Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)

The Modern Standard Arabic Program is designed to take learners from absolute beginner to high-advanced proficiency, following ACTFL standards. Spanning five levels, it builds balanced mastery across reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while strengthening command of grammar, authentic texts, and real-life contexts. The program prepares students to live and work in the Arab world, and serves those pursuing careers in fields such as journalism, media, diplomacy, and humanitarian work.

How is the MSA Program Structured?

Qasid’s Online Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) Program is structured across five core levels, guiding students toward true proficiency in Arabic.

The first three levels parallel a standard undergraduate curriculum, with each level equivalent to a full year of university Arabic. Using the widely adopted al-Kitaab (2nd Edition) series as the base text, students are assured a smooth transition should they continue studies at their home institutions.

Levels 4 and 5 take learners beyond the basics, engaging advanced students with authentic materials and contemporary themes in Arab society. Courses explore Media Arabic, International Relations, Human Rights, Nationalism, Women’s Rights, and Economics—providing both linguistic depth and cultural insight.

Curriculum Levels

  • Level 1: Foundations

    Overview: The MSA Foundations Program takes students with no prior exposure to Arabic and builds them up to a high-novice level of proficiency. Across three courses, students master reading, writing, and pronouncing Arabic letters, while gaining essential grammar skills to communicate about themselves, their families, and everyday life.

    Courses: Level 1 is divided into three sequential courses—MSA 101 (Arabic alphabet through Al-Kitaab Book 1, Ch. 1–2), MSA 102 (Ch. 3–7), and MSA 103 (Ch. 8–12).

    Duration: Structured as three consecutive 10-week courses, with a weekly private 1-on-1 lesson (50 minutes) forming the core of instruction.

    Prerequisites: None.

    Required Textbook: Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyya, Book 1 (2nd Edition), Georgetown University Press.

    Tuition: $495 per course.

  • Level 2: Intermediate

    Overview: The Intermediate MSA Program advances students from a novice-high background to a solid mid-intermediate proficiency, following ACTFL standards. Students begin engaging with simplified texts and Arabic news articles, while continuing to build grammar and morphology skills. A key milestone at this stage is developing the ability to independently access Arabic materials with the aid of a dictionary.

    Courses: Level 2 is divided into three sequential courses—MSA 201 (Al-Kitaab Book 1, Ch. 13–17), MSA 202 (Al-Kitaab Book 1, Ch. 18 through Book 2, Ch. 2), and MSA 203 (Al-Kitaab Book 2, Ch. 2–5).

    Duration: Structured as three consecutive 10-week courses, with a weekly private 1-on-1 lesson (50 minutes) forming the core of instruction.

    Prerequisites: Completion of Level 1 (online or on-site) or at least one year of formal Arabic study at a college/university.

    Required Textbook: Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyya, Books 1 & 2 (2nd Edition), Georgetown University Press.

    Tuition: $495 per course.

  • Level 3: Advanced

    Overview: The Advanced MSA Program elevates students from mid-intermediate to intermediate-high proficiency, as defined by ACTFL standards. Learners engage with both graded and authentic texts, entering the real and semi-real contexts in which Modern Standard Arabic is used by native speakers. Progress is reinforced through discussions, activities, and projects designed to build confidence and depth of expression.

    Courses: Level 3 consists of three courses—MSA 301 (Al-Kitaab Book 2, Ch. 6–8), MSA 302 (Al-Kitaab Book 2, Ch. 8–end), and MSA 303 (The Connectors), which equips students at the cusp of Advanced-Low proficiency with the discourse tools needed for extended argumentation and complex academic language.

    Duration: Structured as three consecutive 10-week courses, with a weekly private 1-on-1 lesson (50 minutes) forming the core of instruction.

    Prerequisites: Completion of Level 2 (online or on-site), or at least two years of formal Arabic study at a college/university.

    Required Textbook: Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyya, Book 2 (2nd Edition), Georgetown University Press.

    Tuition: $495 per course.

  • Level 4: Media & Issues

    Overview: The Level 4 MSA Media & Issues Program advances students from intermediate-high to advanced-low proficiency, as defined by ACTFL standards. Learners work with both scripted and authentic materials, including Arabic news and contemporary texts, while practicing all four skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—through focused drills and carefully curated passages. This stage emphasizes fluency in engaging with modern topics and real-world contexts.

    Courses: Level 4 is divided into two courses—MSA 401 (media texts on democracy, freedom, human rights, women, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the economy, and development) and MSA 402 (topics in art, music, education, poverty, environment, nationalism, biographies, literature, and more). Each course uses diverse texts and listening exercises to strengthen comprehension and critical engagement.

    Duration: Structured as two consecutive 20-week courses, with a weekly private 1-on-1 lesson (50 minutes) forming the core of instruction.

    Prerequisites: Completion of Level 3 (online or on-site), or at least three years of formal Arabic study at a college/university.

    Tuition: $1600 per course.

  • Level 5: Advanced Media & Issues

    Overview: The Level 5 Advanced Media & Issues MSA Program guides students from advanced-mid to advanced-high proficiency, according to ACTFL standards. At this stage, learners engage exclusively with authentic texts, focusing on contemporary media and societal issues. Through discussions and exercises, students refine key linguistic functions such as narration, description across time frames, comparison, explanation, interpretation, and reasoning. Additional tasks—including argumentation, abstraction, defending opinions, and exploring complex or unfamiliar topics—bring students closer to true excellence in Modern Standard Arabic.

    Courses: Level 5 is divided into two courses—MSA 501 (media and press texts on democracy, freedom, human rights, women, the Arab-Israeli conflict, economy, and development) and MSA 502 (topics in art, music, education, poverty, environment, nationalism, biographies, literature, and related issues). Both courses rely on diverse readings and listening exercises to strengthen advanced discourse and critical interpretation.

