Last Updated: June 2014
Note: DUGS = Director of Undergraduate Studies
1) How do I declare a major or minor?
First, read over the requirements: click here
Next see the department administrator, who will provide you with a form that you must fill out and then you will be entered into the system. The office is on the second floor of the Kevorkian Building (255 Sullivan Street) on the corner of Sullivan Street and Washington Square South.
2) How am I cleared for registration?
Before the registration period, you must see the DUGS for one of your majors to be cleared. If you have two majors, you can be cleared by either DUGS. If you are an MEIS minor, you do not need to be cleared by the MEIS DUGS. It is always good to discuss your plans for upcoming semesters with the MEIS DUGS to ensure that you are in good standing to graduate with a major or minor in MEIS.
3) Can I study abroad?
Yes. Note that you have the option to study at one of the many NYU global campuses (e.g. Abu Dhabi or Tel Aviv) or at a non-NYU program. See NYU global programs here.
For non-NYU programs you must do your own research or see the DUGS or your language instructors for suggestions. NOTE: For non-NYU programs, you also must also receive permission from the College of Arts and Sciences before you go abroad, this will ensure that your credits will transfer to NYU. Currently you may see Dean Kalb for the relevant forms and clearance.
4) What level language course should I take?
Students typically begin with Elementary I. However, if you have already studied the given language, you may take a placement exam to see if you can place into a higher level. For Arabic, please email Professor Nader Uthman. Placement exams are typically held on the first Friday of the semester (i.e. in September or January). Please email us ASAP as these are the only opportunities to take the placement exam. For Turkish consult Professor Sibel Erol, for Persian contact Professor Yass Alizadeh, for Hindi contact Professor Gabriela Ilieva, and for Urdu contact Professor Tahira Nagvi. For additional information on the language programs, see Language Programs.
5) Can I take independent studies?
Yes, but only if a faculty member is willing to supervise the independent study. Please note that you must fill out the form on this webpage: Forms
6) Can CCC courses count towards the major or minor?
Yes, if the course is taken with one of the faculty at MEIS, you may count it towards the major. Often they count as a history course, but sometimes they may count as a religion course.
7) Can I receive course credit for an internship?
Yes, if a student is doing an unpaid internship during the school year or the summer and it is related to some aspect of the Middle East studies, the DUGS may approve the internship for course credit counting towards the major or minor. Please see the form for internships, for additional information: Forms
8) Can I study Hindi or Urdu as part of an MEIS major or minor?
You may study Hindi or Urdu as your language for the MEIS major. However, note that the only languages that can count for the MEIS language minor(4 courses in a single language) are Arabic, Persian, and Turkish. If you want to study Hindi or Urdu for a minor, you must do a South Asia Minor. You should consult the following webpage: Minor in South Asian Studies
9) What should I do to ensure my major and minor is complete for graduation?
You should meets with the DUGS 1-2 semesters before graduation to ensure that you have completed all your requirements. Other than that, the DUGS will ensure that the registrar's office (and Albert) is informed that you have completed the requirements of the major or minor.
10) Can I study abroad?
Yes, students are allowed to study abroad either at non-NYU programs or NYU sites. For information on non-NYU programs talk to the DUGS or your professors for advice. To study within NYU's Global Network University system, we recommend the Arab Crossroads program at NYU-Abu Dhabi.
11) Who shall I see if I have additional questions?
You should contact the DUGS.