Program Overview

The Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies provides students a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, social and political environment in the Middle East, allowing them to work towards the certification during their undergraduate programs. Whatever profession they choose upon graduation, the certificate will be beneficial to all graduates seeking employment in the region.

The program provides an opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge of the cultural, historical, and political factors that have shaped the Middle East through time and to a large extent, explain the profile and texture of the current Middle Eastern landscape.

Upon completion of the certificate, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate required familiarity with Modern Standard Arabic;
• Exhibit a geographic knowledge of the region including both physical and economic aspects;
• Identify and discuss the historical underpinnings of the region;
• Explain the basic tenets of the Islamic faith and the role various religions play in the societies of the Middle East;
• Identify and discuss the various cultures whose presence contributes to and presents challenges to the cohesiveness of the region;
• Identify the various political systems historically and currently practiced in the region; and
• Identify significant contributions to human culture by civilizations in the region.

Program Details

The Middle Eastern Studies Certificate is an 18-19 credit hour program designed to give students in the area an appreciation and understanding of the region in which they are currently studying and in which many will be pursuing professional careers.

For students outside the region (Study Abroad, etc.), the certificate program offers the unique opportunity to develop their interest in and awareness of Middle Eastern culture by living in a Middle Eastern country while earning credit at an American-accredited university.

All students must meet the following credit hours to complete the certificate.

Course Classification	Credit Hours Required
Arabic Language	3-4
Required courses	6
Humanities/Social Sciences	3
Religion	3
Area Studies	3
Total	18-19

For the full course details and sequencing view the e-brochure

Facilities

Located on the main campus of AUD, the School of Arts & Sciences is conveniently positioned in the center of campus, within the cafeteria and food court buildings, and housing a gym, library and many other facilities.

ADMISSIONS ENTRY

General Requirements in order to qualify for admission to the Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies program, students must:

• Be in good academic standing at AUD or their primary university of study.
• Be pursuing or having pursued a bachelor’s degree at an institution accredited by the MOHESR in the U.A.E. or by the relevant national or regional institutional accrediting body in the case of international applicants; or have earned a bachelor’s degree at an institution accredited by the MOHESR or by the relevant national or regional institutional accrediting body in the case of international applicants.
• Have successfully completed ENGL 102 (Advanced Composition and Research) or its equivalent for students coming from institutions in which English is the language of instruction.
• Satisfy the English language requirements for students coming from institutions in which English is not the language of instruction.
• Satisfy all other requirements for admission to AUD.

English Language Requirements

All students must achieve a TOEFL® score of 550 and 4.0 on the TWE (CBT 213, Internet-based TOEFL® 79-80 + writing skills range 24- 30), or a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTSTM (with 6.5 in Writing), or an equivalent score on a test approved by the MOHESR in order to qualify for admission at AUD.

Students should consult with the Admissions Office for further details at admissions@aud.edu

Exceptions

• A native speaker of English who has completed his or her undergraduate education in an English medium institution in a country where English is the official language.
• A student admitted to and graduated from an institution in which English is the language of instruction who can provide evidence of having achieved a TOEFL® score of 500 or IELTS overall score of 6.0 or its standardized equivalent approved by the MOE in U.A.E. upon admission to the undergraduate program.

FACULTY