs, special operations, or diplomacy.
  2. Master Language and Culture
    Cadets don’t just learn to speak Arabic - they study history, religion, politics, and regional dynamics so they can lead with cultural awareness and respect.
  3. Study Abroad & Immersion
    Many cadets travel to Arabic-speaking countries for language immersion, often during summer programs. This real-world experience is a game-changer.
  4. Gain an Edge in Intelligence and Strategy
    Arabic majors are especially well-prepared for roles in Middle East policy, counterterrorism, regional planning, and coalition operations.
  5. Graduate With Rare, High-Value Skills
    Fluency in Arabic opens up opportunities for Army assignments, grad school, and future careers in diplomacy, defense, or global business.

At West Point, the Arabic major trains cadets to be more than just a warfighter - they'll be a bridge between cultures, a communicator in complex environments, and a leader prepared for global impact. In today’s Army, that’s not just valuable - it’s essential.

What To Do With This Major?

As Arabic majors and Army officers, graduates will be ready to:

  • Serve in Military Intelligence, Civil Affairs, Special Forces, Foreign Area Officer (FAO) roles
  • Work alongside partner forces and allied nations in the Middle East and North Africa
  • Brief commanders on regional issues or translate intelligence
  • Pursue careers in government, international relations, national security, or humanitarian work

Interested Cadets

  • Learn about the Department of English and World Languages (DEWL)
  • Contact DEWL

If you're fascinated by language, culture, international affairs, or global missions, the Arabic major is one of the most impactful and mission-relevant programs you can choose at West Point. Majoring in Arabic means more than learning a language - it’s about gaining cultural insight, developing communication skills, and preparing for leadership in a global environment. If you're up for a challenge and want to stand out as a future officer and leader, Arabic is a smart, strategic choice.

Why Consider This Major

The Army needs officers who can operate in diverse cultural environments, and Arabic is one of the most high-demand languages in military, intelligence, and diplomatic missions. Whether USMA graduates are leading missions overseas, working with allies, or serving in global operations, Arabic skills give them an edge.

  • In-Demand Language Skills: Arabic is a critical language for the Army and national security.
  • Global Understanding: Learn how to work effectively with people from different cultures.
  • Career Advantage: Opens doors to assignments in military intelligence, foreign affairs, and beyond.
  • Immersive Opportunities: Study abroad, cultural immersion trips, and intensive language training make this major hands-on and exciting.

Cadets thrive in this program if they:

  • Are excited to learn a new language and use it in real-world settings
  • Are curious about Middle Eastern cultures, history, and politics
  • Want to be a culturally aware, globally capable officer
  • Plan to serve in areas related to intelligence, foreign policy, or international operations

What Cadets Learn

Cadets learn how to:

  • Speak and understand Modern Standard Arabic and regional dialects
  • Read Arabic texts - from news articles to literature
  • Communicate confidently in real-world situations
  • Understand the culture, values, and current issues in Arabic-speaking countries

Arabic majors take a series of intensive language courses - starting from beginner and moving toward advanced - and cultural studies such as:

  • Modern Standard Arabic I–VI
  • Arabic Literature, Media, and Film
  • Middle Eastern Politics and Religion
  • Regional Studies of North Africa and the Levant
  • Islamic Civilization and Modern Arab Thought

Cadets also complete a capstone research project - often based on a real-world issue related to the Arabic-speaking world or U.S. military strategy in the region.

Choice of Electives

Cadets can choose from a variety of electives, including:

  • LA480: Arabic Media and Current Events – Learn how to understand news and media in Arabic.
  • LA470: Arabic Literature and Film – Dive into storytelling and cinema from the Arab world.
  • LA485: Arabic Dialects – Focus on regional language differences for real-world communication.
  • Regional Studies Electives – Study the history, religion, and politics of the Middle East and North Africa.Bottom Line

Learn More

  • View the full World Language - Arabic major curriculum
  • Meet the World Language - Arabic faculty

Interact with Arabic at West Point!

Cadets can apply to spend a semester abroad or experience a summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, USMA-run academic enrichment experience, in places such Jordan, Oman, and Morocco. 

Immersion opportunities:

  • Semester Abroad Program (SAP): Four months of study in Morocco or Oman.
  • Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD): 3 weeks of study in Morocco or Oman. Each trip is worth 3 credit hours. Past trips have included Jordan, Oman and Morocco. A unique opportunity to experience Arabic culture firsthand!

Honor Societies:
Phi Sigma Iota - International Foreign Language Honor Society
Golden Key - International Honour Society
Phi Kappa Phi - Oldest and Largest Collegiate Honor Society

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of English and World Languages or the Center for Languages, Cultures, and Regional Studies.