Middle Eastern Studies Degree Online

What Is Middle Eastern Studies?

Middle Eastern Studies majors study the cultures, religions, economics, politics, and social issues of Middle Eastern countries. They learn about the dynamic history of the region and study how contemporary issues in that region affect the rest of the world.

Is Middle Eastern Studies a Good Major / Degree for Me?

Are you fascinated by the Middle East and Middle Eastern culture? Would you like to learn to speak Arabic or Hebrew? Do you enjoy studying history, politics, and sociology? Do you like thinking about religion? Do you enjoy a good debate or discussion? Would you like to travel to / study in / work in the Middle East? Then you might want to consider a degree in Middle Eastern Studies!

High School Classes Needed for a Middle Eastern Studies Degree in College:

• 4 English Credits
• 3 Math Credits
• 3 Science Credits
• 3 Social Study Credits
• 2 Foreign Language Credits (More would be even better.)
• If your high school offers the following opportunites, take advantage!
  • Anthropology
  • AP Macroeconomics
  • AP Government and Politics: Comparative
  • AP World History
  • Debate Team

Common Middle Eastern Studies Courses in College:

• Arab Israeli Conflict
• Arabic Language
• Bible: Hebrew Scriptures
• Government and Politics of the Middle East
• Hebrew Language
• History of Iraq
• History of the Middle East
• Islam
• Islamic Art
• Israeli Politics and Foreign Policy
• Middle Eastern Literature
• Modern Arabic Literature
• Modern Hebrew Literature
• Persian Language
• Sufism

Note: Some Middle Eastern degree programs require or encourage a semester or more of study in the Middle East.

Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:

• Anthropology Degree: the study of humankind, societies, and cultures
• Arabic Degree: the study of the Arab language and Arabic culture
• Archaeology Degree: the study of the history of societies
• History Degree: the study of past events
• International Relations Degree: the study of interactions between organizations and nations
• Journalism Degree: a course of study that prepares students to communicate news
• Peace Studies Degree: the study of war, conflict, peace, and nonviolent conflict resolution
• Political Science Degree: the study of government and politics
• Religious Studies Degree: the study of the religions and spiritual practices of the world
• Sociology Degree: the study of societies and human social behavior
• Women’s Studies Degree: the study of the history, culture, and politics of women and feminism

Middle Eastern Studies Careers:

Middle Eastern Studies is such a broad field of study that it can lead in many different career directions. Some Middle Eastern Studies graduates go to work for the government or military, but this isn’t the only option. Some go to work in international business. If you excel in your language studies, you may find work as a translator. Translators may work for the government, for businesses, or even freelance. Some graduates go into research. Some work as reporters or journalists. Here are a few possible job titles for a Middle Eastern Studies graduate:

• Arabic Translator
• Campaign Consultant
• Communications Specialist
• Hebrew Translator
• Intelligence Agent
• International Businessperson
• Journalist
• Lecturer
• Lobbyist
• Political Analyst
• Political Scientist
• Reporter

Middle Eastern Studies can also serve as a great foundation for graduate studies, including law school.