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Jewish Studies

Jewish Studies

Jewish Studies Graduate Programs at Spertus Institute are designed for students who seek to explore the breadth of the Jewish experience through advanced scholarship.

Taught by skilled and distinguished faculty, courses are offered at our downtown Chicago campus at twice-yearly seminars, as well as through both synchronous and asynchronous distance learning formats.

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 intellectual and spiritual reflection. Our students grapple with Jewish ideas in the service of their personal, professional, and communal advancement.

DEGREE TYPES
Spertus Institute Jewish Studies degree offerings:

Programs are offered on a quarter-term system with flexible start dates.

IS THIS PROGRAM FOR ME?
Contact Director of Enrollment Anita Silvert at asilvert@spertus.edu or 312.322.1707 to discuss program content and format, and to learn about how curricula can be designed to meet your needs.

ABOUT SPERTUS STUDENTS
Students pursue Jewish Studies at Spertus for a range of reasons, tied to what is most important in their own lives.

Pursuing my MA in Jewish Studies elevates my credentials as an official tour guide to religious sites, both Jewish and Christian, in Rome, Vatican City, and throughout Italy. — Brenda Bohen, Rome, Italy and Chicago, IL

Spertus Institute's doctoral program allows me to focus on my research on Judaism's influence on Western civilization. I am especially interested in how religion shapes family life. — Trevan Hatch, Faculty, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah

I am enrolled in Spertus Institute's MA in Jewish Studies to broaden my knowledge of the vast history of Jewish civilization. I want to set an example for my children and grandchildren: You are never too old to learn. — Joel Kaufmann, Chicago, IL

Why Spertus Institute?

  • Welcoming nondenominational environment open to all
  • Distinguished international faculty
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Onsite seminars and distance learning
  • Opportunities to pursue individual interests
  • Extensive resources

ADMISSION INFORMATION

Costs 

Reasonable tuition rates encourage participation by students in a range of disciplines from around the world. In fact, Spertus Jewish Studies students hail from 26 US states and 6 foreign countries.

  • Masters level tuition
    $350 per quarter-hour credit
    ($1050 per 3qh course)

  • Doctoral level tuition 
    $400 per quarter-hour credit
    ($1200 per 3qh course)

Students must be admitted before registering for courses. A registration fee of $25 is added at the time of payment.

Once admitted, students can apply for scholarship assistance in the form of partial tuition remission on a course-by-course basis, as funds are available. Contact Financial Aid Coordinator Judy Wood at jwood@spertus.edu for information.

Accreditation

Spertus Institute is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604.

Alumni Profile

Janette Silverman
In a prestigious new role at Ancestry.com, Jewish Studies scholar Dr. Janette Silverman helps families unearth their past. MORE>