Academics

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.

Undergraduate Study

The Department of Near Eastern Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Near/Middle East by exploring the languages, literature, cultures, religions and history from antiquity to the modern day.

Graduate Study

Our program is focused on preparing students for careers as researchers and professors. It is designed to help students acquaint themselves with the fundamental elements of Near Eastern cultures and also to acquire a high degree of specialization in one or more of the following areas: ancient Near Eastern studies (including archaeology); Arabic literature; biblical studies; early Christianity; Hebrew literature; Islamic studies; Judaic studies and the modern Middle East.

The Near Eastern Studies major has exposed me to some of the most interesting people at Cornell, taught by the most passionate and talented professors.

— Callie Carew-Miller, Class of 2016