Students at the University of South Alabama can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies degree or minor in International Studies. The International Studies program provides a unique combination of course work and opportunities outside of the classroom, through internships and study abroad, to become competent in our globalized world. Rich in history, clothed in mystery, the Middle East is a region at the center of many thorny issues in contemporary politics. The Middle East Studies concentration of the International Studies major equips University of South Alabama students with the linguistic skills in Arabic and the knowledge of geography, history and politics essential for understanding the complexity of this important region. A concentration in Middle East studies prepares students for careers in international business, with non-governmental organizations or with the State Department, the military, the CIA and other governmental agencies where linguistic and cultural knowledge of this key region are in demand.