Middle East/Islamic Studies Programs

FLORIDA

Middle East Center, Florida State University

The Middle East Center (MEC) at Florida State University is an interdisciplinary center dedicated to the scholarly and dispassionate study of the Middle East. Its mission is to create a bridge between a variety of disciplines on campus in order to provide an academic environment for students who are seeking a greater understanding of the Middle East.  Although the MEC welcomes all disciplines with an interest in the Middle East, it is, at present, particularly concerned in strengthening its core disciplines:  Anthropology, Arabic, Archaeology, Criminology, Hebrew, History, Modern Languages, Political Science, Religion, and Urban and Regional Planning.

The Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer Center for Muslim World Studies, Florida International University

The Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer Center for Muslim World Studies is devoted to the study of the challenges facing the Muslim world, the promotion of healthy dialogue among the world’s faiths and Islam’s sects, and the production of objective research and analysis to inform national policy. On campus, the center is a space for Muslim student life and a hub for intellectual and cultural activities for Muslim and non-Muslim students alike. The Center houses Florida International University’s Middle East Studies program

Center for Global Islamic Studies, University of Florida

The University of Florida's Center for Global Islamic Studies’ mission is to deepen our understanding of the diversity of Muslim cultures and societies in the contemporary global context. The center is inter-disciplinary in nature and includes faculty from the departments of Religion, Anthropology, History, Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, and Political Science, as well as the Center for African Studies and the Center for European Studies.

Islamic Studies Program, University of Central Florida

The Islamic Studies program at the University of Central Florida establishes connections among students and faculty for talking religion, theology, and social issues. The goal of the program is to create an environment that fosters intercultural awareness, especially as it concerns Islam and Muslims, and to establish a hub for interfaith dialogue on the UCF campus, allowing students to ask questions and discover answers.

Kurdish Political Studies Program, University of Central Florida

The Kurdish Political Studies Program (KPSP), hosted at the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs, is the first and only academic program dedicated to the study of politics of Kurds and Kurdistan in the United States. KPSP promotes academic studies and public awareness of Kurdish politics, organizes events addressing contemporary issues affecting Kurdish people, facilitates exchanges and collaborations between UCF and Kurdish universities, and develops curriculum focusing on themes related to the Kurdish experience. KPSP is integrated with the Security Studies doctoral program.

 Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Studies minor, Rollins College

Nationwide, there has been an increased interest in the Middle East and North Africa, a region not well understood by most Americans. The minor in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Studies offers a thorough survey of the cultures, politics, and religions of the region throughout history, with a strong focus on the contemporary period. Short-term or semester-long field studies are also encouraged, with students in recent years electing to spend time studying in Morocco, Jordan, and Israel.

Florida Society for Middle East Studies
The mission of FSMES is to foster a better understanding of all matters related to the region among our members. We focus on the historical, political, economic, cultural and social issues of the region and do this through a continuing series of lectures by experts from academia, think tanks and government. The sessions encourage both audience participation and a frank exchange of ideas on every facet of life in the Middle East.

MISSISSIPPI

Middle East Studies minor, Mississippi State University

As the Middle East continues to be a region of critical global importance, gaining an understanding of the cultures, politics, religions, and languages of this area is increasingly important. Mississippi State's MES minor provides an interdisciplinary background in Middle Eastern Studies that benefits a range of career paths in both the public and private sectors. Many students with training in Middle Eastern Studies go on to careers in non-governmental organizations, international business, governmental work, and consulting. Having an area studies focus as an undergraduate is also helpful for those pursuing postgraduate (MA and PhD) work. 

SOUTH CAROLINA

Middle East and Islamic Studies Interdisciplinary Minor, Furman University

Furman's MEIS program is designed to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach, integrating Political Science, History, and Religion to analyze the Middle East’s diverse cultures, histories, and global impact.  Students pursuing the minor complete five courses, ensuring exposure to multiple disciplines, and will culminate their studies with a capstone seminar (MES 401) that synthesizes interdisciplinary insights through advanced research. Course offerings include Introduction to Islam, Politics of the Middle East, Modern Middle East, Islam and Politics, Arab-Israeli Conflict, Women and Gender in Islam, and more, with opportunities for specialized topics such as Sufism and Islam’s interactions with the West.

Middle East Studies, Columbia International College

Because in the Middle Eastern Studies program you can walk where Jesus walked! Not only will you develop cross-cultural communication and ministry skills, you will gain personal experience in Middle Eastern life and culture as you study for one year in Israel at Jerusalem University College (JUC). While in Israel, you will study and explore in Christian, Jewish, and/or Arab contexts to develop your ministry skills according to your vocational goals. This will help you understand the beliefs and practices of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, as well as acquire a firsthand knowledge of the geography of Israel, Egypt and Jordan.

Islamic World Studies minor, University of South Carolina

The minor in Islamic World Studies challenges you to think differently about Islam, Muslim societies and their role in shaping the modern world. The program uses a unique, interdisciplinary approach that focuses on several regions. You will explore historical and contemporary issues in Africa, Asia and the Middle East and their centuries-old ties through vast networks created by trade, religion, imperialism and human migration. 

