Middle East Studies Program

where global history, culture, and politics intersect

The Middle East Studies Program at Fordham

Western Wall

Few parts of our world are more in the news or more vital to the international interests of the United States. Business, mass media, law firms, governmental and non-governmental bodies, philanthropic organizations, relief and aid agencies, human rights groups, graduate and professional schools are all eager to recruit individuals well-versed in the complexities and intricacies of Middle Eastern/North African culture, history, religion, civilization, economics and politics.

Fordham University is one of the few institutions of higher learning in the United States that offers an interdisciplinary, intercampus, undergraduate major in Middle Eastern studies. This program trains and equips students to step into challenging positions related to Middle East affairs.

The Program

Includes the geographic areas of the Middle East and North Africa from ancient to modern times, from Morocco in the west to Afghanistan in the east, as well as from Turkey in the north to Somalia in the south. We offer courses in history, anthropology, political science, art history, economics, religion, philosophy, and literature. All of these disciplinary areas are necessary to make the Middle East and North Africa come alive with meaning.

Students with laptops in classroom
Major Requirements
a student sits in a classroom speaking to a professor.
Minor Requirements
Arabic
Arabic Language Programs
Italian Language and Literature
Courses

  • Students in Middle East Studies have access to competitive national and international scholarships supporting language study, research, and cultural immersion.

    Opportunities Include:

    • Critical Language Scholarship Program — Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and more.
    • American Center for Oriental Research (Amman, Jordan)
    • American Institute of Iranian Studies
    • Center for Arabic Study Abroad
    • Qatar Foundation International

    Explore Scholarships & Fellowships

  • Middle East Studies students pursue internships and careers in government, NGOs, media, law, business, human rights, and international development.

    Highlighted Opportunities:

    • Arab American Association of New York — Internships & volunteer roles under “Get Involved.”
    • American University of Cairo — Postgraduate Internship
    • Center for Islam and Religious Freedom
    • Middle East Institute
    • Brookings Institution
    • Project Nur
    • American‑Arab Anti‑Discrimination Committee
    • Inner‑City Muslim Action Network
    • Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility
    • Interfaith Center of New York
    • National Council Summer Internship Program
    • Park 51 — Muslim‑American community group offering events & internships.
    • Aga Khan University — Postdoctoral Fellowships

    View All Jobs & Internships

  • Faculty in Middle East Studies contribute to global conversations through interviews, publications, and public scholarship.

    Featured Media:

    • Interview with Public Radio International (PRI) — Prof. Michael Peppard on ISIS and Middle Eastern Christian history.
    • New York Times Sunday Review — Prof. Peppard’s article on the oldest image of the Virgin Mary, based on his book The World’s Oldest Church (Yale, 2016).

    Explore Media & Faculty Work

  • Middle East Studies hosts lectures, museum tours, cultural programs, and collaborations with NYC institutions.

    Highlighted Event: Little Syria NYC Tour & Exhibition

    • Hosted by the Arab American National Museum
    • Venues included:
      • NYC Department of Records & Information Services
      • Ellis Island National Museum
      • Metropolitan College of New York
    • Focus: The history and legacy of Manhattan’s Little Syria community (1880–1940)

    View All Events