Overview

During the Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures programme from University of California, Berkeley language and literature courses are offered in Arabic, Modern Hebrew, Modern Greek, Persian, and Turkish, as well as in the ancient languages of Egyptian, Sumerian, Akkadian, Biblical Hebrew, and Iranian.

Students can explore the interconnected worlds of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia and their neighbors, as well as the diverse cultures of the modern Middle East.

The major also offers study in pre-modern and modern Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. During their studies, students can take part in a discovery experience that is innovative, collaborative, transdisciplinary, and features digital research.

Key facts

The Department offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts major in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures with a specialization in 1) Languages and Literature or 2) Middle Eastern Worlds.

Students choose one concentration in a specialization and follow the recommended course of study(link is external) listed in the Berkeley Academic Guide.

Students may take courses from outside the department to fulfill a major requirement. All courses taken for the major must be approved by the faculty major advisor.

Students are required to complete two courses, MELC 10 (Ancient Egypt & Mesopotamia), offered every fall semester, and MELC 11 (Modern Middle East), offered every spring semester.

Together, these courses survey the scope of the department's different fields. The department recommends students enroll in these courses as soon as they begin their studies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Middle Eastern Worlds: Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia

Middle Eastern Worlds: The Modern Middle East

Media Arabic

Modern Arabic Prose

Modern Arabic Poetry

Arabic Historical and Geographical Texts

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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

49 SCH

49-51

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Berkeley, United States

Disciplines

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

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

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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

Students who apply to Berkeley should meet the following minimum requirements:

Meet the A-G subject course requirements. (Review the A-G Policy Resource Guide)

Have a 3.0 GPA in A-G courses taken in the 10th and 11th grade years. (3.4 GPA for non-residents)

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

51204 USD / year

≈ 51204 USD / year
Out-of-State

51204 USD / year

≈ 51204 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13602 USD / year

≈ 13602 USD / year

Additional Details

Non-resident: Tuition: $6,801.00 + Non-resident Supplemental Tuition $18,801.00.

Living costs

Berkeley

United States

1750 - 2820 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 Eastern Languages and Cultures.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Key facts

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Berkeley

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners