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 FAQs

 

1. What is the Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies (EMAJPS) Program?

The EMAJPS program is an accelerated, 18-month, fully accredited model of learning and skill development specifically for director-level professionals who work for and with North American Jewish organizations. The curriculum offers a deep dive into Jewish leadership and issues affecting Jewish communal leaders today and is designed to be immediately applicable to students professional lives. It is an accelerated program because students are given course credit through their professional roles in areas such as fundraising and management and supervision.

The program also includes seven individual sessions of professional leadership coaching.

2. How are classes offered?

Students learn through a combination of in-person and online classes, since each format offers its own unique benefits.

In-person classes take place during three five-day-long seminars at Spertus Institute’s award-winning Chicago campus spaced over the 18 months of the program. Online courses, in which students and faculty learn together online in real time, are held weekly, generally in the evening, in in eight-week-long blocks.

3. What type of student is enrolled in the EMAJPS program at Spertus Institute?

To be eligible for this accelerated program, students must have 12 years’ experience in professional roles, including several years in a leadership or management position in the Jewish community. Students are professionals from a broad range of agencies and organizations that serve Jewish communities across North America. Prospective students who do not fit this criteria may be eligible for the 30-month-long MA in Jewish Professional Studies program.

4. How large is each cohort?

Cohort size is typically 10-15 students.

Learn about the cohort experience >

5. What is the schedule?

See schedule for the upcoming cohort >

6. Who teaches in the EMAJPS program?

Our highly credentialed faculty members have extensive experience in their fields and many have taught in this innovative program since its inception. Learn more about Spertus faculty >

7. How much is the tuition? Are there scholarships available?

The full cost of the program is $23,000. All students are eligible for funding from the Midcareer Fellowship and/or Spertus Scholarship, which total nearly 60 percent of the tuition total. Some students may be eligible for additional funding through a scholarship or professional development fund through their employer or another community organization. Learn about available scholarships & fellowships >

8. What is the application process?

Prospective students need to (1) Submit a completed application and pay the application fee, (2) Submit an admissions essay of no longer than 500 words, (3) Submit a resume, (4) Provide official transcripts from all colleges attended and (5) Complete the Midcareer Fellowship OR Spertus Scholarship application, including the required reference letter. Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview via Zoom with a senior member of the Spertus faculty. (We will waive the $50 application fee for prospective students who submit an application by the Preferred Admissions deadline.) Get details >

9. How can I get more information?

Contact Amie Barrish, Assistant Director for Recruitment, at abarrish@spertus.edu or 312.322.1707, to schedule a time to discuss your goals and the EMAJPS program in more detail.