For a comprehensive description of our approach to Jewish studies, please read Jewish Studies at Hebrew College, an article written by Dr. Barry Mesch, Hebrew College's provost.


ABOUT ONLINE STUDY

How do Hebrew College Online courses work?

How do Hebrew College Online Hebrew courses work?

How much time do online courses take?

Do online courses require me to travel?

Are Hebrew College's online courses for me?

Do I have to be Jewish or religious to enroll in Hebrew
       College Online?

Benefits of online study

Which courses can I take online?

How many credits are required for the online MAJS degree?

How does the Hebrew program fit into my studies?

Will HCO courses in Modern Hebrew help me read the Bible?

What Hebrew textbook will I be using?

How do I know what level of Hebrew is best for me?

Can high-school students enroll in online Hebrew courses?

Careers

How intensive is the orientation process? How many hours
       a week does it take and what form does is come in?

Is there a book to read as part of orientation or to get an idea
       of what learning completely online is like?

GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

Is HCO accredited? Who provides the accreditation?

Where can I find policies and other important information for
       current students?

How do I receive my grades?

What if I have to take an Incomplete for a course?

What is the procedure for turning in a late paper?

Are there entry requirements specific to the online program?

How much does it cost?

Is financial aid available?

How can I transfer credits to Hebrew College Online?

Is independent study possible?

How do I know when my registration is confirmed?

TECHNICAL

What hardware and software do I need to participate in Hebrew
       College's online courses?

What if I have technical problems?

CONTACT FORM

My question does not appear here. What should I do?


How do Hebrew College Online courses work?
Our online courses are conducted via password-protected course websites with lectures delivered in text, audio, or combined formats. Generally, each week is devoted to a specific unit, with a lecture posted on a specific day of the week, a number of days allotted for individual work, followed by class discussion conducted on a web-based discussion forum in the course website. Discussions are generally asynchronous, meaning that participants do not need to log on at the same time. Instructors use email to interact individually with students, as well as participating in the class discussion on the website. Instructors also have the option of scheduling a live Web conference discussion at the students' convenience. You will receive reminder emails making sure you are up to date with lessons and scheduled class events. While course content is structured week to week, you have the freedom to choose the time during which to work on the course or participate in the class discussion. The HCO week typically begins on a Thursday and ends on a Wednesday. Students have found that that schedule enables them to make best use of their time, to launch their work over the weekend and participate in follow-up with fellow students through the weekdays.

Hebrew College's online courses are limited in size, allowing for the formation of dynamic learning communities in which participants enjoy a high level of interactively with the professor and fellow students. Most of your classes will have about 10 to 15 students.

Most students find that this system works quite well. Some actually prefer it to classroom-based courses because they can hear the spoken text as often as necessary and listen to their own audio homework or review the text of their class discussion submissions before posting them. Being able to study at the time and place that are convenient for you is also a significant benefit.

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How do Hebrew College Online Hebrew courses work?
Generally, each week's lesson is devoted to a specific unit composed of a series of lessons and online exercises corresponding with the textbook you'll purchase and have with you at home. There are several components of the course, completed at your convenience during the week. You do need to finish each lesson by the end of the week so that the class will all be working on the same unit.

• Self-study gives you instant feedback from online versions of the exercises in the book, so you are able to monitor your mastery of the material.
• "Voice boards" allow you to leave oral homework for the instructor to review, and to participate in class discussions. These discussions are asynchronous, meaning that participants do not need to log on at the same time.
• Handwritten Hebrew homework, submitted by your choice of:
  • Fax
  • Scanned images of your handwritten work
  • Handwriting images created digitally with a pen/ tablet-type mouse

Finally, for each Hebrew course there is a weekly "live" 20-minute class discussion. Conducted in small groups, this is the only portion of the course that requires you to be available at a specific time. You may choose a day or evening meeting, which usually takes place on Tuesdays.

Below is a typical schedule of the discussions, which begin the first Tuesday of the semester. There is a set of morning discussions and a set of evening discussions. You only need choose one of the two available sessions. The course starts out with that schedule, and the instructor may make slight adjustments as the semester goes on, if necessary, so that it works best for everyone. Please be sure to see the technical requirements page for minimum requirements on equipment, and sign up for Online Orientation if you are a first-time Hebrew student.

