MA Middle East Studies at George Washington University

Programme overview

The Middle East is one of the world’s most important and challenging regions, where conflict seems chronic but peace elusive, resources are abundant but sustainable development difficult, and where the roots of major religions and global terrorism can be found. There are few issues in international affairs that do not involve the Middle East. The master of arts curriculum includes a range of courses covering the history, politics, economics, international relations, and cultures of the societies and nations of the Middle East.

Faculty: Elliott School of International Affairs | Department: Graduate Programs, Elliott School of International Affairs | Location: Washington, DC, United States

What you will study

See note regarding special topics and skills courses, the capstone sequence, and LAW courses.1 Three courses (9 credits) in any combination selected from the following: Three 1-credit professional skills courses in any combination selected from the following: Students must complete a two-semester capstone sequence that involves collaboration on a project of mutual interest and research related to the Middle East.

Career pathways

In consultation with the program director, each student develops a program of study that combines a broad overview of the region through a set of core courses, in-depth study through elective courses, and a specialized professional field based on the student's specific academic and career interests.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Fall: January 7th - Fellowship & Application Deadline Spring: October 1st - Fellowship & Application Deadline Applications for admission will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis after the fellowship deadlines have passed, but students will not be considered for fellowships. GRE and GMAT scores are not accepted and will not be considered in the review process. Please do not submit scores. Two (2) letters are required. Applicants should submit one (1) academic letter from a professor and one (1) professional reference. Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credi

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Offers of admission are valid for the semester stated in the admission letter; most graduate programmes use rolling admissions, and some review applications collectively after the deadline.

Graduate applications are submitted through the Graduate Application Center with a non-refundable $80 application fee; deadlines vary by programme and school. Processing usually takes four to six weeks.

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