Brandeis University

What you'll study

The Area Studies undergraduate programme is built around sustained, interdisciplinary study of a chosen world region. Students typically select a regional concentration and combine core coursework in history, politics, society and culture with intensive language study and methodological training. Common regional tracks include Latin America, the Middle East, East Asia, South Asia, Africa and Eurasia; students also have the flexibility to design comparative or transregional pathways.

• Core regional literature and history: surveys and advanced seminars exploring historical development, major political movements and cultural production in the region.
• Language training: progressive language courses in the relevant language(s), often from elementary through advanced conversation and reading seminars.
• Social-scientific and humanistic methods: courses in research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, ethnography, archival research and oral history.
• Area-focused politics and economics: study of regional political systems, development economics, international relations and public policy issues affecting the region.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary options: courses drawn from anthropology, sociology, history, literature, media studies, environmental studies and business to complement regional expertise.
• Capstone or senior thesis: independent research project under faculty supervision that demonstrates language ability and regional analytical competence.
• Experiential learning: opportunities for internships, community-engaged research in the Boston area, and recommended study-abroad experiences to deepen linguistic and cultural fluency.

Entry requirements

Admission to Brandeis University is selective and evaluated on the strength of the whole application. Typical expectations for applicants to the Area Studies programme include strong academic preparation in humanities or social sciences, evidence of language aptitude or interest, and a record of co-curricular or community engagement relevant to global or regional issues.

• Secondary-school qualifications: completion of a recognised secondary curriculum (such as A-levels, IB, or equivalent) with competitive grades; successful applicants often demonstrate coursework in history, languages, social sciences or related fields.
• Language preparation: prior study of a world language is an advantage but not always required; applicants should indicate willingness to pursue intensive language training as part of the major.
• Standardised tests and documents: applicants should follow Brandeis University’s current policy on optional or required standardised tests and submit transcripts, recommendation letters and a personal statement that highlights regional interests.
• Additional materials: some applicants may submit supplementary essays or examples of research or language work if available; international applicants should provide evidence of English proficiency if required by university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor’s in Area Studies leave with language skills, region-specific expertise and analytical methods that are valued across public, private and non-profit sectors. The degree provides a strong foundation for both professional careers and further study.

• Public sector and diplomacy: positions in foreign service, consular work, policy analysis, intelligence and international development agencies.
• Non-governmental organisations and advocacy: roles in humanitarian organisations, international NGOs, human rights groups and cultural institutions that operate in or focus on specific regions.
• Business and consulting: international business development, regional market analysis, trade, and roles in multinational corporations requiring cultural and linguistic competence.
• Media, communications and translation: journalism, publishing, translation and interpretation, and digital media roles that require deep regional knowledge.
• Academia and research: graduate study in area studies, international relations, history, anthropology or related fields leading to research and teaching careers.
• Education and cultural heritage: K–12 and higher-education teaching, museum work, and cultural programming focused on regional communities.

Why study at Brandeis University

Brandeis combines a small-college learning environment with the research resources of a major university, making it a strong setting for interdisciplinary Area Studies. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, small seminar-style classes and access to specialised centres and institutes that support regional research and languages.

• Interdisciplinary faculty: faculty members across departments bring expertise in history, politics, literature, anthropology and economics, enabling customised course plans and crosslisted seminars.
• Research centres and resources: students can engage with university centres focused on regions and themes, participate in public events and access research support for language and area-specific projects.
• Language and study-abroad support: structured language instruction and advising on study-abroad or exchange opportunities help students gain the immersive experience essential to regional fluency.
• Experiential learning: proximity to Boston and connections with local NGOs, cultural organisations and government partners offer internships and community-engaged research opportunities.
• Flexible pathways: the programme supports combined majors, minors and customised concentrations, so students can pair area expertise with complementary fields such as economics, politics or STEM disciplines.