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Middle Eastern Studies

Middle Eastern Studies

What is Middle Eastern Studies?

The Middle East Studies major helps students develop a deep understanding of the region in terms of history, society, culture, and politics, while developing proficiency in one of the region’s languages: Arabic, Hebrew, or Persian.

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Do my interests fit?

Middle Eastern Studies students usually have interests in:

  • International affairs and diplomacy
  • Journalism
  • Politics
  • Law
  • Academia
  • Foreign languages (Arabic, Persian, and Hebrew)
  • Diplomacy / Foreign Service
  • Foreign policy
  • International non-profit and non-governmental organizations
  • Global cultures and societies
  • IIntelligence Community (e.g., USAID, FBI, NGA, DIA, NSA, ONI, DHS)
  • Homeland Security

Middle Eastern Studies FAQ

The Middle Eastern Studies major prepares students for a variety of public-sector careers in diplomacy and international affairs, non-profit careers at NGOs and think-tanks, and as well as for private-sector careers with large companies and government contractors. Our majors also frequently go on to law school, or to graduate school programs in international affairs or Middle East studies. Beyond career preparation, the major provides students with advanced knowledge about world affairs and improves students’ writing, analytical, and linguistic skills.

Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies.

Typical Minors students with Middle Eastern Studies Major:

  • International Studies
  • Modern Languages (Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian)
  • Political Science
  • History
  • Journalism
  • International Business
  • International Development
  • Iranian Studies
  • Judaic & Israel Studies

There are numerous organizations Middle Eastern Studies students can be a part of:

  • Afghan Student Association
  • Arab Student Association
  • Arabic Club
  • Hillel Jewish Student Organization
  • Iranian Student Association
  • Muslim Student Association
  • Pakistani Student Association
  • Persian Circle

Middle Eastern Studies courses include:

  • Poverty and Inequality in the Middle East
  • Women and Gender in the Middle East
  • Iranian Society through Cinema
  • Political Islam
  • International Relations in the Middle East
  • Arab-Israeli Conflict
  • Authoritarianism IAS Senior Capstone,
  • Egypt: From Authoritarianism to “Revolution” to Authoritarianism?
  • The United States and the Middle East: 1945- Present

For more courses in Middle Eastern Studies click here.

  • International relations
  • Foreign policy
  • Diplomacy
  • Nonprofits and NGOs
  • Politics
  • Journalism
  • Government
  • Global cultures and societies
  • Intelligence Community (e.g., USAID, FBI, NGA, DIA, NSA, ONI, DHS)

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

Program Accreditation

The Middle Eastern Studies major is part of OU's fully accredited David L. Boren College of International Studies, which meets high standards for academic excellence in international and area studies.


David L. Boren College of International Studies
Phone: (405) 325-1396
Email: cis@ou.edu
Website: ou.edu/cis