Program Overview

Jewish Studies, Master of Arts (M.A.)

The Jewish Studies Master of Arts (M.A.) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Jewish history, thought, and culture.

Program Requirements

• Thesis option: 30 credits
• Non-thesis option: 30 credits

As a prerequisite for admission, students must have achieved the proficiency-level corresponding to four semesters of university-level Hebrew, and must achieve the level of six semesters of university-level Hebrew by the time they have completed the program. Courses in Hebrew language will not count toward the 30 credits needed for the degree. Students will be asked to demonstrate their knowledge of modern academic Hebrew by examination, or through a research project making extensive use of Hebrew-language materials.

Course List

• JWST600: General Seminar in Jewish Studies (3 credits)
• Two specialization courses (6 credits)
• One course in each of the following areas:
  • Jewish History
  • Jewish Thought or Religion
  • Jewish Literature (9 credits)

Thesis or Non-Thesis Requirements

Select one of the following:

• Thesis:
  • Two courses in Jewish Studies in the student's specialization, approved by advisor
  • JWST799: Masters Thesis Research
• Non-Thesis:
  • Four courses in Jewish Studies in the student's specialization, approved by advisor
  • Submit a dossier of 2 major research papers to be evaluated by an examining committee

Total Credits

• Total Credits: 30

The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of Jewish studies, and to prepare them for careers in academia, research, and other fields related to Jewish history, thought, and culture.