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Middle East Studies, BA

Undergraduate Admissions

Phone: 313-593-5300

Immerse Yourself in the Cultures of the Middle East 

Four students having a conversationThe bachelor’s degree in Middle East studies combines a comprehensive exploration of one of the world’s most fascinating and influential regions with three years of foreign language study, typically in Arabic. The program can accept transfer credits in other Middle East languages with certain conditions.

When you graduate, you’ll have advanced foreign language skills and a multi-disciplinary understanding of Middle Eastern societies and cultures. The combination will prepare you for a wide variety of career opportunities or for graduate studies.

Where a Middle East Studies Degree Will Take You

A Middle East studies degree opens doors to an array of career opportunities where language, social, and cultural knowledge are essential: international diplomacy, social services, academia, journalism, business, law, and more. The degree also provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in the modern Middle East.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$57,090 Median Salary

Interpreters and Translators

Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 7,200 openings for interpreters and translators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$132,350 Median Salary

Political Scientists

Employment of political scientists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 600 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$57,500 Median Salary

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Employment of news analysts, reporters, and journalists is projected to decline 3 percent from 2022 to 2032.

Despite declining employment, about 6,000 openings for news analysts, reporters, and journalists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Application Deadlines

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Apply early, priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships may be given to earlier applicants.

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Tuition

Get started early on your financial planning for college. Complete the net price calculator to get an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn.

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Go Blue Guarantee

Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds. Major financial support is available for students who do not fully qualify.

Paying for College

How to Get Involved

CAAS table

You can join the Arabic Language and Culture Club or the Iraqi American Student Union, participate in events at the UM-Dearborn Center for Arab American Studies and the Armenian Research Center, teach in a local community center to apply what you’ve learned and give back, check out any of the more than 150 student clubs and organizations on campus, and much more.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.

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