Director: Enaya Othman, Ph.D.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region extends from Mauritania in the west to Iran and Central Asia in the east, bounded by the Mediterranean Sea in the north and the Saharan and Sahelian regions in the south. This diverse and historically rich region is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations and the origins of the three Abrahamic traditions. Today, the MENA region continues to shape global conversations on culture, politics, economics, migration, media, and human rights.

Importantly, MENA Studies at Marquette embraces a Global Middle East perspective. Beyond geographic borders, the field examines diasporic communities, transnational networks, and cultural, political, and economic flows that connect the MENA region to Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and beyond. This approach highlights the global interconnectedness of the region and the lived experiences of people from and connected to the Middle East and North Africa.

At Marquette University, the MENA Studies major and minor offer an interdisciplinary education that invites students to explore the region’s complexity through historical, cultural, political, religious, linguistic, and social lenses. The program prepares students to become globally engaged thinkers and leaders, equipped with cultural fluency, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of one of the world’s most strategically and culturally significant regions.

Why Major or Minor in MENA Studies?
MENA Studies is ideal for students who want to:
•    Understand global issues from a non-Eurocentric perspective
•    Develop strong cross-cultural and critical thinking skills
•    Gain regional expertise that complements careers in business, diplomacy, law, journalism, education, health, security, and international service
•    Combine language learning with cultural, political, and economic analysis
Graduates of the MENA Studies program pursue careers and graduate study in international business, global development, foreign service, law, public policy, nonprofit work, education, media, humanitarian fields, and more.

Learning Objectives

Students majoring or minoring in MENA Studies will:
•    Develop critical thinking and research skills using interdisciplinary and cross cultural approaches
•    Gain a comprehensive understanding of the region’s geography, cultures, languages, and societies
•    Achieve functional proficiency in Arabic, the most widely spoken language in the region
•    Explore religious and philosophical traditions, with an emphasis on Islam, Christianity, and Judaism
•    Examine gender, race, religion, and social identities and their intersections in everyday life
•    Analyze political movements, migration, media, and global power relations in historical and contemporary contexts
•    Investigate the region’s contributions to global literature, art, science, and intellectual thought
•    Cultivate an appreciation for cultural exchange, ethical global engagement, and social justice

Arabic and Professional Pathways

Language study is central to MENA Studies. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue Arabic language coursework alongside the major or minor.

Arabic for Business is a new course designed especially for students interested in Business, International Business, Economics, and Global Commerce. The course introduces professional Arabic vocabulary and cultural practices relevant to business communication, negotiation, marketing, and workplace interaction in Arabic-speaking contexts. It is particularly valuable for students planning careers with multinational firms, NGOs, financial institutions, or organizations operating in or connected to the MENA region.

Career Preparation and Applied Learning

The MENA Studies program prepares students for a wide range of careers, including:
•    International business, trade, and global corporations
•    Diplomacy, government, foreign service, and international organizations
•    Nonprofit, humanitarian, and development work
•    Education, law, journalism, and media
•    Public policy, security studies, and global advocacy
Students gain transferable skills in cultural analysis, communication, research, and ethical global engagement that are highly valued by employers and graduate programs.

Study Abroad and Global Engagement

Study abroad is a highly encouraged and transformative component of the MENA Studies major and minor.

Students who study abroad in the MENA region, or in Arabic-speaking or globally connected contexts, may apply relevant courses toward the MENA Studies major or minor, provided that the courses complement or address the program’s learning goals. All study abroad coursework must be approved in consultation with the MENA Studies Director to ensure academic alignment and appropriate credit toward the major or minor.

Opportunities also include:
•    Faculty-led study abroad programs
•    Internships and service learning experiences
•    Community-based engagement with local and global MENA connected communities
•    Independent research projects under faculty mentorship

Complement Your Major
MENA Studies pairs especially well with:
•    Arabic Language and Culture Studies
•    International Affairs
•    Business and International Business
•    History
•    Political Science
•    Theology and Religious Studies
•    Sociology and Anthropology
•    Global Health and Development
Students majoring or minoring in MENA studies are strongly encouraged to minor in Arabic Language and Culture Studies, as linguistic proficiency significantly enhances cultural understanding, research capacity, and professional opportunities.

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