Advance Your Career with Middle Eastern Studies
Expand your job options with the Middle Eastern Studies Certificate, open to Asian Studies majors, all other majors, and students who only wish to take the five college classes needed to earn the certificate.
Asian Studies Majors: Specialize, Stand Out to Employers
If you are an Asian Studies major, you can specialize in Middle Eastern (defined broadly) history, Islamic civilization, or a related topic by choosing the classes that interest you most within the certificate program.
The Middle Eastern Studies Certificate will help your resume stand out and give potential employers an extra reason to consider you.
Other Majors: Expand Job Options and Graduate School Opportunities
If you are in another major, this certificate can give you new opportunities in the job market. You may also qualify for graduate school in fields you could not access with your major.
Along with Asian Studies, some majors and career directions that fit well:
- Journalism: as a reporter in the Middle East, a Washington, DC reporter, or any job involving editing world news
- Political Science: as a diplomat, in international-level politics, or for lobbying groups
- Business: in international business ventures or for US businesses competing with companies overseas
- Foreign Languages: in international companies that may want expertise in one language area but appreciate depth in a second culture
- Students in the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps: adding this certificate may benefit you in your military career
Only Seeking the Certificate? Earn It with Just Five Classes
The Middle Eastern Studies Certificate is a smart choice if you are not a current college student and want to gain a college-level credential in this field. You can earn this stand-alone certificate and give yourself new career potential in the military, business, or other areas by taking just five college classes.
Your courses will be taught by university professors with expertise in Middle Eastern history, culture, religion, and politics.
Count Classes You Are Already Taking
For current students, this certificate is set up to let you count some of the classes you may already be taking. This may let you meet your major requirements and the requirements of the certificate with the same class, saving you time and money.
Sometimes the topics in courses such as Major Global Authors, Topics in Non-Western History, and Non-Western Studies can relate to Middle Eastern studies. Check with your instructor to see if the topic fits, and get approval from the Asian Studies coordinator to count these classes toward the 15 credits needed for the certificate.
With the Asian Studies coordinator's approval, you can also count three credits of an appropriate foreign language class and three credits of an internship.