学生可以选择语言学或艺术与考古学专业。无论选择哪种集中方式，学习埃及语言的各个阶段都是至关重要的。由于对埃及文明的正确认识必须建立在对文字和材料遗迹的熟悉基础上，因此强烈建议两个课程的学生获得语言，艺术和考古学的广泛背景。
The Department of Near Eastern Studies was founded in 1883 and was the first program in the United States to offer a PhD in the field. Choose from four programs of study: Assyriology, Egyptology, Hebrew Bible and Northwest Semitic Studies, and Near Eastern Archaeology/Near Eastern Art.<br>Students may pursue either a program with a concentration in philology or art and archaeology. Regardless of which concentration is chosen, study of the various stages of the Egyptian language is essential. Since a proper appreciation of Egyptian civilization must be based on a familiarity with both the textual and material remains, the students in both programs are strongly encouraged to acquire a broad background in language, art, and archaeology. The chief difference between the two programs is in the minor field, which, in the case of an Egyptology program, must include a second Near Eastern language. In the Art and Archaeology program, the minor field may, alternatively, be the archaeology and history of another old world ancient civilization, e.g., Near Eastern or Classical. Such a minor should also include courses in anthropology, materials science, or other departments.