Morning class discussion sessions: Tuesdays
Hebrew I	11:30-11:50 a.m. EST
Hebrew II	12:00-12:20 p.m. EST
Hebrew III	12:30-12:50 p.m. EST
Hebrew IV	1:00-1:20 p.m. EST

Evening class discussion sessions: Tuesdays
Hebrew I	8:00-8:20 p.m. EST
Hebrew II	8:30-8:50 p.m. EST
Hebrew III	9:00-9:20 p.m. EST
Hebrew IV	9:30-9:50 p.m. EST

The class progresses to the next unit together at the end of each week.

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How much time do online courses take?
We try to design the online courses so that they cover about the same curriculum as their campus-based counterparts. However, students often find that they invest more time in online courses because class discussions are less time-bound and often branch off into multiple threads.

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Do online courses require me to travel?
Our courses do not require any travel. Some courses may ask that you commit to one or several "live" class meetings from your home or office (wherever you can attend via computer), which requires scheduling, but not travel. Hebrew courses require a 20-minute weekly live conversation.

Students matriculating in the online MA in Jewish studies (MAJS) are required to participate in two one-week residential seminars held during the summers at Hebrew College's beautiful campus in Newton Centre, Mass., located just minutes from Boston. The three-credit seminars are usually scheduled during the third week of July, enabling students to take advantage of Hebrew College's Summer Institute courses before and/or after the residential seminar. These include intensive Hebrew language courses that cover a full semester in one month. They also include nonlanguage courses that can be taken over a two-week period during the morning or afternoon, enabling students to accelerate their progress through the MA program. The residential seminars and Summer Institute courses are a wonderful opportunity to meet, study with, and get to know your fellow online students, Hebrew College's faculty, and the broader Hebrew College community.

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Are Hebrew College's online courses for me?
Although we cannot answer this question for you, you may want to consider the ways online courses are similar to and different from traditional courses. Some students find the convenience of online study far outweighs the adjustment to a new learning environment. Other students find that they need the classroom environment to succeed in their studies. With that in mind, we hope you find this comparison of online and traditional coursework helpful.

Online courses at Hebrew College are similar to traditional courses in many ways:

You will join a class of usually no more than 15 students,
       studying with a professor, not a teaching assistant.

The schedule will be similar to that of a classroom-based
       course, with you and your fellow participants studying the
       same material.

As in classroom-based courses, you will interact with fellow
       students individually and through class discussion.

As with Hebrew College classroom-based courses, your
       instructor will be available "after class" to answer your questions
       and address your concerns.

Depending on the course, you can expect short weekly writing
       assignments and/or longer papers.

Depending on the course, your grade will be determined by
       class participation, written work and/or exams.

Having successfully completed a Hebrew College online
       course, you will receive a transcript listing the course and
       credits earned, recognized by accredited colleges and
       universities worldwide.

Online courses at Hebrew College differ significantly from traditional courses as well:

You do not need to travel any farther than your computer to go
       to class.

You may show up when it is convenient for you, wearing
       whatever is comfortable for you.

Many classroom discussions happen asynchronously, so that
       you may take time to think about what your fellow classmates
       have said.

Much of your classroom reading and lecture time will be spent
       in front of your computer.

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Do I have to be Jewish or religious to enroll in Hebrew College Online?
While Hebrew College specializes in Jewish studies, we are not a religious institution. We describe ourselves as transdenominational, which means that our students and professors represent a full range of beliefs and affiliations. We are also nonsectarian, meaning that we welcome students of all faiths.

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Benefits of online study

The "classroom" is always open. Lectures, audio clips, and all class discussions (except some of the live meetings) are always available for you online, so it is much easier to catch up if you are away. You can access the course materials from anywhere in the world from any computer linked to the Internet. (If you plan to be away for more than a week, it's a good idea to let your professor and fellow classmates know that you will not be logging in and work out a plan for catching up.)

No time limit. You know that great epiphany you wanted to share but were cut off by the ringing of the bell? That won't be lost to your online class. The only time limits are the ones you set.

Flexibility to find your learning style. Maybe you are the quiet one in class but you become gregarious in online text discussion threads. Maybe writing is not your forte, but you whiz through online exercises and compose pithy bulleted lists summarizing all you've learned in a lesson, or you shine in live, online conversations. The online environment provides a range of ways to interact with and get to know your fellow students and the content of your course, and HCO and your professor will work with you to find what learning methods work best for you. All you need is the willingness to explore.

Interesting students participating from around the globe.

