中东研究（MES）计划是在经过三年规划期后于1994年建立的。字母与科学执行委员会于1995年5月批准了该专业，并于1995年10月获得了CEPAP的认可。MES的目的是双重的：1）授予中东研究学士学位，以及2）帮助该专业的研究生各个学科获得适当的语言和领域研究培训作为其学位课程的一部分，并提供所需的研究生财务资助。此外，MES还提供资金，并帮助协调讲座，座谈会和访问学者。除两门低年级核心课程外，文学学士学位的课程均来自文理学院各个部门已经提供的课程。咨询委员会为包括历史，音乐和政治科学在内的各个部门的2
The Middle East Studies (MES) program seeks to present a holistic picture of Middle Eastern, North African, and Islamic lifeworlds. We understand the Middle East and North Africa as a site to produce theory and knowledge. As a student in the program, youll be a part of an interdisciplinary hub for research that is grounded in material conditions and interrogates theoretical questions and stakes. MES faculty and students have produced award-winning scholarship across the disciplines of History, Religious Studies, Anthropology, Film and Media Studies, Global Studies, History of Art and Architecture, Music, Political Science, Communication, and Sociology. STEM faculty are also core to our vision and our Executive Committee.<br><br>The Department of Religious Studies at UCSB is unique among California universities, state universities, and colleges. The courses it offers address the critical issues relating to the subject of religion in its many facets: historical, cultural, literary, aesthetic, sociological, experiential, and philosophical. In introductory and advanced courses, its facultyrespected in their fields nationally and internationallyregularly teach about the religions of the world, and about the complex relationships between religion and politics, society, war, and everyday life. It is the oldest and largest department in the University of California system to provide B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in Religious Studies. Our graduate program offers multiple degree pathways, including options for a terminal M.A., an M.A./PhD, or a PhD degree.