The Major

Middle Eastern Studies at the University is an innovative, interdisciplinary major. The major consists of a wide range of introductory and upper-level courses in Arabic language, the history and archeology of the Middle East and North Africa, and offerings in Islamic culture, art, law, and political theory.

Degree Requirements

  1. HISTORY 130 and 131 (or approved 100-level Middle Eastern Studies courses)
  2. Two years of a language of the region, normally fulfilled by two-year Modern Standard Arabic classroom sequence at UMass (101, 102, 201 and 202 OR 126, 146, 226 and 246)
  3. 24 credits in Middle Eastern Studies courses (at or above the 200 level) chosen from an approved list of courses offered by the Five College consortium. See Middle Eastern Studies Courses.
  4. Junior Year Writing requirement
  5. The Integrative Experience seminar in senior year

Notes:

  • The major in Middle Eastern Studies requires at least a C grade in courses taken towards the major.
  • No course with a Pass grade can be accepted for major credit.
  • Departmental Honors require an Honors project undertaken during a student’s final year.