BA Middle East Studies at University of California, Santa Barbara

Programme overview

The Middle East Studies (MES) program seeks to present a holistic picture of Middle Eastern, North African, and Islamic lifeworlds. We understand the Middle East and North Africa as a site to produce theory and knowledge. As a student in the program, you’ll be a part of an interdisciplinary hub for research that is grounded in material conditions and interrogates theoretical questions and stakes.

Faculty: College of Letters and Science | Department: Department of Religious Studies | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Barbara, CA, United States

What you will study

Major requirements are organised as Preparation For The Major: MES 45, HIST 46A, HIST 46B, ARTHI 6K; Upper-Division Major: ANTH 118TS, ANTH 138TS, ANTH 176TS, ARTHI 132A, ARTHI 132D, ARTHI 132E, ARTHI 132I, ARTHI 132J, ARTHI 133DD, ARTHI 133EE, ARTHI 186Q, FAMST 122ME, FAMST 166MI, FAMST 187IS. MAJOR REGULATIONS PREREQUISITES Check the General Catalog for the prerequisites to all listed courses.

Career pathways

Graduate and professional pathways include Education; Nonprofit administration; International business; Religious Studies; Education; Communication. Top employers include Higher Education / Universities, Community Centers / NPOs / NGOs, Law Firms / Legal environment.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to UCSB is to the university and a college (College of Letters and Science, College of Engineering, College of Creative Studies), not to the individual major; applicants must meet the University of California subject requirements for first-year or transfer applicants and apply through the UC Application. Selective-major and second-choice-major rules are described by UCSB Undergraduate Admissions.

Entry term: fall. First-year and transfer applicants apply for fall 2027 through the UC Application.

First-year and transfer applications for fall 2027: UC Application filing period October 1 - November 30, 2026 (opens August 1). Application fee: $80 per campus for U.S. residents, $95 per campus for international students. Transfer applicants also submit the UCSB TAG Application September 1-30. First-year decisions mid-March; transfer decisions mid-April; Statement of Intent to Register May 1 (first-year) and June 1 (transfer).

SAT and ACT scores are not used in admission selection or scholarships; submission is optional and may be used for course placement. Students applying to College of Creative Studies majors submit a supplemental application; Dance and Music B.M. applicants complete an audition.

Graduate applicants apply through the UCSB online graduate application; the deadline is set by each department. Application fee: $135 for US citizens and permanent residents, $155 for all others, payable by credit card, check or money order. GRE required only by some programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.sa.ucsb.edu/

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