MBA/Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies
Since its founding more than a century ago, the University of Chicago has been a leader in Middle Eastern scholarship through its renowned Oriental Institute and other programs of study.
The joint MBA/MA in Middle Eastern Studies draws on this great tradition and allows students to pursue coursework through the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) to develop a comprehensive understanding of the history, culture, politics, and languages of the region as a complement to their MBA education.
Students take courses in a modern area language and have the opportunity to pursue their interests in such subjects as the ethnology or history of the region. Through this joint-degree program, students will further their understanding of the important political, cultural, and economic dynamics affecting this region.
Program Structure
This program requires the successful completion of an integrated master’s thesis and noncredited thesis writing courses, 1300 units of CMES-only course credit, and 1400 units of Booth-only course credit (+LEAD). This program is completed in three years.
Tuition
Tuition for the joint MBA/MA in Middle Eastern Studies program is assessed through Chicago Booth at a flat rate. If a student takes more than 2200 units, they will be assessed the per course rate for any additional units. View more details of estimated costs here.
Booth Courses
This course is required of all Full-Time students and is completed during the Autumn Quarter of their first year of residency in the program. The course is designed to enhance students’ self-awareness and interpersonal effectiveness by providing them with an opportunity to benchmark themselves with respect to critical aspects of leadership—working in teams, influencing others, conflict management, interpersonal communication, presentation skills, etc. The course also helps students create a personalized plan to guide their continued development at Booth and beyond.
Basic Courses: Financial Accounting
Advanced Alternatives: Accounting & Financial Analysis 1, Accounting & Financial Analysis II, Financial Statement Analysis
Basic Courses: Microeconomics, Advanced Microeconomic Analysis, Accelerated Microeconomics
Advanced Alternatives: Topics in Microeconomics Theory
Basic Courses: Business Statistics, Applied Regression Analysis
Advanced Alternatives: Analysis of Financial Time Series; Financial Econometrics; Statistical Insight into Marketing, Consulting, and Entrepreneurship; Data Mining; or any PhD-level statistics
700 (of 800) Functions, Leadership & Management, and Business Environment
400 Electives
Courses for CMES
For detailed information regarding CMES’s curriculum, please visit the program’s website or contact CMES.
Admissions Process
Individuals interested in this joint-degree program need to apply to Chicago Booth during Round One or Round Two. There is an additional essay that you will be required to write at that time. We will review your application and then send it to the CMES for review. You will find out if you received admission to Chicago Booth at the admissions decision deadline of whichever round you apply. Please note that you will find out if you have been admitted to the MA in Middle Eastern Studies program at the Round Two admissions decision deadline even if you applied for the joint program during Round One. Admissions decisions are made completely independent of one another. If you have specific questions regarding the MA in Middle Eastern Studies program, please reach out to CMES.
Apply to Booth
First-year Booth students considering a joint-degree should take careful note of the number of elective units allowed for joint-degree students, as to not exceed the limit (400 units) in the first year of their MBA. There are important tuition implications for exceeding your elective limit. Please consult with your Academic advisor.