Middle East Studies Certificate

The Middle East is a geopolitical anchor to our understanding of current world affairs. Natural disasters, internal strife, energy and resource issues in the Middle East are best understood by knowing the region’s history and its future. Middle East Studies offers students an interdisciplinary perspective on this critical world region from North Africa to Central Asia. The Middle East plays a vital role in global political, social, cultural, and economic development.

Why Study Middle East Studies at PSU?

Choose PSU’s Middle East Studies certificate if you’re looking for:

Exceptional faculty. Our faculty have extensive experience with teaching and research in the Middle East.
Exciting, cutting-edge courses. Our face-to-face and online courses allow students to focus on various areas from Iran, Turkey, and Israel to Arab nations, or explore themes such as Islamic movements and gender relations in the Middle East.
An interdisciplinary education. We offer a flexible interdisciplinary curriculum that can be tailored to your goals and interests. Our faculty are scholars from diverse disciplines such as linguistics, history, political science, and economics.
Personalized advising. Professional and faculty advisors are there to support your learning goals and guide you to new opportunities.
Study abroad opportunities. You can enhance your knowledge of the region by going on one of the many credit-bearing international opportunities in Middle Eastern or North African countries offered through PSU’s Education Abroad.
Scholarships and fellowships. Many scholarships are available to students, including Critical Language Scholarships as well as Boren and Fulbright opportunities.
Our diverse campus is located in downtown Portland, one of the most vibrant cities on the West Coast.

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What can I do with a Certificate in Middle East Studies?

A certificate in Middle East Studies prepares students for a wide range of careers in the nonprofit, private, and government sectors. Graduates of our program have found opportunities all over the world in:

Graduate programs in Middle East and International Studies, Business, Political Science, Urban Studies, Public Health, etc.
Private-sector employers, including international businesses
Aid organizations such as the International Red Cross
Nonprofits focused on issues ranging from health to education, food systems, gender rights, sustainability, and more
Business incubators and trade organizations
Government agencies, with a focus on international affairs
Journalism and media organizations

Whether you want to pursue a career overseas, work in the United States, or prepare for a graduate degree, take the first step with a Portland State University’s Middle East Studies certificate.

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Ready to start?

We offer a certificate in Middle East Studies

Students with a strong background in this region will gain a competitive advantage across a wide range of professional opportunities. Country and language areas of focus range from Iran, Turkey, and Israel to Arab nations. Portland State offers study abroad programs in several Middle East countries. Scholarship opportunities include Critical Language Scholarships as well as Boren and Fulbright opportunities.

For advising questions, please contact your CUPA professional advisor or the program faculty advisor, Prof. Lindsay Benstead.

Certificate Curriculum

Contact Dr. Benstead