Middle Eastern Studies
The M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies (MAMES) is an inter-disciplinary program devoted to the study of the Middle East, with an emphasis on the modern period, in fields including history, anthropology, sociology, political science, literature, art history, gender studies, and media studies.
Request InformationDegree Offered
M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies
Full-time/Part-time
Admissions Deadlines
June 1 for fall enrollment
November 1 for spring enrollment
Through access to diverse faculty offering wide expertise and wide-ranging scholarly approaches, students gain a broad understanding of the politics, history, societies, literatures, and cultural experiences of the region. They develop also a special competence in a chosen area of interest, hone their research skills and ability to think critically about the region, and are encouraged to articulate their findings at an advanced scholarly and professional level. In addition, students are expected to demonstrate at least an intermediate-level proficiency in a Middle Eastern language of their choice.
Why Our Program?
The M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies is designed to serve students with diverse interests and needs. Our flexible planning towards graduation serves both full-time and part-time students, with all classes held in the evening to accommodate those with life and career commitments. We are the only public university M.A. Program in Middle Eastern Studies in the New York tri-state area, and as such we have a unique experience, support services, and a tradition of access for students of all social, economic, cultural and national backgrounds. The Program bases its reputation on a distinguished and diverse faculty and student body and on paying close attention to student progress and needs. Prior study of the Middle East and/or proficiency in a Middle Eastern language is an advantage but is NOT a requirement for admission into the Program.
Visit Us
We are happy to meet prospective students and will try to show you around and answer your questions as best we can. To schedule a visit, please contact our Assistant Program Officer, Mr. Jeremy Randall, at mestudies@gc.cuny.edu.
Deeply Connected
New York is a center of Middle East-related activity and culture, in which CUNY plays an important part. In addition to the MA Program itself, student experience can be enriched by full access and participation in the events, programs, and resources of the Middle East and Middle Eastern American Center (MEMEAC) here at the Graduate Center. We retain close ties with fellow academic institutions and cultural foundations. Our Internship Program offers students opportunities to gain professional skills and connections through positions at leading humanitarian, social service, policy, and arts organizations in and around New York City. Students may also take up to six credits at other accredited academic institutions, including those in the Middle East. Students have found the latter particularly useful for language study, and the Program has some resources to support this.
Visit MEMEAC
Alumni Outcomes
Some twenty percent of our graduates proceed to doctoral or other further study. Others develop in their existing chosen professional spheres or use their degree to facilitate new career paths in areas including education, media, library and archives, the law, government service, policy administration, human rights, NGO work, economic development, immigrant advocacy, translation/interpretation, and the arts. Recent alumni have found employment in federal, state, and city agencies and in non-governmental organizations in the United States, as well as world-wide, especially in the Middle East.
Alumni Highlights
A Diverse Community
Like CUNY and New York City itself, the MA Program in Middle Eastern Studies values and respects diversity of thought, identity, experience, and interests. Our faculty and students, who come from many places, including Middle Eastern countries and heritage communities in the United States, form strong collegial bonds and are vital to sustaining these values. Faculty are affiliated to the Program from throughout the CUNY system and offer vast expertise in a multitude of areas and disciplines.
Recent News
Sep 26, 2023
In Memoriam: Professor Shareah Taleghani
The Graduate Center mourns the loss of a professor who taught in our Middle Eastern Studies master’s program.
- GC Stories
- In Memoriam
- Faculty News
Aug 21, 2023
Eight Graduate Center Faculty Are Named CUNY Distinguished Professors
The rank is the highest at CUNY, bestowed on faculty who are leaders in their fields.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
May 24, 2023
Ph.D. in hand, longtime theater director starts a second act
A 2022 graduate turns from the stage to the lecture hall.
- GC Stories
- Alumni News
Jul 20, 2022
Headed to Cornell to Study Public Morality in Muslim Countries
A class of ’22 grad shares his steps to a top Ph.D. program.
- GC Stories
- Alumni News
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