Master of Jewish Liberal Studies—a challenge tailored to your interests

Designed specifically for highly motivated adult learners seeking an academic challenge, the Master of Jewish Liberal Studies (MJLS) degree program incorporates many of the Institute's courses into a comprehensive, integrated curriculum. Working with a mentor, you design your program around one of the following topical areas of study:

Jewish Thought and Philosophy
Jewish Cultural History
Biblical and Rabbinic Text Interpretation

Unique to the MJLS program, the courses and integrated curriculum address the particular interests of the adult learner—creating an opportunity for you to understand how Jewish texts and tradition relate to your personal Jewish journey. Courses are offered at times that accommodate your busy schedule and are taught by scholars who are experienced teachers of adult learners. Coursework may involve required reading, written assignments or projects. You will receive written feedback from your instructors on your progress and a pass/no-credit grade. Hebrew language classes will include in-class exams.

Coursework may be spread over many years as your schedule requires; flexible deadlines to meet program requirements are a key component of the program, to accommodate the many competing time commitments of adult learners. You may enroll directly in the MJLS program upon graduating from Me'ah or transfer into the program after having attended one or two Institute courses on a noncredit basis. If you choose the latter path, you may earn credit for one of these noncredit courses by completing the required additional coursework. When you successfully complete the program, you will be awarded your degree at the annual Hebrew College Commencement in June.

Degree Requirements
2 master's seminars
10 semester courses
1 to 2 years of Hebrew language
Final project

Download a Master of Jewish Liberal Studies Application - [PDF - 101k]