"There are few issues in international affairs that do not involve the Middle East. We aim to train our students to develop a solid understanding of the region — its history, cultures, conflicts, and contributions — drawing on the breadth and depth of GW's faculty expertise on the region."
– Marc Lynch, Program Director

The Master of Arts in Middle East Studies program combines a rigorous academic foundation in the study of the Middle East with a strong professional orientation. Bridging the theory and practice of international affairs, the program will prepare students for careers in government, the private sector, and international and nongovernmental organizations.

The curriculum includes a range of courses covering the history, politics, economics, international relations and cultures of the societies and nations of the Middle East. In consultation with the program director, each student will develop a program of study that combines a broad overview of the region through a set of core courses, along with a more specialized field based on the student's specific academic and career interests. In addition, completion of the M.A. in Middle East Studies requires demonstrated oral and reading proficiency in a language of the Middle East region.

The Elliott School also offers graduate students who are enrolled in the Master of Arts in International Affairs program a concentration option in the Middle East region.