Also known as: Middle Eastern Studies, Islamic Studies, MENA Studies
A program that focuses on the history, society, politics, culture, and economics of one or more of the peoples of North Africa, Southwestern Asia, Asia Minor, and the Arabian Peninsula, related borderlands and island groups, and including emigrant and immigrant groups.
Area StudiesGeopolitical AnalysisInternational RelationsCultural AnalysisSocial SciencesPolicy AnalysisInternational DevelopmentResearch
A Week as a Student
Your week kicks off with a "History of the Modern Middle East" lecture, tracing political shifts since the Ottoman era. Later, your Arabic 101 class drills new vocabulary and basic grammar, focusing on greetings and simple phrases. You feel a little overwhelmed by the pronunciation but try to mimic the sounds. Afterwards, you grab a quick lunch and head to the library to review your notes, trying to connect the historical events to current regional headlines. You briefly chat with Professor Anya about a recommended supplemental reading, getting her insights on its relevance.
High School Preparation
Required Subjects
HistoryEnglish/LiteratureA Second Language
Recommended GPA
3.0-3.5
Advanced Courses (AP/IB/Honors)
AP World History
AP European History
IB History SL/HL
Core Subjects
Click on "i" to learn more about each subject
Career Prospects
Growing Study Prospects
Graduates find opportunities in government agencies (e.g., foreign service, intelligence), non-profit organizations focused on humanitarian aid or development, and international businesses. They can also pursue roles in academia, journalism, or cultural institutions, contributing to a deeper understanding of the region.
Impact of AI on this Study
AI can enhance this field through advanced data analysis of historical documents, social media trends, and economic indicators, aiding geopolitical forecasting and research. It also assists with language translation and sentiment analysis, providing new tools for understanding complex cultural narratives.