MA in Middle Eastern Studies

[baileyc]

I'm planning to apply to Middle East studies MA programs in the fall and would be curious to hear input or advice from anyone else that is applying or is in one of these programs. It can be difficult to get enough information from the schools' websites so any comments are much appreciated.

Which programs offer at least a chance of receiving funding? (besides FLAS funding). I've heard that UT-Austin offers scholarships...any others?

What are the top programs? I'm mostly looking at harvard, georgetown, nyu, uchicago....

I know that most of these programs are quite unstructured and it's up to the student to find a good mentor/advisor. Are there are good programs that offer more structure?

Thanks.

[wannabee]

Which programs offer at least a chance of receiving funding? (besides FLAS funding). I've heard that UT-Austin offers scholarships...any others?

Last year I was admitted to UT Austin with a FLAS fellowship. I chose to attend CASA but the program and faculty sounded quite good. Be aware, however, that you have to file a separate application for "common funding",which is mailed to them by December 15 (in addition to the normal online application for admission). I was particularly interested because UT offers a doctorate in Arabic so they have some strong classes in that area. Because of the location, this program may be a little easier for admission than some of the others you've listed. I would definitely consider it to guarantee you have a range of schools, which I feel is essential in this market.

Edited February 28, 2011 by wannabee

[Pleiades]

I got into the MA of Middle Eastern Studies at UChicago and was offered a half funding package worth $22,000 of the tuition. I won't be going because I wouldn't be able to afford racking up 44,000 in debt for two years of study as well as the living costs, but there's at least some financial support there (and this is without FLAS or any other scholarships).