Middle East and North Africa Studies

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) geographically embraces a region from Mauritania in the west to Iran and Central Asia in the east, the Mediterranean in the north and Saharan and Sahelian Africa in the south. The MENA Studies program engages one of the most strategic regions of the world and its diasporas linguistically, culturally, historically, theologically, politically, socially and economically.

Growing domestic demand.

• The U.S. Department of State considers Arabic one of the "critical languages." 
• Between 2015 and 2017, the number of U.S. job ads listing Arabic as a desired skill increased by 150%. 

Dynamic and diverse studies. 

The MENA studies program melds a foundation in Arabic language with an interdisciplinary curriculum that explores the history, society, economy, theology, philosophy and media of the Arabic-speaking world. With a wide array of electives, MENA studies students can tailor their program of study to their interests and career goals. Students will understand the political, economic, gender, social and cultural dynamics of the Middle East and North Africa with an interdisciplinary approach and using discipline-specific methodologies.

Enhanced academic experience.

The MENA studies program accommodates and furthers the world-class opportunities available at Marquette. Students can delve deep with research opportunities with faculty scholars, study-abroad with our global partners, serve in ROTC and learn on the job with an internship.