The interdisciplinary program in Middle East and Islamic Studies offers a distinctive and innovative approach to the study of the Middle East, of Islam, and of Muslim societies across the globe. The program seeks to situate the study of the Middle East and Islam within a globalized world. Students develop a broad understanding of the region, its history and its contemporary complexities with respect to society, politics, culture, and economy.

The Middle East and Islamic Studies Program comprises four distinct curricula; a master’s program in Middle East and Islamic studies (MEIS), a graduate certificate program, and two undergraduate minor programs (Middle East studies and Islamic studies). Because these programs are interdisciplinary, undergraduate and graduate students may take courses from a range of disciplines to fulfill minor, graduate degree or certificate requirements. Undergraduate students should consult the specific listing, Middle East Studies minor or Islamic Studies minor for more details. Graduate students should consult with the MEIS director.

Undergraduate Program

Minors

The Middle East and Islamic Studies Program offers two minors for undergraduates.

The Middle East Studies minor provides students with a firm grounding in the history, politics, and culture of this important region. Students develop an understanding of the diverse dynamics and complex forces that shape modern Middle East realities.

The Islamic Studies minor introduces students to the diverse and dynamic experience of Muslims globally and locally. Through interdisciplinary course offerings, students acquire an understanding of Islamic religious traditions, history, politics, society and culture. 

Graduate Program

Master's Degree

The program offers a master’s degree in Middle East and Islamic studies. Students study historical and contemporary topics - as well as theory and methodology - from regional and global perspectives. The unique interdisciplinary nature of the program provides students with a thorough foundation in the major debates and issues in the study of the Middle East, of Islam, and of Muslim societies across the globe.

Graduate Certificate

The graduate certificate in Middle East and Islamic studies allows students to examine the complex issues involved in understanding the Middle East and the broader Islamic world from a variety of perspectives. Students study both contemporary and historical developments in these regions; they take courses in various disciplines, including political science, history, and religious studies, and have the opportunity to take elective courses in an even broader set of disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, literature, and art history.

Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Program

Highly qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated master’s degree program in Middle East and Islamic studies. If accepted, students will be able to earn an undergraduate degree in their chosen major and a graduate degree in Middle East and Islamic studies after satisfactory completion of 138 credits, generally within five years. Credit limits and course requirements require advanced planning and consultation with the student’s undergraduate advisor and MEIS director.

AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies

web: islamicstudiescenter.gmu.edu

The AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies is an interdisciplinary research center whose goal is to provide a sound and nuanced understanding of Muslim societies and the Islamic faith, its role in world history and patterns of globalization. The center regularly sponsors lectures and conferences, runs major research projects and hosts international scholars. The center supports the academic curriculum through its on-campus and off-campus activities.

Middle East Studies

web: meis.gmu.edu

The interdisciplinary Middle East Studies program at George Mason provides students with a firm grounding in the history, politics, and culture of this important region. Under the guidance of internationally recognized faculty, students develop an understanding of the diverse dynamics and complex forces that shape modern Middle East realities. Students have the opportunity to examine new Middle East diasporas and transnational communities in the West, as well as the role of the Middle East in a changing geopolitical environment marked by the rise of China, India and the re-emergence of Russia.

Middle East/Islamic Studies (MEIS)

500 Level Courses

MEIS 500: Critical Issues and Debates in Middle East and Islamic Studies. 3 credits.
Introduces the interdisciplinary study of the Middle East and the Islamic world through an examination of recent seminal works and debates in the field representing the disciplinary perspectives of history, religious studies, political science, and sociology.Offered by Middle East/Islamic Studies. May not be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Middle East Islamic Studies.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
MEIS 599: Issues in Middle East and Islamic Studies. 3 credits.
In-depth study of current issues and debates in Middle East and Islamic studies in theoretical and historical context.Offered by Middle East/Islamic Studies. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

700 Level Courses

MEIS 794: Graduate Internship in Middle East and Islamic Studies. 3 credits.
Internship credit for completion of Middle East and/or Islamic studies related work at an approved government, nonprofit, or private institution.Offered by Middle East/Islamic Studies. May not be repeated for credit.
Recommended Prerequisite: MEIS 500, HIST 575, RELI 644.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Internship
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
MEIS 796: Directed Readings in Middle East and Islamic Studies. 3 credits.
Directed readings in the field of Middle East and Islamic Studies.Offered by Middle East/Islamic Studies. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Recommended Prerequisite: MEIS 500, RELI 644, HIST 575.
Registration Restrictions:

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Independent Study
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
MEIS 798: Research Project in Middle East and Islamic Studies. 3 credits.
Research project related to Middle East and Islamic studies taken under supervision of faculty adviser.Offered by Middle East/Islamic Studies. May not be repeated for credit.
Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of 21 credit hours toward MA in Middle East and Islamic Studies degree; satisfactory completion of a research methods course approved as a core course for the MA MEIS.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Thesis
Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.
MEIS 799: Thesis Research and Writing in Middle East and Islamic Studies. 1-6 credits.
Original research and thesis writing for students in the Middle East and Islamic Studies MA program.Offered by Middle East/Islamic Studies. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of MEIS 500, HIST 535, GOVT 731, GOVT 733, RELI 644; and 27 credit hours toward MA in MEIS degree; permission of MEIS director.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Thesis
Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.