The track in General Middle East Studies is designed for students seeking to develop the language and analytical skills necessary for advancement in non-academic careers in government, NGO's, and business, as well as a solid understanding of the modern Middle East.  It is tailored for students who do not plan on pursuing a Ph.D. after their completion of the M.A. in Near Eastern Studies.

Students must complete a minimum of 33 units.  The final departmental paper counts as 3 units (NES 909).

Students must achieve 2nd year language proficiency in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, or Turkish. Second-year language proficiency is achieved by successfully completing four semesters of the focus language. Students whose focus language is Arabic may alternatively enroll in 3 semesters of Modern Standard Arabic plus one sequence (two semesters) of an Arabic dialect (Egyptian, Levantine, or Moroccan).  The dialect units may not be applied to the total requisite sum of 33 units for the degree if they are being used to fulfill the language requirement.

By the end of the second semester of enrollment, students must assemble a departmental paper committee of three faculty members, one of whom serves as the departmental paper advisor. At least two members of this committee must be tenure-track professors in NES, and the committee must be approved by the Graduate Advisor.

The student’s departmental paper advisor will approve the appropriate subject matter and length of his or her paper.  Students are responsible for scheduling with their committee a final oral exam on their cumulative coursework in the M.A. program.

The Graduate Studies Committee ordinarily will not entertain petitions for advancement to the Ph.D. Program from students who select the track in General Middle East Studies.