Middle East Studies
Middle East Studies gives students an understanding of the history and culture of the multiple countries that make up the Middle East, from ancient through modern times. It is an interdisciplinary area of study that encompasses various aspects of the Middle East such as history, politics, religion, language, literature, art history, and more. Middle East Studies offers a way to investigate a region of the world from multiple perspectives engaging a variety of methods of study.
Degree Types: Bachelor of Arts, Minor
![Middle-East-Studies Tehran, Iran](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/elementor/thumbs/Middle-East-Studies-q18n1iv2m9h3qd6rha83n6h07dcniqo85297bdogbe.jpg)
Explore Interests Related to Middle East Studies
Explores Middle Eastern history, politics, and culture. Equips students to advocate for justice in regional conflicts, promote cross-cultural understanding, and engage in policies addressing Middle Eastern affairs.
Focuses on the history, culture, and politics of the Middle East. Prepares students to engage in international diplomacy, influence media narratives on the region, and contribute to global conversations on Middle Eastern issues.
Degree Options
Popular Double Majors or Minors
- History
- Jewish Studies
- Political Science
About the Program
Why should I pursue this degree?
You might like this program if…
- You want to do in depth research on the Middle East and hope to spend time abroad to learn the cultures and languages.
- You want to pursue a career or engage in graduate studies in fields such as archaeology, philosophy, literature, religious studies, political sciences, and more.
- You are interested in learning about the societies and cultures of ancient civilizations.
Transferable Skills
- Communication Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Analytical Skills
- Research
- Organizational Skills
Coursework
Opportunities to explore the following topics:
- Middle East History
- Culture
- Religion
- Politics
Out-of-Classroom Experiences
Internships
- The Israel Project
- Penn State Division of Development and Alumni Relations
- Global Connections
- Council on Foreign Relations Meetings
Education Abroad Destinations
Jordan
![_0011_Jordan](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0011_Jordan-768x480.jpg)
Nepal
![_0008_Nepal](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0008_Nepal-768x480.jpg)
Sweden
![_0000_Sweden](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0000_Sweden-768x480.jpg)
Czech Republic
![_0023_Czech Republic](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0023_Czech-Republic-768x480.jpg)
Israel
![_0014_Israel](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0014_Israel-768x480.jpg)
Jordan
![_0011_Jordan](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0011_Jordan-768x480.jpg)
Nepal
![_0008_Nepal](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0008_Nepal-768x480.jpg)
Sweden
![_0000_Sweden](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0000_Sweden-768x480.jpg)
Czech Republic
![_0023_Czech Republic](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0023_Czech-Republic-768x480.jpg)
Israel
![_0014_Israel](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0014_Israel-768x480.jpg)
Jordan
![_0011_Jordan](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0011_Jordan-768x480.jpg)
Nepal
![_0008_Nepal](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0008_Nepal-768x480.jpg)
Sweden
![_0000_Sweden](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0000_Sweden-768x480.jpg)
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Career Paths
Job Titles
- Director of Public Policy
- Government Compliance Analyst
- Corporate Communications Lead
- Government Relations Manager
- Records Technician
- Research Analyst
- Project Manager
- Professor
Industries
Business, Government, Higher Education, Human Rights, Media
Employers
- TransPerfect
- PwC
- Deloitte
- U.S. Army
- Universities
- Grassroots Campaigns
- Fulcrum Concepts LLC
- Latham & Watkins
Have questions about this program?
Future students, contact the Liberal Arts Recruitment Team.
Current students, contact your academic adviser.
This program is housed
in the Middle Eastern Studies program
at Penn State University Park.