The Master of Arts degree in Middle Eastern Studies is designed for students who aim to acquire a broad knowledge of the Middle East.
The program focuses on current methodologies and approaches to the field of Middle Eastern scholarship. Students structure their own course of study in different areas of Middle Eastern Studies such as history, politics, sociology, anthropology and Arabic language and literature. The interdisciplinary nature of the program encourages the students' critical and independent thinking and the undertaking of analytical in-depth research. The program offers a thesis track and a project track and may be completed in two years.
Applicants with backgrounds from most fields of study are eligible to apply for admission into the CAMES MA program, usually provided they have had some academic exposure to Middle Eastern Studies, as well as some training in the social sciences and/or humanities.
English is the language of instruction at AUB. All applicants to the MA program in Middle Eastern Studies should meet the English language requirements for graduate students before they may enroll in the program. CAMES will review applications and issue acceptances before the English exam scores are received. However, the Office of Admissions should receive the exam results showing that the student has met the minimum required English score before the start of the student's first semester. AUB does not make any exceptions to this rule and students who have not met the English requirements will not be able to enroll.
Thesis Track
- Seven graduate courses plus a nine credit thesis
- Up to nine credits of Arabic language
Project Track
- Nine graduate courses plus a three credit project
- Up to twelve credits of Arabic language
Theses and Projects
Required Courses
- MEST 300 Making of the Modern Middle East
- MEST 301 Introduction to Middle Eastern Studies
- Two Arabic language courses
- Graduate courses at CAMES or other departments with a Middle Eastern Studies focus
- For more information about courses, check the graduate catalogue, see this list of course topics, or contact CAMES.
Funding
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for the MA in Middle Eastern Studies
Analyze core concepts, theories and approaches in the field of Middle Eastern Studies.
Demonstrate a clear understanding of the history of the Middle East.
Conduct research in the field of Middle Eastern Studies.
Acquire an advanced knowledge of the Arabic language.
Demonstrate scholarly communication skills in clear, detailed, and well-argued written and oral formats of the field.
Apply professionalism and ethical research conduct in the field of Middle Eastern Studies.