Cut through the noise and discover truths.
The Arab World, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, and Israel, better known as the Middle East, increasingly influences life in the United States. If you’re interested in exploring this area of the world, UMW’s interdisciplinary Middle Eastern studies minor might be for you. Delve into the histories, geographies, cultures, arts, languages, and politics of this important area of the globe and gain a valuable understanding of its relationship with the Western World.
Areas of Study
In UMW’s minor program in Middle Eastern studies, managed by the Department of Geography, you’ll learn about the Arab World, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, and Israel through courses not only in geography but also history, foreign language, political science, and religion.
Career Opportunities
Career options open to students who minor in Middle Eastern studies and gain insight into this part of the world include translation, interpreting, journalism, non-profits and NGOs, international business, government, foreign service, social work, education, and more.
Internships
UMW’s proximity to Washington, D.C., gives students access to the greatest concentration of geography-related worksites in the United States. Over the past few years, students in the UMW Geography Department have interned with the federal government, private industry, local governments, and non-profit organizations.
Geography majors who have at least a 3.5 GPS in the major and a 3.0 overall at the beginning of the second semester of senior year are eligible for departmental honors. To earn honors, students must register for an independent study session in which to complete an approved thesis. A complete list of requirements can be found through the Department of Geography.
UMW’s minor program in Middle Eastern studies requires 21 credits, including two sequential semesters of instruction in any Middle Eastern language (or, if placed out of an approved language, six additional credits from the elective list), four non-language courses in Middle Eastern Studies, chosen at the 300 or 400 level, or Islam (from at least three different departments), and a capstone experience, including a semester-long individual study project, a study abroad program, or an internship.
The Department of Geography offers several scholarships each year. The Office of Financial Aid also keeps a complete list of all scholarships and grants available to UMW students.