The Middle East is a geopolitical anchor to our understanding of current world affairs. This vast region, encompassing everything from North Africa to Central Asia, plays a vital role in global political, social, cultural, and economic development. Natural disasters, internal strife, energy and resource issues in the Middle East are best understood by knowing the region’s history and its present. The Middle East Studies certificate in the Department of International & Global Studies offers students an interdisciplinary perspective on this critical world region, and affords a competitive advantage across a wide range of professional opportunities.
Students will draw upon multiple perspectives to analyze the diverse historical, political, economic, linguistic, and cultural experiences and values that exist in the Middle East and understand the legacy of colonialism and imperialism within the region and how it continues to shape conflicts, crises, and social issues.
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.
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.