Program Overview
The Middle East and Islamic Studies at George Mason University is a MA programme in Humanities over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Middle East and Islamic Studies programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United States and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- Tuition: USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 10,232 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
- Location: Fairfax, United States, United States
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Middle East and Islamic Studies programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- [\'Critical Issues and Debates in Middle East and Islamic Studies\', \'Approaches to Middle East and Islamic History\', \'Islamic Texts and Contexts\', \'Politics and Societies of the Middle East\', \'Regional Ethnography\', \'Special Topics in Art History and the Decorative Arts\', \'Topics in Art History\', \'World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution\', \'Conflict and Religion\', \'Texts in Global Contexts\', \'Political Science Research Project\', \'Directed Research and Writing in History\', \'Independent Study\', "Master\'s Research Project"]
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.5 on a US 4.0 grading scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on a 4.0 scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the masters degree in Middle East and Islamic studies must submit
- Completed Application for Graduate Study (online).
- Nonrefundable application fee.
- Virginia In-State Tuition Rates Application if claiming entitlement to these rates.
- One official transcript from all previous institutions attended. Transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Graduate Admissions Office or, if an official electronic transcript, to Masons official email address for transcript receipt. Official Transcripts.
- Goals statement (between 750-1000 words) that includes career goals and the role of graduate study in Middle East and Islamic studies.
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably from current or recent professors. In lieu of one academic reference, applicants may submit a letter from a professional supervisor.
- GRE scores on exam taken within 5 years prior to application submission. The GRE requirement is waived for applicants who received their undergraduate degrees 10 or more years ago or hold another graduate degree.
- Resume or cv.
- An analytical writing sample (max 2000 words) is optional but recommended.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 10,232 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 10,232 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact George Mason University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About George Mason University
George Mason University
Fairfax County, United States
public liberal arts and research university in Fairfax County, Virginia
University Profile- Application Deadline Feb, 2027
- Start Date Aug, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
