Certificate in Arabic Language and Cultural Fluency

This post-baccalaureate certificate is designed for Muslim women seeking to deepen their connection to the Arabic language for personal and professional purposes. Through a structured sequence of language courses—ranging from Advanced Beginner to Advanced High—students build a strong foundation in grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and expressive fluency. Specialized courses support real-world language use and cultural fluency, building confidence and deepening linguistic and semantic understanding.

 Degree

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Required credits

25 Credit hours

Areas of Focus

Arabic Language, Oral and Written Communication, Cultural and Media Literacy

Admissions Dates

Open: January 5, 2026

Closes: February 22, 2026

Tuition

Tuition and fee information is available here.

 

Program Objectives

By the end of this program, students will be able to:

 

Language Proficiency

Apply grammatical knowledge and produce coherent spoken and written Arabic to demonstrate intermediate-to-advanced proficiency in Arabic.

Communicate Confidently and Culturally

Engage in meaningful oral and written communication, adapt language use to everyday and professional contexts, and illustrate understanding of cultural norms and regional variation.

Arabic Expression

Interpret and analyze selected Arabic texts, media, and sacred writings to explain the linguistic, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of the Arabic traditions.

Prerequisites

To qualify for admission into the program, students must either:

  • Pass Ribāṭ Arabic through Intermediate High 3
  • OR demonstrate proficiency through a placement test
  • OR submit transcripts from another institution that uses ACTFL (or a standardized measure) for their Arabic program demonstrating equivalency completing intermediate levels in Arabic
  • OR a bachelor’s degree in Arabic
 
 

Admissions Requirements

We review your admission holistically, to understand your academic readiness, character, and commitment to learning. A holistic review refers to an applicant’s academic record, volunteer/ community service, optional exams submitted, awards and recognition, and perspectives that can contribute to the academic and spiritual goals of being a student at Ribāṭ University. 

The Certificate in Arabic Language and Cultural Fluency application process includes, but is not limited to:

Application basics

  • Completed application
  • A non-refundable fee of $35 submitted with the application
  • An interview may be requested 

Academic records

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • It is to the advantage of the applicant to possess a background in formal Arabic studies; however, it is not a requirement to have a strong background in the Arabic language
  • Demonstrate well-developed written and oral communication skills
  • Provide strong academic references
  • Exhibit critical thinking skills and research capabilities
  • MAT and/or GRE scores are preferred but not required
  • Official transcripts from all prior academic institutions attended

Writing and recommendations

  • Personal narrative essay and short responses
  • Three to four email addresses for people who will provide a recommendation by submitting an online questionnaire. Referees can be personal, professional, academic, and/or community leaders.

If applicable

  • English proficiency results for non-native speakers (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test results)
Course Outline

This is the first module of the Advanced level. In this module, learners will review, consolidate and expand their grammatical knowledge through the reading, translation, and analysis of classical and authentic texts.

This is the first module of the Advanced level. In this module, learners will review, consolidate and expand their grammatical knowledge through the reading, translation, and analysis of classical and authentic texts.

This course builds students’ Arabic reading proficiency by developing strategic reading skills and strengthening awareness of how meaning is constructed in authentic texts. Students focus on the function and translation of particles and verb–particle combinations, supported by guided use of corpus tools to explore real language usage. The course also expands grammatical range through adverbs of time and place, number expressions, and derived noun forms. Through scaffolded and independent reading practice, students apply these skills to unfamiliar texts and prepare for continued study at the advanced level.

This is the first module of the Advanced Middle level, focusing on the consolidation and expansion of Arabic grammatical knowledge through close reading, translation, and analysis of classical and authentic texts. Students engage in linguistic analysis of selected Quranic passages and study key grammatical structures. The course also introduces the history of the Quran’s compilation and the development of the Quranic script, strengthening students’ ability to apply advanced grammatical and analytical skills to new texts and preparing them for further advanced study.

This course strengthens advanced Arabic grammar and reading skills through a thematic study of the modern history of the Middle East. Students review key morphological structures while applying this knowledge to authentic modern Arabic prose. Readings trace major historical developments from the Ottoman period to the emergence of modern nation-states, emphasizing stylistic features and contextual interpretation. The course builds confidence in analyzing increasingly complex texts by integrating linguistic precision with historical understanding.

This course introduces students to the development of Arabic fiction from early narrative traditions to modern prose. Through guided reading, translation, and discussion of classical texts, folk literature, and modern novels and short stories, students explore how narrative style, language, and cultural context shape Arabic literary expression. The course builds skills in literary analysis and translation while also guiding students in writing an original short story in Arabic using studied narrative techniques.

This course introduces students to Arabic rhetoric (balāgha) through focused study of Quranic passages, classical tafsīr, and modern religious discourse. Students analyze rhetorical and stylistic features that shape meaning, persuasion, and interpretation, with particular attention to challenges of Quranic translation. Through close reading, translation, and applied writing and speaking tasks, the course builds advanced interpretive skills and culminates in the in applied writing and speaking tasks that integrate rhetorical analysis with contemporary religious expression.

This advanced reading course develops students’ Arabic proficiency through close study of Sīrah texts in the original language. Students engage with classical and modern sources on the life of the Prophet ﷺ through translation, lexical research, and historical analysis, strengthening fluency, accuracy, and interpretive skill. The course also examines how Sīrah narratives are constructed and transmitted, while introducing ethical uses of technology and AI to support deep engagement with Arabic texts.

This course develops students’ ability to read and analyze Arabic historical and geographical texts through focused regional case studies. Using authentic classical, medieval, and modern sources, students examine how geography, history, and culture are represented in Arabic writing and how these portrayals change over time. Emphasis is placed on close reading, contextual interpretation, and understanding how migration, historical encounters, and cultural exchange have shaped social, religious, and cultural diversity in Muslim-majority societies.

This live, online course develops students’ fluency and expressive clarity in spoken Arabic through interactive discussions, role-plays, and presentations. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation, persuasive speaking, and adapting to different audiences. Real-time feedback and collaborative practice build confidence, preparing students to communicate effectively in academic and conversational settings.

This course explores the linguistic and historical features of the Quran and hadith as foundations of Islamic tradition. Students examine the language, structure, and stylistic elements of Quranic and hadith texts, alongside methods of preservation, transmission, and interpretation within Islamic intellectual history. Emphasis is placed on reading original Arabic sources and understanding the grammatical, textual, and historical dimensions of these sacred texts.

This course explores the diversity of Arabic dialects across regions, blending sociolinguistic theory with practical language skills. Students will examine dialectal variation, diglossia, and code-switching while building foundational comprehension in Levantine, Egyptian, North African, and Gulf dialects. Emphasis is placed on cultural context, structural comparison with MSA, and real-world language use.

This course immerses students in Arabic-language media, music, and cinema to enhance language skills and cultural literacy. Through analysis of films, lyrics, journalism, and digital content, students explore artistic expression, identity, and societal trends across the Arabic-speaking world. Emphasis is placed on listening comprehension, vocabulary development, and critical engagement with contemporary cultural forms.

Graduation Requirements

Total required credits 26 (minimum)

Have questions?

For more information or assistance, applicants may contact the Admissions Office at