Interesting professors participating from around the globe.

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Which courses can I take online?
Hebrew College Online offers a wide variety of courses. Please see our current course listings.

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How many credits are required for the online MAJS degree?
45 credits. Visit our Degree Requirements page for more information.

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How does the Hebrew program fit into my studies?
Hebrew is not a prerequisite for acceptance to the MA in Jewish studies. It is, however, required for participation in core-text and Gateway courses. You will need to reach the equivalent of Hebrew College's Hebrew IV. You may begin the program and take courses that do not require Hebrew while pursuing Hebrew study. Hebrew courses do not need to be taken at Hebrew College, nor do they need to be taken for credit. The Hebrew I–IV courses generate undergraduate credit only. See below for determining your Hebrew placement or prerequisite level.

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Will HCO courses in Modern Hebrew help me read the Bible?
Biblical and Modern Hebrew differ in grammar and vocabulary. While Hebrew College's online Hebrew courses focus primarily on Modern Hebrew, they are designed to prepare our students for biblical, rabbinic, and medieval as well as Modern Hebrew.

Students who successfully complete Hebrew College's Hebrew IV level achieve competency in reading, writing and speaking at an advanced undergraduate level. Hebrew IV also enables students familiar with or pursuing the study of biblical and rabbinic Hebrew to recognize how modern Hebrew exhibits many characteristics of the earlier stages of the language.

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What Hebrew textbook will I be using?
The textbook used by Hebrew College's online Modern Hebrew courses is the two-volume Ivrit Min Hahatchala (Hebrew From Scratch - New Edition, published by Academon). Volume 1 covers Hebrew I and II and Volume 2 covers Hebrew III and IV. The book is available from the Israel Book Shop, (800) 323-7723, www.israelbookshop.com. The cost is $40 per volume plus shipping. Companion collections of audio CDs can be purchased with each volume but are not required.

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How do I know what level of Hebrew is best for me?

Our online Hebrew Self-Placement Test will likely determine what level is right for you. If you have any questions after taking the test, Michal Levy, our Online Hebrew Coordinator will be happy to assist you; just complete the form on the Contact Us page and check off "Please contact me about Hebrew language placement."

If you have a question other than regarding Hebrew Placement, please fill out the form at the end of this page—My question does not appear here.

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Can high school students enroll in online Hebrew courses?
Hebrew College is pleased to announce the launch of an online Hebrew language program for high school students offered in conjunction with our Prozdor High School. Currently, the curriculum is identical to the college-level online Hebrew language courses we have been offering since 2000. (Please see "How do Hebrew College online courses work?") High school students can use the online registration form to register to participate in the online High School Hebrew program.

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Careers
Hebrew College's MA in Jewish studies allows graduates to pursue a range of professional options in education, communal organizations, the rabbinate and public service. Some graduates pursue academic careers, by continuing with a PhD in Jewish studies or Jewish education. Others choose to teach in adult education programs or assume teaching or administrative roles in elementary and high schools. Some students rely on the MA in Jewish studies as preparation for rabbinical, cantorial, or pastoral counseling careers. Others pursue Jewish federation work or positions in Jewish community centers, synagogues, federations, foundations, and social service agencies.

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How intensive is the orientation process? How many hours a week does it take and what form does it come in?
Orientation is a crucial process for getting used to the tools and the social skills required for enjoyable, productive interaction online with your instructors and fellow students. Orientation takes place in an online classroom similar to the class websites where you'll take your subsequent courses. Orientation materials include:

• Some reading on the website.
• Some technical tests to make sure your computer components are configured as needed.
• Some several-step processes and assignments that take time for students to digest and compose.
• One live Web conference, for which you sign up from several available times.

Orientation takes place throughout a two-week time window to enable you to log in, survey the requirements, plan ahead and participate regularly for successful completion. You should plan to spend an hour or two online every 2-3 days throughout the two weeks of orientation to accomplish the tasks most easily. You may be able to finish in much less time, yet you will still need to check in regularly to monitor and participate in ongoing conversations and meet your fellow students. The Week 2 materials become visible over the weekend between the first and second weeks.

Topics the class covers include hardware, software, and Internet skills requirements, course components and navigation, methods of interaction and virtual class discussion, scheduling and time considerations, Hebrew College library resources available to online students, conducting searches and research on the Internet, and introductions to the Jewish Internet and the Hebrew College help desk.

