Is it a bad idea to major in Middle Eastern Studies?

<p>I've long had a passion for the Middle East (I even once talked about Ancient Israel for three hours), and would love to increase my knowledge in the subject. I want to study the Middle East and Arabic. </p>

<p>I do have qualms, though. Would you consider it a bad idea to major in Near and Middle Eastern Studies? </p>

<p>I don't know if it would open many job or career opportunities, and considering the tensions in the Middle East, I'm not sure that traveling there for certain positions would be wise. And honestly, I really want to be a Kindergarten teacher, but I don't want my only concentration in college to be on Education. </p>

<p>Any help you could offer me would be much appreciated.</p>

<p>If you want to teach I think it should and in some cases has to be Education. Why not just major in Early Childhood education and take courses in Arabic and Middle East history/political science courses for your own interest? You will also be free to select the courses you want to take and not be forced into a rigid requirement set for a Middle Eastern Studies Major/focus.</p>

<p>Maybe you could major in a more well-established discipline like History, Political Science or International Relations, and minor in Arabic and take classes on the Middle East? Then you can also do a thesis on a Middle Eastern topic.</p>

<p>Could you double major with education? I would have thought a teacher with a Middle East studies major would be an asset to a school, especially in an area with a middle eastern immigrant population. Some private schools might snap you up if you have good arabic and/or hebrew skills to add to their curriculum (private schools don’t actually require any state licence of their teachers). </p>

<p>Try selling it to yourself. Unusual foreign language skills. In depth knowledge of the cultures, history and religions of the area. Better GPA due to interest in classes. A global perspective. Possibility of running an Arabic or Middle East club for the kids within the school? If you could manage both majors, in a pile of job applications, your unusual double major could make you stand out. Go for it!</p>

<p>I read over and over. Never major in something that has “studies” at the end of it. I’m speaking from a purely economic stand point though. It could be really interesting, but in terms of economics you may have difficulty getting employed. I would get a different major, especially if you are going to have loans. You can always take courses on the middle east (a minor maybe)</p>