Graduate Programs in Hebrew and Judaic StudiesDoctor of PhilosophyThe Ph.D. is a research degree. Its completion signifies that the recipient is able to conduct original research and has made a serious contribution to knowledge of the field. Students must train in a major and a minor field, and must acquire both the Judaic and general background and methodology necessary for their research. Applicants are admitted on the basis of both their undergraduate and graduate records. Bachelor's and/or Master's level work in Hebrew & Judaic studies (or related fields) is preferred but not required. To qualify for the doctorate, a student must satisfactorily complete graduate studies totaling 72 points (a minimum of 32 in residence at New York University, one of which must be G78.1005), pass qualifying examinations in the major and minor fields, and present an acceptable dissertation. Students must demonstrate proficiency in the Hebrew language in its various phases as well as in another appropriate research language. Students also must demonstrate a reading knowledge of two modern Western languages.
Master of ArtsThe M.A. in Hebrew and Judaic studies may be pursued either as preparation for the Ph.D. program or for careers in education, communal service, library science, and public affairs. Admission: Applicants must have proficiency in Hebrew at the intermediate level, as determined by the department. Applicants are expected to have a broad background in Jewish history and civilization. Course of Study: Students are required to satisfactorily complete 32 points of graduate course work (a minimum of 24 in residence at New York University, one of which must be G78.1005). Students also need to demonstrate proficiency in Hebrew and at least one Western language. Master's degree students write a thesis or take comprehensive examinations as determined by the department. In addition to the PhD in Education and Jewish Studies, students can also pursue two masters programs in Education and Jewish Studies. The tracks include an MA in Education and Jewish Studies as well as a dual Masters program. Graduates of the dual MA program will receive masters from both Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development and the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic studies at the Graduate School of Arts and Science. These programs prepare researchers, teachers, practitioners, and aspiring administrators for leadership positions in a wide range of Jewish educational settings. Students in the masters programs benefit from the rich resources and course offerings of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies in the Graduate School of Arts and Science. While providing a core of academic, research, Jewish education, Hebrew and Judaic studies, the programs are also tailored to students’ individual needs and interests. Close and personalized mentoring is provided by faculty from the Steinhardt School and the Skirball Department, as well as by expert practitioners in the field of Jewish education working in the New York City area. Museum Studies
The Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies has a cooperative arrangement with the program in Museum Studies. A candidate for the Master of Arts degree in Hebrew and Judaic Studies with a concentration in Museum Studies must complete 38 credits and a full summer internship in a museum or cultural institution. This concentration is aimed primarily at those who are or will be museum professionals in collections relating to Jewish history and civilization. Students interested in these options should consult the Chair of the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, Professor Lawrence H. Schiffman, at (212) 998-8980 or the Director of the Program in Museum Studies at (212) 998-8080. Public Administration and Judaic StudiesThe dual degree Program in Nonprofit Management and Judaic Studies, sponsored jointly with the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, leads to the M.P.A. degree and the M.A. degree in Hebrew and Judaic studies. It is intended to train students for careers in Jewish communal service. Interested students should consult Wendy Paler via email at wagner.skirball@nyu.edu, or view the program webpage. Dual M.A. Degree in Judaic Studies and Library ScienceThis new dual-degree program provides a student with two Master's derees, an M.S.L.I.S. from The Palmer School and an M.A. from the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) at NYU. GSAS offers 48 programs in 200 fields of study. The purpose of this new program, approved by the New York State Department of Education (May 2006) is to produce subject specialists and scholar-librarians for academic and research institutions and the information industry. Students take 13 fewer credits in the dual-degree program than if they took each Master's separately. An important part of this program is a specially designed mentorship program with NYU Libraries' library subject specialists. Mentors stay with the student from the beginning until the end of the degree. Admission All students who apply for the dual-degree should complete the following for The Palmer School:
While students may take courses at any campus of The Palmer School, all GSAS courses are taught at NYU's Washington Square Campus in Manhattan. We offer all courses for the M.S.L.I.S. at our NYU Bobst Library location. Students already enrolled in the M.S.L.I.S. program may apply for the dual-degree program as long as they have completed no more than 16 credits by the time they enter the program. Students with more than 16 credits in the NYU GSAS program can apply to The Palmer School for a traditional M.A. degree. Requirements After completing 12 credits at NYU and 12 credits at Palmer, students in the dual-degree program will transfer 8 credits from their NYU program towards the Palmer degree and 9 credits from their Palmer program towards the GSAS degree. Students are responsible for applying for this transfer of credit and should do so once 12 credits are completed at either institution. Specialization |

