Bring the history of the Middle East to the world.
NC State University’s groundbreaking MA and PhD in Middle East Public History uniquely combine rigorous academic scholarship with professional training for museums, archives, digital projects, and community engagement.
From Archive to Audience: Training the Next Generation of Middle East Historians
Why Us?
Our Middle East Public History program provides integrated, hands-on scholarship designed for both U.S. and international students using NC State’s invaluable resources.
Innovative Model – We offer training in both rigorous historical scholarship and public-facing history, with exclusive access to digital history, museums, archives, heritage work, and more.
The Khayrallah Center Advantage – Access the largest archive on Lebanese and Arab diasporas worldwide, plus digital labs, exhibitions, and global partnerships.
Renowned Faculty – Work alongside leading Middle East historians, and other scholars, with broad expertise.
Career Versatility – Prepare for academia, cultural heritage institutions, NGOs, and public-facing digital humanities projects.
“Your graduate program should open more doors — ours does.”
Dr. Akram Khater
Moise A. Khayrallah Professor in Lebanese Diaspora Studies
Program Highlights
Core Courses
Middle East Historiography
Public History in the Middle East
Electives
Take courses on Migration, Palestine, Gender & Sexuality, Social Movements in the Middle East, Arab American History, Oil & Environment, and more.
Internships
Be part of the pioneering work at the Khayrallah Center, home to countless valuable resources on Middle East history, including an extensive digital archive.
Funding
Competitive fellowships and supplemental Khayrallah Center awards for research and language training.
PhD at a glance
Public History Field (21 Credit Hours)
Middle East History Field (18 Credit Hours)
Outside Field (6 Credit Hours): 6 hours in one category or a field designed in consultation with advisor and the Director of Public History. Students may want to consider completing certificate programs in their outside fields to complement their doctoral preparation.
Language: Students are expected to have or reach advanced reading ability in at least one Middle Eastern language
Doctoral Examination and Dissertation (24 hours)
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students who want to:
Become leading scholars of Middle East history.
Translate scholarship into public impact—through museums, archives, cultural institutions, or digital platforms.
Join a pioneering community shaping the field of Middle East public history.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Be part of a program that is redefining graduate education in Middle East history.
For more information or individual questions about the program, please reach out to Dr. Kristen Alff ([email protected]).
If you would like to learn more about the study plan for the PhD program, you can go here. However, please keep in mind that this is only a general overview and does not give you the details for the PhD in ME Public History. While the outline of the study plan is the same, the details for the types of ME History courses you will be able/required to take are not listed there. Please contact Dr. Khater ([email protected]) for that information.
Whether your goal is a career in academia, cultural institutions, or the public humanities, this program will prepare you to shape how Middle East history is researched, taught, and shared with the world.
