Arab person at laptop

Knowledge of the Arabic language and its many variations is a high-demand skill in today’s global economy. It can be challenging, but it can also help you stand out from other job applicants since fewer students choose to study Arabic compared to other languages. 

There are more than 20 countries in the Middle East and Africa where Arabic is the national language, and there are different styles and variations in the language across the region. Gaining proficiency in one style can help you learn other related dialects.

The original language of the Koran is Arabic, and Islam is the second largest religion world-wide. Arabic language skills provide an opportunity to read and interpret the Koran in its source language.

UWM students can take up to six semesters of Arabic language. Completing all six semesters plus one additional Arabic culture course or study abroad will earn a student a minor in Arabic. 

Or, students can take just a few semesters of Arabic to satisfy their world language requirement or to explore the language for career growth or personal enrichment. The choice is yours on how you would like to incorporate Arabic courses into your educational plans!

Arabic Contacts

Prospective Students (not yet enrolled at UWM)

Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu or 414-229-7711.

Current Students

General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the College advising office at ls-advising@uwm.edu or 414-229-4654.

Specific questions about Arabic, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, major requirements, etc., should be directed to Khuloud Labanieh, PhD.

Minor in Arabic

Ready to Declare?

Discover more instructions on how to declare and what to expect.

Recommended Resources for Arabic Students

instructor helping student
Understand who your advisors are and the ways they help you successfully navigate college life.
View Advising
rows in lecture hall
See all the options for electives and upcoming courses.
View Courses
students looking at sticky notes
There are additional programs at UWM outside of the Department of Global Studies that cover global topics.
View Related Programs
open book in library
Tutoring, accommodations, mentor programs, and more.
View Help
corporately dressed people in chairs
See what our alumni have done with their Global Studies degrees.
View Resources & Outcomes
students walking and laughing
Find friends with similar interests through career-oriented organizations, social clubs, and community activities.
View Organizations
student at whiteboard; instructor watching
Earn honors in the major or join the UWM Honors College.
View Honors
Opportunities abound around the world for students to live and study outside of the U.S. for a few weeks, a semester or a full year.
View Study Abroad
Experience matters just as much as a degree. Learn about international internships and domestic internships with international companies for students in Global Studies.
View Internships
tiles spelling out Language
Students who place beyond the first-semester of a language can earn up to 16 retroactive credits, depending on the language.
View Retro Credits

Campus Resources

UWM offers a wide range of on-campus resources, such as academic support and mental health resources. Students also find community within our student centers.

Photo of UWM Campus from above looking south, with downtown Milwaukee in background.

UWM Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge in Milwaukee that we are on traditional Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk and Menominee homeland along the southwest shores of Michigami, North America’s largest system of freshwater lakes, where the Milwaukee, Menominee and Kinnickinnic rivers meet and the people of Wisconsin’s sovereign Anishinaabe, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida and Mohican nations remain present.   |   To learn more, visit the Electa Quinney Institute website.