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Is there a book to read as part of orientation or to get an idea of what learning completely online is like?
HCO highly recommends that you purchase for reference, or at least borrow from a local library and use during orientation, the following text:
Ken W. White, Jason D. Baker. The Student Guide to Successful Online Learning:
A Handbook of Tips, Strategies, and Techniques. Student edition (Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2003)

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Is HCO accredited? Who provides the accreditation?
Hebrew College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. This accreditation covers all degree programs.

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Where can I find policies and other important information for current students?
Information for all current students can be found on our For Current Students page, including information on Hebrew College policies, registration, financial aid information and FAQs.

View the academic calendar for Hebrew College.

Registration-related questions should be directed to the registrar.

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How do I receive my grades?
After the semester ends, when all the grades have been received from all professors, Hebrew College prints out an individual grade report for the semester and it is mailed to you at your home address. Grades are typically due from the faculty two weeks after the semester ends.

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What if I have to take an Incomplete for a course?
Students may request an "I" for Incomplete with the approval of their instructor. The deadline for submitting work is generally by the last day of the following semester. Incompletes for spring are due by the first day of the fall semester. Students are not allowed to register for courses with more than one incomplete. Unresolved Incompletes revert to "NG" (No Grade) if students do not complete the work by these deadlines. You would not receive credit for the course.

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What is the procedure for turning in a late paper?
Please email the paper to the faculty and copy Shira Persky, spersky@hebrewcollege.edu. Shira Persky will notify you when the grade has been submitted.

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Are there entry requirements specific to the online program?
While Hebrew College's online MA in Jewish studies does not have a Hebrew language entry requirement, courses offered by Hebrew College Online may have individual prerequisites. In addition, students take part in a free two-week orientation before beginning any class with Hebrew College Online.

Orientation to Online Study at Hebrew College Online An online student who has never completed Orientation to Online Study at Hebrew College Online must take it before beginning his or her chosen course.

Hebrew Orientation A Hebrew Student who has not completed Hebrew Orientation must take it before beginning his or her chosen course.

Please see the course listings for course prerequisites and the degree requirements page, which explains the sequence of the courses.

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How much does it cost?
Course and registration fees are listed on the registration page. Also see our Tuition and Fees page for more information.

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Is financial aid available?
Hebrew College strives to ensure that no qualified student is prevented from enrolling for financial reasons. For more information, please contact Marilyn Jaye, Student Financial Services Administrator, at 617-559-8642, 800-866-4814 x8642, or mjaye@hebrewcollege.edu.

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How can I transfer credits to Hebrew College Online?
If you would like to plan a study program that will involve transferring credits from another school, you need to first have approval from a Hebrew College dean. Then you will need an official transcript sent to Hebrew College from the school at which you studied.

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Is independent study possible?
Hebrew College is often able to set up independent study relationships between our faculty and students depending on our students' individual needs. If this becomes necessary for you, Hebrew College's Provost, Dr. Barry Mesch, will be happy to consult with you.

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How do I know when my registration is confirmed?
Registration with HCO is a two-step process. Submit your registration form online; you will receive an automatic email confirmation that your registration request is received. Once you are confirmed as qualified for the courses you requested, the registrar processes your payment. Tuition must be received with your registration.

The registrar will mail you a hard-copy schedule once your registration is fully processed. This schedule is your registration confirmation. This process may take a week or more. Please be patient. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

You may receive email correspondence from HCO while your registration is processing, to make sure that you have the course reading list, if available, or technical requirements. New students receive login information by the first day of classes.

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What hardware and software do I need to participate in Hebrew College's online courses?
Please see our Technical Requirements page.

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What if I have technical problems?
You will receive your username and password in a welcome email on the first day of the semester. This email explains the login processes for the different tools you need to access, including your Blackboard classroom, your Live Classroom Web conferencing classroom, and the voice tools you may use to record asynchronous discussions. Voice tools use your email to identify you, and the other sites use a username that Hebrew College Online provides. All require a password as well. Please carefully note the information you receive in your welcome email at the start of the semester, and retain it for reference.

If you are a current student and have deleted or misplaced this information, or have another question, please contact the online help desk by using the online-help form.

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My question does not appear here. What should I do?
For questions regarding Hebrew College admissions, registration, financial aid and degree requirements, please check the Academic FAQs page.

If you cannot find the answer to your question there, please fill out our Contact Us form.

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