Mapping your Arabic & Middle Eastern Studies Major

Your Hood experience is about so much more than just your Arabic and Middle Eastern studies major.

The Student Success Center, the Center for Career Development & Experiential Learning, and the Office of the Registrar have teamed up to show you where an Arabic and Middle Eastern studies major can take you. They will help you cultivate, engage and prepare during your time at Hood so that you are career ready for your journey beyond Hood.

Additionally, these maps will serve as milestones and guideposts when you meet with your academic advisor. 

Contact

Student Success
301-696-3860
Registrar
301-696-3620
Center for Career Development & Experiential Education
301-696-3583
Department of Global Languages & CulturesArabic and Middle Eastern Studies (B.A.)

Please note that sample four year plans are examples. Students, in consultation with their advisor, will discuss an individualized degree plan reflecting their academic preparation, interests and goals. Actual sequences will vary based on course availability, need for developmental coursework, and student preference. For complete information on degree requirements, reference the Undergraduate Course Catalog at .

Year One

Fall SemesterCredits
Arabic 101 – Elementary Arabic I [Core – Global Language]4
Core – FYE 101 [First Year Experience- Fall]3
Core – English 101/102 [English Composition]3-4
Core – [Developing Informed Viewpoints]3
[Elective] OR [Minor Course]3
 16-17
Spring SemesterCredits
Arabic 102 – Elementary Arabic II [Core – Global Language]4
PSCI 210 – [Major Elective]3
Core – FYE 102 [First Year Experience- Spring]3
SOC 101 – Intro to Sociology [Core – Social & Behavioral Sciences]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
 16

Year Two

Fall SemesterCredits
Arabic 201 – Intermediate Arabic I3
Core – [Ethics]3
Core – [Natural Science]4
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
 16
Spring SemesterCredits
Arabic 202 – Intermediate Arabic II3
Core – [Humanities]3
Core – [Quantitative Reasoning]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
 15

Year Three

Fall SemesterCredits
Core – [Holistic Wellness]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
 15
Spring SemesterCredits
MEST 300 – Cultures of the Middle East3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
 15

Year Four

Fall SemesterCredits
Core – HIP3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
 15
Spring SemesterCredits
Core – HIP3
Core – LIFE3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
[Elective] OR [Minor/Major Course]3
 15
Total Credits124

Learning, Self-Exploration, and Academic Excellence

The Hood College Center for Career Development and Experiential Education is here to support you through your four-year educational journey. Whether you are headed toward additional educational pursuits after graduation or on to the exciting world of work, we recommend that you investigate all your opportunities through three distinct types of exploration. These include Cultivating knowledge of your major and occupations related to your studies, Engaging in activities that give you hands-on experience, and taking practical steps toward Preparing for life after college. Below are three tables that will help you understand these areas and associated activities. Want to know more? Meet with a counselor in the Career Center. Email careers@hood.edu to make an appointment.

Cultivate

Explore your Major and Related Occupations

Year 1
Year 2
  • Visit with a counselor in the Career Center to update your resume and consider locations for a global studies related internship.
  • Explore club and engagement opportunities such as the Model United Nations.
  • If eligible, investigate federal work study positions in a department of career related interest.
Year 3
  • Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, either global studies or employment related.
  • Meet with staff in Career Services to identify potential internships, consider competitive national experiences.
Year 4
  • Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, either Arabic and Middle Eastern studies or employment related. Be sure to include your research skills.
  • If you have not already completed an internship, enroll in one, or a second internship experience, to gain additional work experience and/or college credit.

Engage

Locally and Globally

Year 1
  • Explore club and engagement opportunities such as the Model United Nations.
Year 2
  • Participate in Career Center workshops on interviewing for success and creating a LinkedIn page.
  • Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the global studies/international relations field.
Year 3
  • Attend Chamber of Commerce industry related events. Speak with a Career Center counselor to learn more about these.
  • Update your LinkedIn page to reflect new experiences and coursework.
  • Shadow professionals or alumni who work in the field.
  • Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the Arabic and Middle Eastern studies field.
Year 4
  • Attend the annual Business Etiquette Dinner.
  • Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the Arabic and Middle Eastern studies field.

Prepare

For Post-Graduation Success

Year 1
  • Attend the Fall and Spring Community Engagement Fairs to learn about more local organizations.
Year 2
  • Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who may need interns with backgrounds in international relations, world languages and cultures.
  • Regularly check the Handshake events page to see employers providing information sessions on campus.
  • If considering part-time employment, work with the Career Center and consult faculty to learn about opportunities within the job field.
  • Consider taking an exploratory micro-internship in your field of interest.
Year 3
  • Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair and/or STEM Career Expo to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who may need interns.
  • Attend Career Center workshops on interviewing for success and how to conduct a job search.
  • Select part-time jobs and internships in your field of interest.
  • Attend conferences of professional associations.
Year 4
  • Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who may be recruiting new hires.
  • Attend conferences of professional associations.
  • Utilize resources at the Library and Learning Commons
  • Meet regularly with your academic advisor
  • Work with tutors at the Writing Center
  • Complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships

Learn more about careers in Arabic & Middle Eastern studies:

  • Education:
    • Teaching
    • Research
    • Student support services (e.g., international student services)
  • Student affairs (eg. study abroad)
  • Multicultural programming
  • Administration
  • Information/Library science
  • Community education
    • Literacy
    • English as a second language
    • GED preparation
  • Universities and colleges
  • Campus cultural centers
  • Support programs (e.g., Educational Advancement Program, Upward Bound)
  • School and community libraries
  • K-12 schools, public and private
  • Outreach centers (e.g., Middle East Outreach Center, UNC Center for Middle East & Islamic Studies)
  • Nonprofit organizations including those promoting literacy (e.g., VISTA)
  • Adult education programs (e.g., those focusing on GED preparation)

Explore more career opportunities in Arabic & Middle Eastern studies: 

Are you ready to say Hello?