    Duration: Structured as two consecutive 20-week courses, with a weekly private 1-on-1 lesson (50 minutes) forming the core of instruction.

    Prerequisites: Completion of Level 4 (online or on-site), or at least four years of formal Arabic study at a college/university.

    Tuition: $1600 per course.

“The weekly one-on-one sessions with my instructor have been essential to my learning. Whenever I feel hesitant about expressing myself or uncertain in my grasp of a concept, these sessions provide clarity and confidence. That dedicated time to practice, with thoughtful guidance, has made all the difference in deepening both my fluency and understanding.”

— Ray L., College Professor

What makes Qasid Online unique?

  • No more adjusting your life around fixed group schedules. With 1-on-1 sessions, your instructor offers multiple time options, and you simply choose what works best. This flexibility makes it far easier to attend every session consistently.

  • In group classes, instructor attention is divided. In private sessions, 100% of the time is devoted to you—maximizing progress and depth of learning.

  • One-on-one learning means your instructor can concentrate on your specific challenges and goals, rather than balancing the needs of many students at once.

  • Private instruction moves at the pace that best suits you. Move quickly when you have momentum, or slow down during busier weeks—your instructor will adjust to keep you moving forward effectively.

How the Programs Work

Qasid Online combines a rigorous, academically designed curriculum of recorded materials (video lessons, texts, and quizzes) with live, private 1-on-1 sessions—bringing together the best of structured content and personalized instruction.

Structured Pathway

Each course runs for 10 weeks and, at a steady pace, covers the equivalent of one university quarter of Arabic. Completing three consecutive courses equates to roughly one full year of university-level Arabic study.

Individual Instruction

Students receive one live, 50-minute, one-on-one class each week with a Qasid instructor—ensuring focused guidance, individualized feedback, and steady progress.

Dedicated Learning Platform

During each 10-week enrollment, students gain full access to Qasid’s custom Learning Management System (LMS), which houses the entire MSA curriculum—hundreds of videos, PDFs, and quizzes designed to reinforce live instruction.

Academic Mentorship

Alongside your instructor, you’ll be paired with an academic mentor who supports your learning journey, helping you navigate challenges and stay on track toward your goals.

Community Support

Beyond your individual classes, you’ll have access to Qasid’s private, student-only community, where you can connect with peers, exchange insights, and ask questions.

Scholarly Recognition

Upon successfully completing each level, you’ll receive an official Qasid Certificate of Completion—digital by default, with a printed copy available upon request to support your academic or professional portfolio.

“Qasid isn’t just another self-study program. In less than a year, I was able to hold a basic conversation in Arabic with my teacher during live sessions. Within just a few months, I could already read and write the language—something that still amazes me. The flexibility of online learning has been incredible: I can spend time with my family, be present as a mother, and still make real progress in Arabic.”

— Amanda F., Level 2 Intermediate Student

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Absolutely. Many of our students begin with no prior knowledge of Arabic. We start by teaching you the alphabet and foundations, and then guide you—step by step—towards fluency.

  • Not at all. We’ve worked with learners of all ages, professions, and family commitments. With our method, age and schedule are no barrier. We’ll show you how to make consistent progress—even if you have a demanding job or children at home.

  • Every student progresses differently, depending on effort, background, and consistency. We won’t make empty promises of “fluency in 3 months.” Instead, we provide a structured curriculum, live support, and lifetime access to resources. If you stay committed, you’ll look back in 1–2 years amazed at how far you’ve come.

  • Qasid Online is the only program built on over a decade of experience teaching 10,000+ students worldwide. Unlike “Arabic-lite” courses, our curriculum mirrors university-level rigor while giving you lifetime access to videos, quizzes, worksheets, and a library of 24/7 resources. And with one-on-one live sessions, your learning is always personal and practical.

  • You’ll work through a structured curriculum of pre-recorded lessons, exercises, and quizzes at your own pace. Once a week, you’ll meet one-on-one with a native instructor to practice speaking, get personalized feedback, and have your questions answered. This blend of self-paced learning and live mentorship keeps you both flexible and accountable.

  • No travel is required. All core materials are available online, on-demand, from anywhere in the world. Your live sessions are scheduled with your instructor at times that work for you, so you can progress without uprooting your life or career.

  • We recommend 5–10 hours per week. The more consistently you invest, the faster your progress. With lifetime access, you can move as quickly—or as slowly—as your schedule allows.

  • Because the program combines self-paced study with flexible live sessions, you’ll never “miss the boat.” You can pause, slow down, or catch up whenever your schedule allows. Our goal is sustainable, long-term growth—not short-term pressure.

  • The MSA program is organized into five levels, with each course lasting 10–20 weeks. Some students complete three or more courses a year, while others take breaks between levels. Your timeline is flexible, designed to fit around your life commitments.

  • Every student—beginner or advanced—takes a placement test. This diagnostic (not pass/fail) allows our academic team to place you at the right level, so you build on your strengths without repeating material unnecessarily.

  • Once you’ve completed payment, you’ll take the placement quiz, book an orientation session, and gain full access to your online platform. You’ll then schedule your one-on-one live sessions and begin your first course.

  • Each course is $495 USD. For example, Level One (Foundations) includes three courses—each at $495. You’re not required to register for all at once, giving you financial and academic flexibility.

  • Yes. Tuition can be split into two monthly installments: one at enrollment, and the second one month later.

  • Qasid Online courses can be taken for a grade and credit, but that credit cannot be applied toward a degree at the moment. It may be possible to apply that credit toward a degree program at another college or university, depending on that institution’s academic policies.

  • Yes. Upon successful completion of a program, you’ll receive a certificate of completion from Qasid Online. Students may also request an official transcript for their coursework.