Overview

The Global Middle East Studies programme at University of California, Irvine (UCI) offers students an in-depth, interdisciplinary grounding in the histories and present-day realities of the Middle East within a global context. This comprehensive curriculum ensures that undergraduates develop a competitive foundation for advanced research or professional practice. By combining theoretical frameworks with first-hand regional knowledge, the course prepares students for diverse international environments.

This major serves as an ideal complement to various disciplinary focuses, including political science, anthropology, and international studies. Students benefit from a curriculum that bridges the humanities, social sciences, and social ecology to provide a holistic understanding of the region.

Why Global Middle East Studies at University of California, Irvine (UCI)?

The programme is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach, drawing expertise from the School of Humanities and the School of Social Sciences. Students have access to a broad range of specialised tracks, allowing them to tailor their education to specific interests such as environmental policy, cultural identities, or global politics. The university's commitment to language acquisition further enhances the academic experience, providing students with the linguistic tools required for authentic engagement with Middle Eastern societies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 56682 per year
National fee: USD 56682 per year
Local fee: USD 19080 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum includes core methodology courses and specialised upper-division electives. Modules may include:

Humanities and Arts: Problems and Methods for Global Middle East Studies
Social Sciences: Problems and Methods for Global Middle East Studies
Social Ecology and Sciences: Problems and Methods for Global Middle East Studies
Research and Writing for Global Middle East Studies
Contemporary Middle East Politics
International Law
Religion and World Politics
Nuclear Environments
International Business

Careers with Global Middle East Studies

Graduates are equipped to pursue diverse career paths in both the public and private sectors. The programme provides a strong foundation for roles in foreign affairs, humanitarian aid, and international consulting. Additionally, the analytical training supports entry into professional fields such as law, business, and security studies.

Many students also utilise this degree as a stepping stone for graduate-level study in the United States or abroad. The combination of regional expertise and language skills makes graduates highly competitive for positions in global health, medicine, and governmental organisations where first-hand knowledge of the Middle East is essential.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Humanities and Arts: Problems and Methods for Global Middle East Studies

Social Sciences: Problems and Methods for Global Middle East Studies

Social Ecology and Sciences: Problems and Methods for Global Middle East Studies

Research and Writing for Global Middle East Studies

Bollywood Film

Iranian Culture

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Irvine, United States

Disciplines

International Relations Middle Eastern studies View 665 other Bachelors in International Relations in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

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 must receive a 3.0 GPA (3.4 for non-California residents) or higher in the 15 required “a-g” subject courses, with no grade lower than a C.

UCI will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes. After enrollment, exams may be used for class placement or some graduation requirements.

Personal Insight Questions (your personal insight questions should be exactly that – personal. This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself, what matters to you, your hopes, ambitions, life experiences, and inspirations. Key points about the personal insight questions include: freshman applicants choose four out of eight questions to answer, each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words. We encourage you to take your time. Be open, be reflective, and be honest. Your personal insight questions provide context for the rest of your application.)

English proficiency requirements

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

56682 USD / year

≈ 56682 USD / year
Out-of-State

56682 USD / year

≈ 56682 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

19080 USD / year

≈ 19080 USD / year

Living costs

Irvine

United States

1560 - 2585 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 Global 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

Irvine

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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