Middle East and North Africa Studies

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is home to a diversity of peoples and cultures, rich literary and artistic traditions, extensive trade networks, urban planning, and governance systems. Through our minor program, students can explore critical issues across the region while focusing on their areas of interest.

A huge thank you to Portland real estate developer, philanthropist and UO alumnus Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, for a landmark $25 million gift to CAS that will empower future global leaders and problem solvers! The School of Global Studies and Languages is now named the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages, and we are truly excited to be a part of it!

Learn More about Schnitzer School

What You Can Do with a Minor in Middle East and North Africa Studies

Recognizing the crucial economic and political role that the MENA region plays, this minor gives students foundational qualifications to enter a global workforce. It is especially useful for careers in:

  • Academia
  • Foreign service
  • International business
  • International law

Our Degree Program

The Middle East and North Africa studies minor is an interdisciplinary program.

an Arabic classroom with students listening to someone speaking

Learn from Experts in the Field

Our minor draws on expert faculty from a dozen different departments across the College of Arts and Sciences.

students sitting in Amman, Jordan, watching the sunset

Get Real-world Experience

Strengthen your language and culture skills overseas. Explore countries in the Middle East and North Africa region through study abroad opportunities.

Scholarships and Funding

Students in the Middle East and North Africa Studies can seek funding through the College of Arts and Sciences, which awards various scholarships both to incoming students and to those already attending the UO.

CAS and UO Scholarships

Academic Support

Our academic advisors can help students understand their major or minor requirements, plan their course of study, explore study abroad opportunities, and more.

Undergraduate Advising

Social Sciences News and CAS Events

POLITICAL SCIENCE - For the past several years, College of Arts and Sciences political scientist Chandler James has studied the norms and values that define the presidency. From wearing a U.S. flag pin and releasing tax records to press meetings and tan suit controversies, the president has been beholden to a set of informal and unofficial rules that have been created by institutions like the media and past presidents.
GEOGRAPHY - College of Arts and Sciences Geography Professor Emeritus Alexander Murphy received the prestigious 2026 Cullum Geographical Medal from the American Geography Society. The award is the organization’s most prestigious award and award — dating back to 1896 — and recognizes geographers who embody the spirit of exploration and enterprise.
ECONOMICS, POLITICAL SCIENCE - Some specific issues — from AI to immigration — are getting a lot of attention this midterm electoin. CAS faculty experts explain why.

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History Department Fall Term Coffee Hour

Nov

5

History Department Fall Term Coffee Hour

Nov 5 McKenzie Hall
Politics in Italy Info Session

Nov

5

Politics in Italy Info Session

Nov 5 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC)
CAS CareerLab Headshots Session

Nov

5

CAS CareerLab Headshots Session

Nov 5 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Creative Writing in Lisbon Info Session

Nov

5

Creative Writing in Lisbon Info Session

Nov 5 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC)
Art and Architecture in London Info Session

Nov

5

Art and Architecture in London Info Session

Nov 5 Lawrence Hall
2026 Post-Election Roundtable

Nov

5

2026 Post-Election Roundtable

Nov 5 Ford Alumni Center
OHC Work-in-Progress Talk: "Paperwork Politics: Literary Responses to Empire from the Southeast Asian Diaspora"

Nov

6

OHC Work-in-Progress Talk: "Paperwork Politics: Literary Responses to Empire from the Southeast Asian Diaspora"

Nov 6 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC)
Creative Writing Reading Series: Michael Copperman

Nov

6

Creative Writing Reading Series: Michael Copperman

Nov 6 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Noises Off

Nov

6

Noises Off

Nov 6 Robinson Theatre
Noises Off

Nov

7

Noises Off

Nov 7 Robinson Theatre

All events »