Middle East and African Studies aims at fostering specialists with the ability to analyze and consider the future prospects of the rapidly changing countries of the Middle East and Africa through accurate assessment of their current politics, economy, society, and culture. In order to cope with the heterogeneity of the countries comprising the mega-region of the Middle East and Africa, the department set up a high-quality expert training program led by professors specializing in the major languages of each area (Arabic, Farsi, Turkish, and Swahili). With more than 10 faculty members, the department provides students with a learning environment of the highest quality, instructional programs built on a solid academic foundation, and delivered by a faculty with extensive experience and world-class credentials. The department not only offers a number of scholarships to students with academic excellence and zeal but also supports students’ trips to the Middle East and Africa's regions every summer.