Admission Requirements & Deadlines
Applications are welcome throughout the year and will be considered immediately upon receipt of all materials.
Application Deadlines
| Spring | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|
|
Priority Deadline: Nov. 1 Final Deadline: Jan. 7 |
Final Deadline: May 1 |
Priority Deadline: June 15 Final Deadline: Aug. 15 |
On this page:
- Admissions Criteria
- Application Requirements
- Requirements for International Applicants
- Degree Requirements
Admission Criteria
GRE scores are not required for admission. Degree candidates must have:
- a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university (the field of prior studies need not need to be related to Jewish Studies).
- a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 (on a 4-point scale). A 2.75 GPA is required for conditional admission. GPA calculations may be based on the cumulative units or the last 60 units of the degree. See graduate admission policies for more information and exceptions.
Applicants must be available for an interview with the director, in person or by phone.
Application Requirements
Submit an online application, application fee and official transcripts with:
- A current professional resume.
- Two letters of recommendation. At least one should come from an academic source. Email addresses of recommenders must be entered on the application.
- A one-page essay describing your academic and professional goals and how this degree program can help you achieve those goals.
- A written sample of an academic research paper, thesis chapter, lesson plan, or field-related writing sample. Samples should not exceed 20 pages.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
U.S. Immigration requires F1 and J1 students to be enrolled full-time and take most of their classes in person and on campus.
Review admissions requirements for International students for a list of programs that meet immigration regulations and learn more about required credential evaluations and English-language proficiency.
Degree Requirements
The M.A. in Jewish Studies, Education and Communal Leadership requires successful completion of 32 units with an average GPA of 3.00 or higher. All students complete a curriculum of core Jewish Studies courses (14 units) and then select a track (9 units):
- Jewish Studies, Education and Communal Leaderships (LJEC)
- Jewish Studies (JDST)
After completing the track requirements, LJEC students complete their degree with additional LJEC electives (9 units) and JDST students complete their degree with additional JDST electives (9 units). All students have a co-requisite of intermediate level language requirement.
Other Requirement for Graduation
All students are required to submit a master’s project, professional portfolio, research thesis or comprehensive exams in order to graduate.
Hebrew Requirement
Knowledge of Hebrew is the foundation of Judaic learning. All entering students must take the Hebrew placement examination. In order to receive the degree, students must demonstrate proficiency in Hebrew equivalent to the level of two years of college Hebrew (through Biblical or Modern Hebrew IV).