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Jewish Studies

*Ph.D., M.A., B.A., and Certificates

The Jewish Studies program at Gratz College provides options at every level for students to explore a wide range of topics in Jewish history, culture, religion, language, text, and the ever-evolving Jewish community of today. It is ideal for students who want to expand Jewish literacy and deepen their understanding of Jewish heritage through academic study and reflection. Students seeking challenging personal enrichment (Torah L'Shma - learning for its own sake) will find this program to be a perfect match.  Applicants from any religious or cultural background are all equally welcome to participate.

Three men sitting around a table talking

"Find yourself a teacher and acquire for yourself a friend; and judge each person favorably.”  

— Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of Our Fathers: Chapter 1, Mishna 6

I enjoyed being able to study Jewish subjects and to hear different perspectives from fellow students, all while being in the comfort of my home. I enjoyed my learning experience at Gratz College and would recommend it to anyone trying to receive a better understanding of Judaism in today's modern society.

— Stephen Goldenberg, Jewish Studies student

Academics

PROGRAM OPTIONS

  • Doctorate (Ph.D.) – *Tentatively scheduled to launch in Fall 2024
    The Doctorate in Jewish Studies (Ph.D.) is a 48-credit program with the goal of preparing students to be public scholars who will provide intellectual leadership for the contemporary Jewish community.
  • Master of Arts - The Master of Arts in Jewish Studies (M.A.J.S.) is a 36-credit graduate degree which covers both classical and modern subject areas. Basic Hebrew language skills may be confirmed upon admission or taken in addition to the standard course of study.
  • Bachelor of Arts - With our flexible online Jewish Studies program, you can create an undergraduate course of study tailored to your individual interests in all areas of Jewish Studies, whether you are a recent high-school graduate or a working professional who would like to complete a B.A. degree. The B.A. in Jewish Studies is a degree completion program designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of the Jewish religion, Jewish heritage, Jewish history, and the ever-evolving Jewish community of today. The curriculum is suited for students who plan to teach in Jewish schools or work in synagogues or in cultural and communal organizations.
  • Graduate Certificate -  Students may take any 4 courses of interest at the graduate level to fill in specific knowledge gaps, pursue areas of passion, or explore new ideas. 
  • Undergraduate Certificate - Students may take any 4 courses of interest in Jewish Studies at the undergraduate level to sample a variety of topics.

Students in all programs will enjoy a range of perspectives and dynamic dialogue with classmates and faculty. Please see more information under Program Paths.

View Course Offerings Program Paths

Meet the Program Director

JOSEPH M. DAVIS, PHD
Professor Davis spent last spring in Prague, until COVID drove him home.  You can read his wonderful Prague Blog here.

Meet Our Faculty

The Gratz College Jewish Studies faculty includes scholars with expertise in Jewish thought, history, rabbinics, bible, law, Hebrew and Yiddish. Gratz professors have presented their research at national and international conferences, published numerous academic works and journal articles and held prestigious fellowships. The outstanding Jewish Studies faculty is equally committed to their students' personal, academic and professional growth.

jewish studies Faculty