Programs in Near and Middle Eastern studies teach students the cultural traditions and political histories of nations in the region. Students learn about religious traditions and study how the people migrate and live. In addition, they learn how to apply the knowledge to teaching and business.

The Near and Middle East is often called the "birthplace of civilization." In this region originated such ancient languages as Sanskrit and Aramaic. With India included, it gave rise to four major world religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Near and Middle Eastern studies overlap geographically with studies in South Asia. This region has nearly 30 countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.

Currently, a lot of attention is on this area of the world. The ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, the war in Iraq, and instability and terrorism in countries such as Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, India, and Pakistan have drawn the world's attention. Different countries have many ideas about how to handle important and serious issues including terrorism, nuclear weapons, and religious differences. Because of this, many Near and Middle Eastern studies programs focus course work on the role of North American countries (especially the U.S.) and organizations such as the United Nations in keeping the peace.

In these programs, you also learn all about the culture and subcultures of Near and Middle Eastern society. You take courses from different fields of study, such as art, sociology, and especially economics and history. You study historical conflicts in this region as well as between countries such as the U.S. and Iraq. In addition, you study the rich literary and cultural backgrounds of this region. You read original literature and folklore as well as view and critique Middle Eastern films. You also study different religions and philosophic movements, especially as they differ by geography and ethnic groups. This includes Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam.

In addition, you study how countries in this region relate to other countries, including those in Western Europe and the U.S. Many programs also require you to learn at least one second language, especially Arabic. Overall, your courses will teach you how to analyze information and how to ask different questions about contemporary problems and issues. You also learn how to write persuasive papers and how to debate.

About 40 colleges and universities offer interdisciplinary bachelor's degrees in Near and Middle Eastern studies. A few two-year colleges offer the first two years of study. Students can often transfer these credits to a four-year school.

Many bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in Near and Middle Eastern studies draw on courses from departments of interdisciplinary studies, liberal studies, and humanities. In addition, most programs encourage you to double major in another field, such as business, social science, or journalism.

Master's degrees typically take five or six years of full-time study after high school. Doctoral degree programs typically take three to five years after the master's degree.

Majors in Near and Middle Eastern studies may lead to careers in the arts, business, media and journalism, research, teaching, or hospitality and tourism. Such careers include broadcasting, sales, musicology, advertising, public relations, arts criticism, and social commentary. The most common career paths are business, law, teaching, and journalism.

Students in this major may be able to choose concentrations such as:

• Customs and Culture
• Dance and Music
• Economics
• Folklore and Myth
• History
• Languages
• Literature
• Politics
• Religion