Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies at Notre Dame University offers students a deep and interdisciplinary exploration of Arabic language, Islamic civilization, and Middle Eastern cultures. This program is designed to provide linguistic proficiency alongside a comprehensive understanding of the history, religion, literature, and politics of the Arab and broader Middle Eastern world. Students engage with classical and modern texts, examine contemporary regional developments, and develop analytical tools to interpret a region of profound global significance.
Through a curriculum that combines language immersion, cultural analysis, and historical depth, students gain both practical and academic skills. The program encourages critical engagement with themes such as colonialism, reform movements, interfaith relations, and modern geopolitics. Faculty expertise in Islamic studies, Arabic literature, and Middle Eastern history ensures that students are challenged intellectually and supported in their academic growth. Study abroad opportunities and interdisciplinary electives provide further context and experiential learning that strengthen cross-cultural competence.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies
- Degree Type: S. Bachelor
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 03 January 2026
- Location: University of Notre Dame, United States
- Field of Study: Islamic Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Language and Culture
- Elementary Arabic I & II
- Introduction to Middle Eastern Studies
- Academic Writing and Research Skills
- World History: Islamic and Mediterranean Civilizations
- Elective: Religion and Culture in the Middle East
Year 2 – Language Development and Historical Contexts
- Intermediate Arabic I & II
- Survey of Islamic History
- Arabic Literature in Translation
- Comparative Politics of the Middle East
- Elective: Women in Islamic Societies or Arab Philosophy
Year 3 – Cultural Inquiry and Political Understanding
- Advanced Arabic I & II
- Arab Media and Society
- Modern Middle East: Colonialism to Present
- Islamic Law and Ethics
- Elective: Middle Eastern Cinema or Conflict and Diplomacy
Year 4 – Specialization and Capstone Experience
- Seminar in Middle Eastern Thought and Society
- Senior Thesis or Research Project
- Internship or Study Abroad Integration
- Arabic for Academic and Professional Purposes
- Elective: Interfaith Dialogue or Political Islam
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies program are well-equipped to work in careers that require linguistic fluency, cultural literacy, and regional expertise. They are sought after in diplomacy, international development, journalism, education, translation, and security analysis, especially within government agencies, think tanks, NGOs, and multinational organizations. Many pursue graduate studies in Islamic studies, international relations, Middle Eastern history, or comparative politics, deepening their specialization. Employers value graduates for their ability to engage across cultural boundaries, interpret complex regional dynamics, and contribute to dialogue and cooperation in global and policy-driven environments.
Why Choose This Program
Notre Dame University’s Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies program offers a rich, immersive, and globally relevant education rooted in language mastery and cultural understanding. Students benefit from a curriculum that blends textual analysis, historical inquiry, and contemporary relevance, supported by faculty with diverse regional expertise. With opportunities for research, study abroad, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the program fosters both academic excellence and practical engagement. Whether your goals lie in diplomacy, humanitarian work, academia, or international business, this program equips you with the skills, cultural insight, and global perspective to navigate and shape complex conversations in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 574 631 5000
Email: admissions@nd.edu
Address: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
