University of Utah United States

Bachelor of Arts Middle East Studies

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon December 2026

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Middle East Studies at Shorelight University of Utah provides you with a comprehensive understanding of this historically rich and geopolitically significant region. You will explore diverse perspectives on Middle Eastern history, politics, and culture, engaging with subjects ranging from ancient empires and the history of Islam to contemporary issues like comparative politics and religiosity. This undergraduate degree is ideal for students seeking to develop critical analytical skills and a nuanced appreciation of the complex dynamics shaping the Middle East and its global interactions, preparing you for informed engagement in a vital area of international study.

This full-time, on-campus program, studied over four years, allows you to delve deep into foundational and upper-division courses, including comparative politics and the history of Islam. You will have the opportunity to earn credits in area studies, focusing on specific aspects like women's voices or political science topics, and engage with interdisciplinary approaches. You will graduate with a strong academic foundation and the research and critical thinking abilities necessary for careers in international relations, policy analysis, journalism, or further graduate studies, equipped to contribute meaningfully to discussions and work related to the Middle East.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Bachelor of Arts in Middle East Studies program offers a comprehensive exploration of the region's history, politics, and culture. Students will engage with foundational lower and upper-division courses covering topics from ancient history to contemporary issues, including comparative politics, religiosity, and the experiences of Muslim-Americans. The curriculum further expands through upper-division area studies courses, delving into specific themes such as women's voices, linguistic variation, art history, film, and the global impact of Islam.

1 Foundational Course: Lower-Division

Introduction to Middle East
Middle Eastern History to 1800
Middle Eastern History Since 1800
Religiosity in the Middle East and the US

2 Foundational Course: Upper-Division

Comparative Politics of the Middle East
Comparative Politics of the Middle East
Special Topics in Hebrew Studies
Hyphenated Lives: Muslim-Americans in the U.S.
Hyphenated Lives: Muslim-Americans in the U.S.
Hyphenated Lives: Muslim-Americans in the U.S.
Introduction to Islam
Introduction to Islam
Introduction to Islam

3 Upper-Division Area Studies Courses

Women's Voices: Egypt and Iran
Linguistic Variation in Arabic
Asian Medicine: Tradition, Contexts, and Modernity
Special Topics
Introduction to Premodern Islamic Art and Architecture
Islamic Arts of the Book
Community Engaged Learning
Quantitative Communication Research
Cinema of the Developing World
Hinduism and Islam in India and the World
Bollywood: Seeing India through Indo-Pakistani Film
Cultural Exchanges of South Asia and Iran (Past and Present)
Ancient Empires
The History of the Middle East, 1798-1914 (Inactive)
The Middle East Since 1914: Imperialism, Nationalism, Revolution and War
Ancient Israel and Palestine
Global Islam
Introduction to Islam
Arabian Days: The Islamic Caliphates
The Crusades
Ancient Empires
The Middle East Since 1914: Imperialism, Nationalism, Revolution and War
The History of the Middle East, 1798-1914
Hinduism and Islam in India and the World
Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East
Anthropological Archaeology of Ancient Egypt
Silk Road: Past and Present
Special Topics
Women's Voices: Egypt and Iran
Model Arab League
Major Trends in Modern Islam
Hyphenated Lives: Muslim-Americans in the U.S.
Introduction to Islam
Arabian Days: The Islamic Caliphates
Major Issues in Middle Eastern History
Oil in the Middle East
Special Topics
Contemporary Politics & Society in Iran
International Relations of the Middle East
Women's Voices: Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan
Classical Persian Literature in Translation
Hyphenated Lives: Muslim-Americans in the U.S.
Special Topics
World Religions
Islam and Politics
Comparative Politics of the Middle East
Resident Scholar Think Tank with John Price
Islam and Democracy
Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict
Political Violence/Terrorism
International Relations of the Middle East
Refugees: Rights, Health & Crime
Global Health

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,670.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,670.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,670.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,670.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 134,680.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 308,951.00 - USD 579,283.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Utah Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

80%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesCorporate Training & DevelopmentCurriculum & Instructional DesignEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEdTech & E-LearningEducation Policy & AdministrationEducational Support ServicesHigher Education & UniversitiesSecondary & High School EducationVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Canyons School District

Natural History Museum of Utah

Salt Lake City Corporation

Why Study Bachelor of Arts Middle East Studies at University of Utah

What makes this program stand out

December 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in December 2026

Very Fast Application response time

University of Utah typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University of Utah in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bachelor of Arts Middle East Studies at University of Utah

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require a separate permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you can demonstrate skills through Duolingo, TOEFL, or IELTS scores. Minimum requirements include a Duolingo overall score of 110 or a TOEFL overall score of 80, among others.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers in journalism, policy analysis, international relations, and more.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Bachelor of Arts in Middle East Studies covers topics such as Middle Eastern history and contemporary politics. This program develops critical analytical skills and prepares students for careers in international relations and policy analysis.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

Intake months for the Bachelor of Arts in Middle East Studies are May, August, and December. Make sure to apply during these months to start your studies.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️