Degree Requirements
Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online at https://utexas.box.com/v/UTAustinGraduateHandbooks. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.
Master of Arts
This program consists of at least 30 semester hours, including a six-semester-hour thesis; or at least 33 semester hours, including a three-semester-hour report. With the exception of Middle Eastern Studies 698A, 698B, and 398R, all courses must be taken on the letter-grade basis. For the 30-semester-hours thesis option, students complete 18 semester hours of Middle Eastern studies coursework, up to six semester hours of non-Middle Eastern studies minor area coursework, and six semester hours of thesis. For the 33-semester-hours report option, students complete 24 semester hours of Middle Eastern studies coursework, up to six semester hours of non-Middle Eastern studies minor area coursework, and three semester hours of report.
For administrative purposes, a coursework option is available to dual-degree students who are required by their other graduate program to take the 698A and 698B courses, or 398R course, so that the student does not need to complete two theses, two reports, or one thesis/one report. In such cases, a Center for Middle Eastern Studies Graduate Studies Committee member must still serve as either the supervisor, co-supervisor, or second reader.
Language requirement (six semester hour minimum): The student must complete either two upper-division or graduate-level courses in one modern Middle Eastern language while enrolled in the degree program. These two courses shall be applied to the Middle Eastern studies major area coursework requirement. Students who are native speakers of a Middle Eastern language must complete these courses in a different modern Middle Eastern language.
Coursework distribution: Within their Middle Eastern studies coursework, students will take a minimum of one three-semester-hour course in each of the following categories: history, humanities, and social sciences.
All students are expected to maintain a minimum 3.50 grade point average in order to remain in good standing. Failure to maintain this minimum average will result in a warning letter and one semester of probation, during which time the student is expected to return to a minimum 3.50 grade point average. The program has the discretion to dismiss students who are unable to meet this requirement after one additional semester.
Dual Degree Programs
The Center for Middle Eastern Studies offers the following dual degree programs in cooperation with other divisions of the University. More information is available from the graduate advisor in each program.
| Field(s) of Study | Degree(s) |
|---|---|
| Business administration | Master of Business Administration |
| Global policy studies | Master of Global Policy Studies |
| Information studies | Master of Science in Information Studies |
| Journalism and media | Master of Arts |
| Law | Doctor of Jurisprudence |
| Public affairs | Master of Public Affairs |
| Radio-television-film | Master of Arts |