Regional Specialization

The Middle East Institute coordinates the Middle East Regional Specialization for students in the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).

Students who elect the Middle East Regional Specialization are integrated into the life and functioning of the Middle East Institute. Specialization students receive invitations to key Institute programs, events, and student-faculty functions and are enabled to participate in the broader Middle East studies community on campus.

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Middle East Regional Specialization

To fulfill the regional specialization, students must complete a total of three graduate-level courses (9 credits) drawn from at least two different disciplines. Students can choose from a wide array of courses in the humanities and social sciences offered through SIPA, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the Law School. Students may also petition to take other graduate courses that cover the Middle East, with the prior approval of the Specialization Coordinator.

Foreign Language/Regional Specialization

Master of International Affairs (MIA) Students program may instead choose the Foreign Language Specialization, which requires completion of two Intermediate or advanced language courses in Arabic, Armenian, Hebrew, Persian or Turkish, and one approved MEI regional course. 

Students are required to register for the Foreign Language Specialization before proceeding with coursework. 

Verification

To verify completion of the specialization before graduation students must fill out the SIPA Regional Specialization Audit Form and submit it to the Specialization Coordinator. Once the form has been approved, it should be delivered by the student to the SIPA Office of Student Affairs (OSA) for final approval. OSA requires that the student submit a paper copy of the form. Submission deadlines are communicated to students by OSA but usually fall in January for May graduations.

Contact

Middle East Specialization Coordinator - Astrid Benedek