by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, Near and Middle Eastern studies was the 659th most popular major nationwide with 411 degrees awarded. This represents a 4.1% reduction in Middle East studies degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 428.
Our 2023 Best Near & Middle Eastern Studies Schools ranking analyzes 27 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for Near and Middle Eastern studies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of Middle East studies programs later in this article.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BA in History - Middle Eastern Studies
Study the rise of Islam and the Middle East's involvement in regional and international conflicts with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
Explore societal similarities and differences as seen through cultural, biological, archaeological and linguistic lenses when you earn one of your degrees in anthropology from Southern New Hampshire University.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents is a required skill for Middle East studies majors. Talking to others to convey information effectively and teaching others how to do something are all required skills for careers related to this major.
Near and Middle Eastern studies degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic Near and Middle Eastern studies program qualifications, to serve in some Middle East studies careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are many different Middle East studies degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in Near and Middle Eastern studies to something that takes less time like a . The time it takes to complete a Middle East studies degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A doctor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to Middle East studies, with approximately 60.5% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for Middle East studies workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree | 61.6% |
| Master’s Degree | 31.5% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 4.0% |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | 3.3% |
| First Professional Degree | 1.1% |
Most workers in Middle East studies have at least a doctor's degree. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in Near and Middle Eastern studies have received.
The education level required is different depending on the Middle East studies career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your Middle East studies degree? Near & Middle Eastern Studies careers are expected to grow 10.4% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to Near and Middle Eastern studies.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Professors | 12,700 | 10.4% |
As you might expect, salaries for Middle East studies graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for Near and Middle Eastern studies graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers Middle East studies grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Professors | $85,450 |
With over 138 different Middle East studies degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased Middle East studies school rankings to help you with this.
One of 30 majors within the Area Studies area of study, Near & Middle Eastern Studies has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| American U.S. Studies | 1,419 |
| Asian Studies | 925 |
| Area Studies, Other | 775 |
| Regional Studies (U.S., Canadian, Foreign) | 686 |
| Latin American Studies | 632 |
Image Credit: By Karl Udo Gerth under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
