Master of Arts in Jewish Studies (MAJS) MAJS

The Hebrew College commitment to in-depth Jewish study, pluralism, and spiritual vitality, makes the Master of Arts in Jewish studies program a unique learning experience.

  • time All
  • location On Campus
  • duration 36 credits. 2 years, full time; or 2.5-3 years, part-time. $1,200 per credit
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It is a two-year program (when done relatively full time), but can also be done part-time at one’s own pace. Students take classes on campus alongside rabbinic, cantorial, and Master of Jewish Education degree students.

The first year of the program is focused on grounding students with an introduction to Jewish texts, practice, Hebrew language and Jewish history. The second year of the program allows students to focus on either Jewish history and thought or the Jewish textual tradition (see curriculum below).

Coming to study at Hebrew College also means there are a wealth of elective opportunities open in Jewish education, halakhah (Jewish law), and Jewish mysticism.

Course Requirements

There is a Hebrew requirement for entering the program. Incoming students must have completed Hebrew 4 (intermediate Hebrew). For students who have had little exposure to Hebrew, Hebrew College offers a summer Ulpan course to prepare students for the master’s program.

Curriculum

Year 1: Fall

  • Biblical Themes and Genres (1class/week)
  • Introduction to Jewish Life and Practice (1class/week)
  • Introduction to the prayer book (1class/week) [This course may be substituted for an elective]
  • Introduction to Mishnah (2 classes/week)
  • Hebrew 5 (3 classes/week)

Year 1: Spring

  • Biblical Themes and Genres (1class/week)
  • The History of Second Temple & Early Rabbinic Judaism (1class/week)
    Introduction to Jewish Life and Practice (1class/week)
    Introduction to Talmud (2 classes/week)
    Hebrew 6 (3 classes/week)

Year 2: Fall

Jewish History and Thought Track

  • Medieval Jewish History & Thought (1class/week)
  • Zionist History & Thought (1class/week)
  • Master’s Thesis
  • Elective

Jewish Text Track

  • Torah core class: Bereshit
  • Master’s Thesis
  • Elective in Jewish text (Torah or Talmud)

Year 2: Spring

Jewish History and Thought Track

  • Modern Jewish History & Thought (1class/week)
  • Contemporary Jewish History & Thought (1class/week)
  • Master’s Thesis

Jewish Text Track

  • Torah core class: Bereshit
  • Master’s thesis
  • Elective in Jewish text (Torah or Talmud, or Zohar, or Hasidism)

Contact Info

Rabbi Daniel Klein
Associate Dean of Admissions
dklein@hebrewcollege.edu
617.559.8637

Ready to Register?

Application Deadline: Fall: May 15, with a priority deadline of March 1. Spring November 15

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