Middle Eastern Studies
The Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies at Boston College University provides an intensive, interdisciplinary examination of the history, politics, cultures, and languages of the Middle East. This one-year program is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of a region marked by rich intellectual traditions, religious diversity, and complex geopolitical dynamics. The curriculum draws from history, political science, religious studies, literature, and sociology to help students explore both historical developments and contemporary issues. With a focus on critical regional analysis, learners examine themes such as colonialism, nationalism, gender, migration, and conflict across diverse Middle Eastern societies.
Language study is a central component of the program, enabling students to engage with Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, or Turkish texts and deepen cultural understanding. Through seminars, independent research, and faculty mentorship, students learn to assess media, historical sources, and cultural productions from a nuanced, interdisciplinary perspective. This combination of theoretical depth and practical focus fosters scholarly fluency in regional affairs and prepares graduates to contribute to international dialogue, research, or policy development.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Middle Eastern Studies
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 February 2026
- Location: Boston College, United States
- Field of Study: Middle Eastern studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Historical Foundations and Language Study
- History of the Modern Middle East
- Introduction to Middle Eastern Politics
- Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, or Turkish Language (I)
- Research Methods in Regional and Area Studies
Semester 2 – Contemporary Perspectives and Application
- Religion, Society, and Identity in the Middle East
- Media, Literature, and Cultural Expression
- Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, or Turkish Language (II)
- Capstone Seminar in Middle Eastern Studies
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue careers in diverse fields where deep cultural and regional knowledge is critical. These include roles as research analysts, diplomatic officers, cultural program coordinators, or journalists with a focus on Middle Eastern affairs. Many work with NGOs, international organizations, policy think tanks, academic institutions, or media outlets that require informed perspectives on the region’s political, social, and cultural dynamics. The program’s interdisciplinary focus also supports those entering PhD programs in history, international relations, Middle Eastern studies, or anthropology. Graduates leave with the language skills, research training, and cultural understanding necessary to contribute meaningfully to cross-cultural engagement and regional analysis in global professional contexts.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students who seek an immersive and academically rigorous approach to studying one of the world’s most historically significant and geopolitically relevant regions. With expert faculty, opportunities for individualized research, and language instruction embedded into the curriculum, students are equipped to engage deeply with the complexity of Middle Eastern societies and narratives. The program encourages critical analysis, interdisciplinary thinking, and culturally sensitive scholarship, all while preparing learners for impactful roles in education, diplomacy, media, or development work. Grounded in contextual understanding and academic depth, the program offers a meaningful foundation for those committed to studying, working in, or influencing policy related to the Middle East.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 617 552 8000
Email: admissions@bostoncollege.edu
Address: University of Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, United States
