Studies Major

Requirements

A total of ten courses (30 Credits), as follows:

• 2 courses (6 Credits) in one MESALC language at or above the 3000-level.
• Fourth-Year Capstone Seminar Course (3 Credits).
  • For Middle Eastern Studies, this class is MEST 4991: Middle East Studies Seminar.
  • For South Asian Studies, this class is SAST 4991: South Asian Studies Seminar.
• 7 courses (21 Credits) based on the student's regional concentration (Middle East or South Asia).
  • At least 1 literature course (including literature in translation courses).
  • At least 1 history course.
    • History of the Middle East (HIME) for Middle Eastern Studies.
    • History of South Asia (HISA) for South Asian Studies.
  • At least 3 of these courses must be offered by the same department.
  • At least 3 of these courses must be offered by different departments.

Other

• A maximum of 12 study abroad and domestic transfer credits are allowed, with the permission of the major advisor.
• USEM credits do not count toward major requirements.
• Double majoring is encouraged, but students are reminded that 24 credits in each major must come from courses unique to that major. Only 2 courses may be shared.

GPA Requirements

Students in this major must maintain a satisfactory grade point average in major and related courses each semester. Satisfactory is defined as an average of C (2.0). Students not maintaining this grade point are subject to discontinuation from the major.

Declaring Major

1. Select a region of concentration (Middle East or South Asia).
2. Review course listings by area (Middle East, South Asia) and the major requirements. The major requirements are described above.
3. Submit your major declaration using the Declare a Major or Minor form on the College website.  Instructions for logging in and accessing the form can be found at the above link.  Be sure to select the correct major so that we receive your declaration. 
4. Once you have submitted your declaration, you can expect an email response from us in 5 business days during the Fall/Spring semester and within 10 business days at any other time. 
5. Having trouble using the form?  Email CollegeForms@virginia.edu with as much information as possible about your specific problem. 
6. Haven’t heard back from us? Thank you for your patience!  If your declaration is still in progress but you haven’t received an email from us in the time windows mentioned above, feel free to email the office Admin Tishanna Johnson at tcj3a@virginia.edu, including your full name, computing ID, and the major/minor you are trying to declare. 
7. Make an advising appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Programs, listed above.