Overview

The Middle East and Islamic Studies programme at University of California, Riverside offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of the Middle East and the wider Muslim world. Students engage with a curriculum that spans history, religion, gender, and politics to build a nuanced perspective on these global regions. This degree prepares individuals to analyse the diverse cultural and geographic landscapes that define Islamic societies.

Why Middle East and Islamic Studies at University of California, Riverside?

The programme is supported by a diverse faculty drawn from departments such as Anthropology, History, and Religious Studies. Their expertise covers a vast area from Muslim Spain to Central and South Asia. Students benefit from interactive learning environments, including oral presentations and debates, which foster critical thinking and information literacy. The university also offers study abroad opportunities in the region for cultural immersion and language enhancement.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 52536 per year
National fee: USD 52536 per year
Local fee: USD 14934 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on developing research proficiency and language skills through survey and specialised courses. Modules may include:

Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
History
Religion
Gender and Sexuality
Literature
Art
Popular Discourses
Culture
Politics

Careers with Middle East and Islamic Studies

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for roles in international organisations, including the United Nations and various global think tanks. The degree provides a strong foundation for careers in education, government service, and international business. Many students also pursue opportunities in international law, public health, or museum and art gallery management. Furthermore, alumni have successfully entered prestigious graduate programmes at institutions such as Oxford, Johns Hopkins, and Georgetown.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Survey of Modern Middle East History

The Art of the Essay

Outcasts and Outsiders in Fiction

Elementary Arabic

Intermediate Arabic

Urban Transformation in the Middle East

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Riverside, United States

Disciplines

Islamic Studies Middle Eastern studies View 143 other Bachelors in Middle Eastern studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

You must have a GPA of 3.0 or better (3.4 for nonresidents) in the A-G courses, with no grade below a C.

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

You will need your:

Test scores

Annual income (optional)

Social Security number (if you have one)

Citizenship status

Statewide student ID (optional)

Credit card (or check)

Order Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to be sent.

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

52536 USD / year

≈ 52536 USD / year
Out-of-State

52536 USD / year

≈ 52536 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

Riverside

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

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

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Middle East and Islamic 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

Riverside

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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