Middle East and North Africa studies program, Wofford College

Drawing on courses in art history, English, government, history, modern languages and religion, the Middle Eastern and North African Studies (MENA) program encourages students to learn about the history, culture, politics and languages of the Middle East and North Africa. It culminates in an independent capstone project designed to integrate learning from diverse areas of study. The MENA program is not a major or a minor. Courses applied toward requirements for the Middle Eastern and North African program may be counted toward requirements in other programs, majors or minors. Successful completion of the program will be noted on the transcript and on the program for Commencement exercises.

VIRGINIA

Middle East and North Africa studies minor, Christopher Newport University

The minor in Middle East and North Africa studies is an interdisciplinary program that provides a foundation of knowledge of Middle Eastern and North African history, politics, cultures, languages, religions, and peoples as well as enhances student understanding of European and American interactions with culturally diverse and politically important regions of the world. The Middle East and North Africa encompasses vast regions (from Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean to Iran on the Persian Gulf) with diverse cultures, languages, and ethnicities. The minor provides students with a framework to understand the development of the contemporary Middle East and North Africa against the background of a long and vibrant history and the diversity of the region’s religions, ethnic groups and cultures. 

Middle East and Islamic Studies (MEIS), George Mason University

George Mason’s program in Middle East and Islamic Studies (MEIS) equips students with the tools and analytical skills for understanding major issues and debates in the study of the Middle East, Islam, and Muslim societies. Students study historical and contemporary aspects of society, economy, politics, and culture from both regional and global perspectives—with a strong emphasis on theory and methodology.

Middle East Studies minor, Old Dominion University

The minor (15 hours) in Middle Eastern studies focuses upon the study of several aspects of Middle Eastern culture, language, politics, geography, and history.  Students can elect Track I which would include 12 hours of 100 & 200 level Arabic, French, Hebrew, or any other language used for research in the region. Languages such as Armenian and Turkish could meet this requirement upon the taking of a proficiency examination. Students can also choose Track II, which is a non-language option. Credit earned by studying abroad in the Middle East may also be included in the minor requirements. An internship taken in the Middle East or related to organizations that focus on the Middle East may also count within the minor.

Middle East studies concentration, Roanoke College

Our new Middle East studies concentration brings together scholars of language, politics, history, economics, archaeology, anthropology, literature, sociology and other fields. There are many paths within this concentration, allowing students to come into this concentration through their own particular interests. Successful students will graduate with the cultural and historical knowledge necessary to explore higher-level learning related to the field both inside and outside of the classroom.

Center for Islam in the Contemporary World, Shenandoah University

At the Center for Islam in the Contemporary World, we:

• Engage in rigorous and innovative research, education, and outreach to advance a better understanding of Islam and Muslims in diverse, global, and contemporary contexts

• Facilitate collaborations between Shenandoah University and international universities

• Develop training programs for teachers and religious leaders in multi-faith contexts 

• Host seminars and lectures on theological and cultural challenges facing Muslims today

Middle East Studies Program, University of Virginia

The Middle East Studies Program, with its interdisciplinary approach, provides a unique opportunity to learn about the languages and peoples, literatures and cultures, religions and histories of the region from the Maghreb in the west to Afghanistan in the east. The program encompasses the study of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic civilizations from antiquity to the modern era as they struggle to retain their roots, while coping with regional conflicts and the challenge of modernity.

Persian Studies, University of Virginia

The UVa Persian Program seeks to promote greater awareness and appreciation of the cultural richness of an ancient civilization; at the same time, it seeks to foster a better understanding of contemporary Iran. Our program focuses principally on Iranian studies; however it bears mention that as the official language in Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, Persian has been designated a “critical language” and has become a crucial area of study for many students seeking degrees in Politics and Foreign Affairs. 

Middle Eastern Studies minor, University of Mary Washington

The minor in Middle Eastern Studies is an interdisciplinary program that seeks to familiarize students with the histories, geographies, religions, cultures, arts, languages, and politics of the region known as the Middle East. It draws on courses in Geography, History, Modern Foreign Languages, Political Science, and Religion, fostering connections between different disciplinary approaches to the study of the region. The program thus provides a foundation of knowledge and learning about the Middle East (including the Arab World, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, and Israel), while privileging no single country, theme, or political position. Through this program, students will gain both specialized knowledge and broad understanding about this dynamic region, in a manner that promotes dialogue, understanding, and awareness of the Middle East and its place in the world.

Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies minor, Virginia Commonwealth University

The minor in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at VCU reflects global changes and equips students with the knowledge needed to become effective global citizens. The program offers courses such as Introduction to the Middle East and North Africa, Contemporary Issues in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, Women in Islam, Governments and Politics of the Middle East, and Modern Islamic Thought and Global Trends. Students are also encouraged to take Arabic language courses to deepen their understanding of the region. Beyond the classroom, faculty are developing engaging opportunities, including a speaker series and faculty-led study abroad programs open to all VCU students, to further enrich the learning experience.

Middle East Studies minor, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech’s minor in Middle East Studies helps students to gain an appreciation for the history, religion, and culture of Middle Eastern regions, while understanding their role in international relations.