Near and Middle Eastern Studies
Overview
Programs in Near and Middle Eastern studies teach students the cultural traditions and political histories of nations in the region.Near and Middle Eastern studies programs include topics such as:
- Sociology
- Economics
- Culture
- Historical conflicts
- Art
- Literature and folklore
- Film studies
- Religions including Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam
- Philosophic movements
- Reading, writing, and speaking a second language, especially Arabic
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in Near and Middle Eastern studies. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in Near and Middle Eastern studies. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study. Many colleges and universities offer interdisciplinary bachelor's degrees in Near and Middle Eastern studies. Interdisciplinary programs combine courses from several college departments. Near and Middle Eastern studies may be history, religions, international relations, and humanities.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in Near and Middle Eastern studies. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Anthropology
- Arabic Language and Literature
- Asian Studies
- Biblical Language and Literature
- Hebrew Language and Literature
- History
- Humanities
- Social Sciences, General
- Sociology
- South and Southeast Asian Studies
Related Careers
Careers to Consider
- Anthropologists
- Curators
- Economists
- Geographers
- High School Teachers
- Historians
- Market Research Analysts
- Museum Technicians and Conservators
- Political Scientists
- Sociologists
- University and College Teachers
- Writers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Comparative Government
- Contemporary World Issues
- Economics
- Humanities
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
- Political Science
- Second Language
- World Area Studies
- World Geography
- World History
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. Most programs also require that you speak, read, write, and understand at least one second language at an advanced level.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Academic writing sample
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Anthropology
- Contemporary Social Problems
- Culture and Ethnic Relationships
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Language
- Law and Diplomacy in the Near and Middle East
- Literature, Folklore, and Film
- Political Systems
- Religion and Philosophy
- Sociology
- Women and Gender
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs in Near and Middle Eastern studies typically require:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Some programs focus on select Near and Middle Eastern countries and languages.
You may be required or encouraged to spend some time living, working, or studying in the Near or Middle East. This gives you an immersion experience and the chance to practice your language skills with native speakers.
Schools
East Side Area
Whitman College
- Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
King-Snohomish Area
Northwest University
- Intercultural Studies--Middle East Studies Concentration
University of Washington - Seattle
- Middle East Studies
- Near and Middle Eastern Studies
- Near Eastern Languages and Civilization--Biblical & Ancient Near Eastern Studies Option
- Near Eastern Languages and Civilization--Comparative Islamic Studies Option
- Near Eastern Languages and Civilization--Culture & Civilization Option