Master of Arts in Jewish Studies

Jewish text study is essential to Jewish learning. Accessing Jewish texts, from classical to modern, in a variety of genres, in the original Hebrew—and understanding how to conduct independent research—is the essence of Jewish scholarship.

The 45-credit Master of Arts in Jewish Studies (MAJS) gives you the key to unlocking Jewish texts and defining your own path of original study and research. You may prepare for a career in Jewish academic scholarship, build a foundation for rabbinic or cantorial study, or enrich your personal knowledge of Judaism at an advanced level.

Modalities and Length of Program

Combining in-depth study of Jewish texts with a thorough grounding in academic approaches to Jewish history, culture and religion, the MAJS may be completed entirely online or as a combination of online and on-campus courses.

Full-time and part-time study options are available. Most students complete the program in 2 to 4 years. Students with substantial background in Hebrew and Judaics or who take courses that are part of the on-campus Mekorot program may receive advanced standing toward completing the degree requirements.

Course of Study—45 Credits

Though your coursework, you will gain a broad understanding of Judaica as well as a strong working knowledge of the Hebrew language. Once you have gained a foundation in Jewish history and culture, you will choose an area of concentration, which will provide the academic basis for your master's paper, prepared under the guidance of a faculty adviser during the program's final semester.

Hebrew proficiency is a significant component of the program; graduation requires proficiency equivalent to Hebrew IV.

Three Framework Courses (Bible: Text and Context; Jewish History and Memory: Rabbinic and Medieval Periods; and Jewish History and Memory: The Modern Period) cover a broad spectrum of Jewish history and culture, focusing on content as well as methods of study. In these Framework Courses, you will study the major transitions and defining moments of Jewish history, the collective memories of the Jewish people and how the past has relevance today through commonly held beliefs, dispositions and patterns of conduct.

Gateway Courses provide entry into the classical texts of the Jewish tradition. These courses launch you into the academic study of texts in the original Hebrew.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
You will select an area of concentration from one the following areas of study:

• Bible

• Rabbinic Literature

• Exegesis

• Hebrew Literature

• Jewish Philosophy

• Jewish History and Society

• Liturgy

• Jewish Mysticism or Hasidut

Working with an adviser, you will begin to focus on your master’s paper in the fall of your final year in the program. In the spring you will enroll in the Graduate Research Seminar, where you will join with other MAJS students who are completing their master’s papers. Prior to graduation, you will have the opportunity to share some of your research results in a public presentation with faculty, students and the Hebrew College community.

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university

• Three letters of recommendation

• Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate level study

• GRE results

• Application, 2 essays, phone interview

• Hebrew placement test

For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions:
617-559-8610; 800-866-4814; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .