Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies

Middle Eastern studies is a rigorous, interdisciplinary program that allows students considerable flexibility as they study the Middle East and North Africa from historical and contemporary perspectives.

Students choose from a wide range of courses in Arabic and Hebrew, the history and archeology of the Middle East and North Africa, and offerings in Islamic culture, art, law, and political theory. They also complete at least two years of study in a language of the region, usually Arabic or Hebrew.

We encourage our students to study abroad in order to intensify the connection to Middle Eastern culture, language and society. They typically participate in programs in Jordan, Morocco, Oman, the UAE, and Lebanon.

A degree in Middle Eastern studies fosters the skills necessary in any profession requiring historical and cultural understanding, critical analysis, persuasive argumentation, thorough research, and effective writing. Many of our majors have plans for a career that is directly related to Middle Eastern studies, such as public policy, government service, finance, intelligence, and law. The major also prepares students for graduate study in preparation for an academic career.