Majors and Minors

Ancient Near East Arabic ArmenianIranian IsraelJewish Middle Eastern

Students may combine their major with one in another department (double major) or add a minor to enhance their educational opportunities. Due to the number of additional courses required, they are advised to consider this option early in their academic career and in consultation with program advisers in both majors.

  • Ancient Near East and Egyptology

    This major provides students with an overview of Near Eastern Civilizations with an emphasis on their language, literature, religion, history, and art. Students are able to take classes from Jewish Studies, Anthropology, Semitics and other departments to satisfy their requirements for the major. Its interdisciplinary nature encourages students gain a holistic understanding of Near East through multiple professors across disciplines.

    Learn More Requirements

  • Arabic

    The study of Arabic opens the door to the rich history and culture of the Middle East and North Africa. Classical Arabic is the language of religion. Modern standard Arabic is the language of formal culture and the communication media. The Arabic dialects are the language of daily life. The major in Arabic introduces students to each of these varieties of Arabic and to their respective literatures.

    Learn More Requirements

  • Armenian Studies

    The Armenian Studies Program at UCLA focuses on the 3,000-year history and culture of the Armenian people, both in their native homeland between the Mediterranean, Black, and Caspian Sea, and in the dispersion. Unique in the context of Near Eastern civilizations, the Armenians maintained their Indo-European language and developed a distinct Christian culture that drew inspiration from and served as a link between the Orient and the Occident.

    Learn More Requirements

  • Iranian

    The study of Persian language and literature opens the door to the rich history and culture of Iran from pre-Islamic times to the present. UCLA’s program in Iranian Studies takes advantage of the presence in Los Angeles of the largest community of Iranians outside Iran.

    Learn More Requirements

  • Israel Studies

    The minor in Israel Studies is designed for students interested in adding to their major a particular focus on Israel. Comprising of coursework that serves to create a broad introductory foundation of familiarity with Israeli history, society, politics, and culture, the minor might be appropriate for students from a wide range of majors, including, but not limited to, History, Political Science, Art, Study of Religion, Film and Media Studies, Comparative Literature, Jewish Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, and more.

    Learn More Requirements

  • Jewish Studies

    The NELC department offers an undergraduate major and minor in Jewish Studies. Jewish Studies majors and minors will encounter the traditions, practices, beliefs, and histories of Jewish communities from antiquity to the modern era. Students may choose from either Biblical Hebrew or modern Hebrew as part of the Hebrew language requirement.

    Learn More Requirements

  • Middle Eastern Studies

    The mission of the department is the discovery, interpretation, dissemination, and preservation of human values created over a period of five or more thousand years in an area that was the cradle of all civilization.

    Learn More Requirements