The entire world is switching its attention to the political and economical situation in Saudi Arabia, Northern Africa, and the entire Middle Eastern region. As the region becomes more politically and commercially critical, a Bachelor's in Middle East Studies is gaining value in expert circles. The scientific industry still lacks qualified Middle East researchers and obtaining a degree in the field will provide you with immediate employment or the possibility to pursue a career in academia. What is a Bachelor in Middle East Studies? This is a specialized degree that equips students with knowledge of affairs in an increasingly high-profile region of the world. You’ll gain a thorough knowledge of the dynamics of the contemporary Middle East including Middle Eastern ethnography, economy and economic development, gender and identity, politics, culture and arts, and religion and society. Completion of the degree will yield nuanced knowledge of the challenges facing the region. 

You may question yourself — is knowledge of middle eastern languages required in order to become a researcher in this field? The good news is, no language study or previous knowledge of Arabic is required although knowledge of Persian or Arabic may help you throughout your career. Educational programs on Middle Eastern studies usually provide students with comprehensive language courses.

Nowadays, universities have flexible module choices allowing students to tailor their programs to their interests. High-quality education programs on Middle Eastern studies consist of courses on the social sciences and modern history, providing a balanced, multidisciplinary study of the area, and developing your appreciation and understanding of the culture, history, and language of the Middle East. 

Having an undergraduate degree in this field qualifies you both for the public and private sectors, giving you a pathway to higher-paying jobs. The cost to pursue this degree can fluctuate based on the institution, as can the length of time to obtain the degree. We recommend you carefully research potential institutions. The best place you can start is by comparing course durations, tuition fees, and entry requirements on the StudyQA website.

What can you do after getting a degree in Middle East studies? You can work as a professional translator, teacher, or in one of many business-related positions. These positions are increasingly in demand and are expected to command high wages. Degree recipients will have strategic and ideological knowledge to form effective strategies for conducting business in the region. This can also translate to a wide variety of government or military liaison positions.

There are a growing number of program options for students pursuing this exciting course of study including flexible online courses. To get started, search for your program below.