Bachelor of Arts in Middle East Studies

The Middle East Studies (MES) program seeks to present a holistic picture of Middle Eastern, North African, and Islamic lifeworlds. We understand the Middle East and North Africa as a site to produce theory and knowledge. As a student in the program, youll be a part of an interdisciplinary hub for research that is grounded in material conditions and interrogates theoretical questions and stakes. MES faculty and students have produced award-winning scholarship across the disciplines of History, Religious Studies, Anthropology, Film and Media Studies, Global Studies, History of Art and Architecture, Music, Political Science, Communication, and Sociology. STEM faculty are also core to our vision and our Executive Committee.

The Department of Religious Studies at UCSB is unique among California universities, state universities, and colleges. The courses it offers address the critical issues relating to the subject of religion in its many facets: historical, cultural, literary, aesthetic, sociological, experiential, and philosophical. In introductory and advanced courses, its facultyrespected in their fields nationally and internationallyregularly teach about the religions of the world, and about the complex relationships between religion and politics, society, war, and everyday life. It is the oldest and largest department in the University of California system to provide B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in Religious Studies. Our graduate program offers multiple degree pathways, including options for a terminal M.A., an M.A./PhD, or a PhD degree.

Demonstrate English Proficiency By:
Score 24 or higher on the ACT English Language Arts (ELA)
Score 31 or higher on Writing and Language in the SAT
Score 3, 4 or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition
Score 6 or 7 on an IB Standard Level examination in English (Language A only)
Score 5, 6 or 7 on an IB Higher Level examination in English (Language A only)
Score 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)* examination:
Internet-based test (iBT) or iBT Home Edition or iBT Paper Edition: Minimum score of 80 or better