Spertus Institute. 100 Years of Jewish learning for a better world
Spertus Institute. 100 Years of Jewish learning for a better world

Executive MA in Jewish
Professional Studies
Admissions

Are you ready to apply to be a part of the next cohort of Spertus Institute’s Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies? We would love to help you do so!

Please contact Amie Barrish, Associate Director for Recruitment, at abarrish@spertus.edu with any questions about eligibility, requirements, or your application.

Step 1: Prepare Your Application Materials

Please have the following items ready to upload as a Word or PDF document into the application.

Your Resume

Professional resume with a summary of your employment experience.

Personal & Professional Statement

Please provide an autobiographical statement, using some of the prompts below as your guide. (800-1000 words)

  • Why are you applying for this degree at this particular moment in your life and career?
  • Reflect on your educational background, work experience, and any relevant volunteer experiences.
  • What leadership skills have you developed, both in professional and volunteer contexts, and how have these shaped your career path?
  • Describe your senior leadership experience and how it has prepared you for the next step in your journey.
  • Share your leadership vision and the impact you hope to achieve through this program, both personally and professionally

Admissions Essays

Please include relevant sources to support your thinking in response to each of the following prompts. (600-800 words each)

  1. Identify one challenging issue in contemporary Jewish life and offer reflections on what skills Jewish communal professionals/leaders need in order to help address it.
  2. Share 1-2 current trends that you see in Jewish communal organizational life, and reflect on their relevance and impact.
  3. How do you see your participation in the MA program directly (or indirectly) impacting your community (broadly speaking).

Executive Skills Assessment

Required for granting of advanced standing academic credit. Applicants will provide brief examples of their experiences in the areas of Strategic Management/Budgeting; Fundraising/Development; Management/Supervision; Assessing Program Impact/Evaluations; and Effective Work Practices for Team-Based Productivity. These short answer questions will be completed in the application form.

Professional Reference

Supply contact information for one reference, preferably a current or former supervisor, qualified to evaluate your potential in this program. You will enter this information into the application, which will send the individual a link via email to upload their letter of recommendation.

Step 2: Begin Your Application

Begin your application using the button below. You can save your changes while you progress through the application.

When you are ready to submit your application, there is a $50 nonrefundable application fee. Payment is accepted via credit card or ACH within the form. The fee is waived if your application is submitted by the Preferred Admissions deadline.

Within the form, upload your resume, statement of additional experience (as necessary), bio, and admissions essay.

EMAJPS Application Form 

Step 3: Fellowship or Scholarship Application

Complete the Midcareer Fellowship Application OR Spertus Scholarship Application, which are both embedded in the program application. Please review the eligibility requirements prior to completing the application. Review eligibility requirements >

Step 4: Your Transcripts

Proof of your baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is a requirement. Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, including those where no credit was received. Have official transcripts emailed or mailed directly from the institution to:

Amie Barrish
Associate Director for Recruitment
academics@spertus.edu

or

Spertus Institute Admissions
610 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605-1901

Interview

Upon review of the application, qualified candidates will be contacted to set up
an interview with a member or members of the admissions committee.

Admissions Decision

Applicants can expect to be notified of their admissions decision within approximately two weeks. Applicants who are accepted will receive an official letter stating acceptance (or outlining any conditions of acceptance) with details about program schedule.