Spertus Institute's Master of Arts in Jewish Studies (MAJS) is a sequenced, content-specific program that explores the evolving structure and nature of Jewish civilization, the fundamental religious and intellectual outlook of this civilization, and the contributions of Jewish civilization to human civilization. It can provide inspiration for students to lead a life that embraces and continues to explore the Jewish heritage. Throughout the curriculum, students explore and examine significant Jewish texts — a traditional and effective mode of Jewish learning — in order to promote acquisition of knowledge and intellectual growth through discovery and inquiry. Admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

Learning Outcomes

• Basic familiarity with the key periods and themes in Jewish history 
• An 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 
• An understanding of the complex relation between Jews and Judaism and the non-Jewish world 
• An understanding of the challenges and possibilities facing Jews and Judaism throughout history and how Jews and Judaism have responded to these challenges and possibilities 
• 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

Course Requirements (48 quarter-hour credits)

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

• One introductory Jewish Studies course (3 credits)
• Three Biblical Hebrew courses (3 credits each)
• Nine core courses (3 credits each)
• Three courses in directed reading or student’s specific concentration area (3 credits each)

Course Titles

• Orientation: Introduction to the Program and Jewish Studies (3 credits)
• Introductory Biblical Hebrew 1-3 (3 courses, 3 credits each)
• The Bible and the Ancient Near East (3 credits)
• The World of Rabbinic Judaism (3 credits)
• Jews and Judaism in the Middle Ages (3 credits)
• Jews and Judaism in the Early Modern World (3 credits)
• Modern Jewish Experiences (3 credits)
• Contemporary Jewish Experiences (3 credits)
• Level Two Core Courses: Themes across the Periods (3 courses, 3 credits each)
• Directed Reading/Concentration Courses 1-3 (3 courses, 3 credits each)

For More Information

Email Dr. Dean P. Bell, Spertus Dean & Chief Academic Officer, at dbell@spertus.edu