Overview

The Middle East Studies programme at the University of California, Santa Barbara provides students with a holistic understanding of Middle Eastern, North African, and Islamic lifeworlds. This interdisciplinary curriculum encourages undergraduates to engage with the region as a vital site for producing modern theory and knowledge. Students benefit from a research-driven environment that interrogates complex material conditions and theoretical stakes.

The department serves as a vibrant hub for academic inquiry, drawing on expertise from a wide range of disciplines. By integrating diverse perspectives, the curriculum ensures that learners develop a nuanced view of the region's global significance. The faculty includes award-winning scholars who contribute to a rich intellectual community focused on the Middle East.

Why Middle East Studies at University of California, Santa Barbara?

The University of California, Santa Barbara offers a unique interdisciplinary framework for this major, incorporating insights from Anthropology, Film and Media Studies, and Political Science. The programme is supported by the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, which features a diverse leadership team, including professional musicians and STEM faculty.

Students gain access to a broad spectrum of knowledge, as courses are distributed across numerous academic departments. This structure provides both breadth and richness, allowing for a customised educational experience. The inclusive nature of the programme welcomes students from all backgrounds to explore the cultural and historical depth of the Middle East.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14934 per year
National fee: USD 14934 per year
Local fee: USD 14934 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Pilgrimage
Major Works of Middle Eastern Literatures
Women and Gender in Middle Eastern History
War and Diplomacy in the Middle East
Persian Cinema
Ethnomusicology Performance Ensemble

Careers with Middle East Studies

Graduates from the University of California, Santa Barbara are prepared for diverse professional pathways in both domestic and international sectors. The analytical and cultural skills gained during the programme are highly valued by employers in education, nonprofit administration, and international business. Many alumni also pursue careers within communication and religious organisations.

Common graduate destinations include roles within higher education institutions and community centres. The degree also provides a strong foundation for those entering law firms or legal environments where regional expertise is required. Graduates frequently find employment with non-governmental organisations and global agencies focused on Middle Eastern affairs.

Programme Structure

Courses

Myriad Peoples

Societies

Languages

Middle East Studies

Cultures of the Near East and the Islamic Worlds.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Barbara, United States

Disciplines

History Middle Eastern studies View 1569 other Bachelors in History in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The University of California sets slightly different criteria for applicants who are not California residents. If you are an out-of-state applicant, you must meet the same admission requirements as a California resident student.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Out-of-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Middle East Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Barbara

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners