Dr. Nicholas Boylston

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Nicholas Boylston is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations at Harvard University, focusing on classical Persian literature and Persianate Islam. His research explores themes of diversity and unity in the writings of Sufis, philosophers, and litterateurs within the Persianate world. Currently, he is in the final stages of completing a book that highlights the flourishing perspectivist and pluralistic modes of thought in classical Persian literature. Additionally, Boylston studies the interactions between Twelver Shiʿism and Sufism, particularly in relation to Persianate literary Quran commentaries. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard College, a Master’s degree from the University of Tehran, and a PhD from Georgetown University (2017). Boylston has previously served as a College Fellow and Lecturer at Harvard from 2018 to 2021, and also held the position of Assistant Professor at Seattle University from 2021 to 2023. His notable publications include works in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Qur'anic Studies and the Journal of Islamic Studies.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA, USA

Teaching and research in Near Eastern languages and civilizations.

Assistant Professor

— Present

Seattle University • Seattle, WA, USA

Focused on Middle Eastern studies and Persian literature.

Requirements for Harvard University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a technical or quantitative field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).