Overview Graduate programs leading to the PhD degree are offered in Arabic and Persian Languages and Literatures; Middle Eastern Art and Archaeology; Cuneiform; Ancient Iranian Studies; Egyptology; and Islamic Studies. Degree requirements should be completed according to the University's normative time standards. Normative time for an advanced degree in the department is seven years for the MA plus PhD, and five years for those entering with an MA. Students are urged to complete the MA requirements in two years, and the PhD requirements in an additional five years.