The Department of Near Eastern Studies serves as the central hub of teaching and research on the ancient Near East and Modern Middle East for Cornell University. We offer courses on a wide array of subjects important for understanding the breadth of Near/Middle Eastern civilizations, including archaeology, culture, history, language, literature, and religion.
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Get a degree with honors in Near Eastern studies
The honors program is open to department majors who have done superior work and wish to devote a substantial portion of their senior year to advanced, specialized and independent study in Near Eastern studies.
Application deadline: April 15 of student's junior year
Kroll Travel Prize
This prize, in honor of Professor Ross Brann, is potentially offered to Cornell students traveling to the Israel or the Palestinian Territories to participate in academically recognized archaeological digs and/or other academic programs during the summer.
Up to three $2,500 prizes may be awarded each summer.
Competition is open to Cornell full-time graduate & undergraduate students. Students must be enrolled and in good academic standing.
More about Kroll Travel Prize
Being a Near Eastern Studies major has allowed me to expand my knowledge about the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and explore my interest in the region on a deeper level. The professors are incredibly supportive and care deeply about the subjects they are teaching. ו am so grateful to everyone in the department-particularly my advisor, Professor Brann-for all of the knowledge and advice they have shared with me these past few years.
-Maya Daws, Class of 2025