USC’s Department of Middle East Studies is the first of its kind in the nation. Our faculty’s research and teaching covers the peoples, cultures, politics and history of the MENA region.
We offer a B.A. degree in Middle East Studies, a minor in Middle East Studies, a minor in Iranian Studies, and a minor in Arabic.
The study of Arabic, Hebrew, or Persian is required of all majors and strongly encouraged for Middle East Studies minors. Persian language study is required of all Iranian Studies minors. Every major and minor is encouraged to take a semester abroad in an Overseas Studies program in Amman or Rabat.
Major
We offer an interdisciplinary degree that combines rigorous coursework, close mentorship with faculty, and the scholarly latitude to research and learn about the pressing problems of globalization and environmentalism.
Minors
Students can choose from three distinct minors to expand their breadth of knowledge on the peoples, cultures, and history of the region: Middle East Studies, Arabic, and Iranian Studies.
Languages
Our faculty teach Arabic and Persian, from beginning to advanced levels, in our top-ranked language training programs.