BA Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies at Columbia University

Programme overview

The BA Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies is offered at Columbia University.

Faculty: Columbia College | Department: Middle Eastern South Asian African Studies | Study mode: full-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

The first is a small seminar in which they explore some of the classic texts of the region, either AHUM UN1399 COLLOQUIUM ON MAJOR TEXTS: MIDDLE EAST/INDIA (for those focusing on the Middle East and South Asia) or AFCV UN1020 AFRICAN CIVILIZATION (for those focusing on Africa).

Career pathways

We will study cinema as technology, as industry, and as cultural form, paying attention to questions of film finance, on-screen representation, production infrastructures, circuits of distribution, and sites of exhibition.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to Columbia College (not programme-specific); majors are declared after admission to the College.

USD 72,800 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate tuition for Columbia College and Columbia Engineering, one rate for all undergraduates and not stated per major. Excludes fees ($4,160), housing, food and books. Source

First-year entry is for Fall 2027; applications are accepted for full-time enrolment at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering. Transfer admission is for the fall semester only.

First-year applications for Fall 2027 open August 1. Early Decision deadline is November 1 (financial aid application November 15, decisions mid-December). Regular Decision deadline is January 1 (financial aid February 15, decisions late March, reply by May 1). Apply through the Common Application, the Coalition Application on Scoir or QuestBridge. The application fee is $85, paid online by electronic check or credit card, with fee waivers available. SAT or ACT submission is optional for applicants entering Fall 2027; scores will be required from the 2027-2028 admissions cycle.

Transfer applications for Fall 2027 are due March 1, through the Coalition Application on Scoir. The application fee is $85. Test scores are optional for Fall 2027 entry.

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