About the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Studies Minor
Prepare for your dream international career with the MENA studies minor. This program provides students with advanced Arabic classes, immersive study abroad programs and a comprehensive education on Middle Eastern culture, economics, politics and history. All students may choose between two concentrations: Arabic language and culture or Middle East and North Africa Studies. These concentration options allow students to customize the minor to their interests and ideal career path. Arabic language students are prepared to converse and work in the Middle East, whereas students who choose the MENA studies concentration gain a deep understanding of the culture and politics of the area.
This minor typically takes at least three academic years to complete, so students should begin considering the minor as a Freshman or Sophomore. However, if you already have knowledge of a Middle Eastern language, you may be able to complete the minor in two years.
Minor requirements include:
- All students are encouraged to complete two semesters of a Middle Eastern language such as Arabic, Hebrew, Persian (Farsi) or Turkish. Alternatively, you may demonstrate basic proficiency at the one-year level.
- Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to complete the minor.
What can you do with a minor in North Africa and Middle East studies?
Students are prepared to work in a range of fields in the U.S. or in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. You’ll be ready for a meaningful career in government, nonprofit management, research or private industry. Less that 1% of college students study Arabic thus helping you stand out in an professional field. Additionally, in recent years, U.S. government agencies have expressed their need for citizens to be versatile in critical language, especially Arabic, because of U.S.-Arab relations.
Arabic and MENA Studies are a gateway into growing job markets and offer many attractive jobs. Given the U.S.'s relations with the Middle East, there are many jobs with federal agencies, but also numerous jobs in varying fields:
- Department of Defense, NSA, FBI
- IGO's: USAID, U.N.,
- Domestic/International Business
- Engineering/Petroleum
- Humanitarian Relief
- Non-profit, NGO management
Yes! At first glance, one would assume that Arabic is nonexistent in the state of Wyoming. However, Arabic is a growing field and new opportunities are emerging at the University of Wyoming!
UW has unique relationships with institutions across the Middle East, specifically in Jordan, Tunisia, and Morocco.
The Wyoming National Guard (WNG) partners with the Republic of Tunisia, working under the U.S. Department of Defense State Partnership Program. UW assists the WNG in facilitating translation and cultural-political awareness.
The Arabic and Middle East/North African Studies Program is one of a Kind
Jumpstart your international career and deepen your cultural understanding of the MENA region with this minor
