MASTER OF ARTS IN JEWISH STUDIES

At Spertus Institute, we embrace the idea that the wisdom of Jewish thought and the richness of Jewish experiences inform Jewish society and Judaism today. Our programs encourage personal reflection. Students grapple with Jewish ideas in the service of their personal, professional, and communal advancement.

Spertus Institute's Master of Arts in Jewish Studies (MAJS)  is a sequenced, content-specific program that explores Jewish civilization's evolving nature, the fundamental religious and intellectual outlook of Jews and Judaism, and the contributions of Jewish civilization to human civilization. The program is designed to provide inspiration and grounding for students who embrace and continue to explore both Jewish heritage and Jewish life today.

Students explore and examine Jewish texts throughout the program — a traditional and effective mode of Jewish learning — to promote intellectual growth through discovery and inquiry.

Admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education.

Why Spertus Institute?

Welcoming nondenominational environment open to all

Distinguished international faculty

Flexible scheduling and locations, distance learning available

Opportunities to pursue individual interests

Extensive resources

MA in Jewish Studies Learning Outcomes

Basic familiarity with the key periods and themes in Jewish history

Understanding of the nature and development of Judaism as a religion

Familiarity with the most important Jewish thinkers and personalities

Familiarity with the central texts in Jewish tradition and history

Understanding of the complex relations between Jews, Judaism, and the non-Jewish world

Understanding of the challenges and possibilities facing Jews and Judaism throughout history and how Jews and Judaism have responded

Basic understanding of Biblical Hebrew, equivalent to one year of college-level Hebrew

Familiarity with primary resources and methodologies involved in Jewish Studies

Development of intermediate to advanced knowledge and skills in an area of individual focus selected by the student

Awareness of Jewish diversity throughout the ages

MA in Jewish Studies Program Requirements

48 quarter-hour credits | 16 courses

Spertus Institute's Jewish Studies degree programs are offered on a quarter-term system, which allows for flexible start dates. As a result, course credit is granted in quarter hours (as opposed to semester hours).

Many of our MAJS Core courses are offered online in an asynchronous (self-guided) format. Other courses are offered during January and June seminars or through weekly web conferencing sessions in the fall and spring.

Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership is guided by two truths: vibrant Jewish communities are learning Jewish communities and those great Jewish communities need great leaders. These truths inform everything we do.

Spertus Institute offers dynamic learning opportunities, rooted in Jewish wisdom and culture and open to all. These opportunities are designed to enable personal growth, train future leaders, and engage individuals in exploring Jewish life.

Graduate programs and professional workshops serve constituents in the Chicago area and worldwide through various onsite and distance learning options.

Public programs — including films, speakers, seminars, concerts, and exhibitions — are offered at the Institute’s Michigan Avenue facility, in the Chicago suburbs, and online.

We often hear from students and participants that their experiences at Spertus are inspiring and even transformative. That is by design because the Institute strives to offer thought-provoking content with real-world application, unparalleled resources, and a welcoming environment that encourages people to connect in an open exchange of ideas. This results in meaningful, important opportunities for personal and professional growth for constituents and communities.