Master of Professional Studies in Persian

The Master of Professional Studies in Persian is offered through the School of Languages, Literatures, & Culture in the College of Arts and Humanities.

Mentoring and advising are an essential part of the program. Students meet with faculty and the academic program director to ensure their educational and professional development goals are met. For advising inquiries, contact Dr. Nehal Akbari-Saneh at persian@umd.edu.

The Master of Professional Studies in Persian is a 30-credit, 10-course graduate program designed to advance students’ proficiency in Persian to the professional level while deepening their knowledge of Persian language instruction, culture, and society. Through a robust curriculum, the program combines theoretical foundations in modern Persian language pedagogy with hands-on applications in teaching and immersive learning experiences.

Registration Overview

• See the sample plan of study, below. Students should use this as a guide to develop a plan with the academic program director.
• Actual course offerings are determined by the program and may vary semester to semester. Students should note if a course has a pre-requisite or co-requisite.
• Specific class meeting information (days and time) is posted on UMD’s interactive web service services, Testudo. Once on that site, select “Schedule of Classes,” then the term/year. Courses are listed by academic unit.
• The program uses specific section codes for registration, which are listed on the sample plan of study.

Sample Plan

Overview

• Features in-person instruction.
• Uses the semester academic calendar with classes held during fall and spring semester.
• Instruction provided by University of Maryland faculty and professionals in the field.

In-Person Instruction

• Features dynamic and interactive seminar-style in-person learning.
• Classes meet in UMD College Park campus classrooms, offering a focused, distraction-free learning environment.
• Students enrolled in a program that features in-person instruction are required to submit the University’s Immunization Record Form prior to the first day of their first semester/term. See Health Requirements.

Upon successful completion, graduates will have mastered the following competencies:

• Develop a well-rounded understanding of Persian studies by engaging with interdisciplinary content areas such as history, politics, literature, culture, and international relations.
• Advance your Persian language skills to professional proficiency, enabling you to communicate effectively and confidently in academic, professional, and cross-cultural settings.
• Expand your vocabulary and cultural knowledge through focused study of contemporary issues, giving you the tools to analyze, interpret, and discuss topics relevant to the Persian-speaking world.
• Apply your learning in real-world contexts, preparing you for careers in education, government, international organizations, and other professional fields where advanced Persian proficiency is highly valued.