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Hornstein: Jewish Professional Leadership Dual Masters' Programs

About the Program

Brandeis’ Hornstein: Jewish Professional Leadership Programs prepare leaders to understand and confront the challenges of a rapidly changing Jewish community, and to help shape its future. Hornstein graduates are grounded in knowledge about contemporary Jewry and can frame issues and apply skills essential for complex problem solving.

The program offers three separate dual-degree tracks which students complete in approximately two years (five semesters): M.A./M.B.A. program with the Heller School of Social Policy and Management; M.A./M.P.P. program with the Heller School of Social Policy and Management; M.A./M.A. program with the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies. All programs combine top-quality scholarship, professional education, and carefully selected fieldwork experiences to equip leaders with the tools necessary to help craft twenty-first century Jewish life. Students in all programs have field experiences in innovative Jewish organizations, are mentored by outstanding Jewish professionals, and participate in seminars in Israel. The curriculum integrates courses in Jewish studies, nonprofit management, and Jewish communal leadership, and highlights the roles of research, evaluation, and reflective practice in achieving professional success.

Degree Options

• Dual M.B.A.-M.A. in Jewish Professional Leadership, in partnership with Brandeis' Heller School for Social Policy and Management, prepares future Jewish community executives with the full complement of M.B.A./non-profit skills and specialized knowledge of Judaic studies and contemporary Jewish life.
• Dual M.P.P.-M.A. in Jewish Professional Leadership, in partnership with Brandeis' Heller School for Social Policy and Management, prepares professional leaders with a full array of policy analysis and development skills, as well as specialized knowledge of Judaic studies and contemporary Jewish life.
• Dual M.A. in Jewish Professional Leadership and Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, in partnership with Brandeis' Near Eastern and Judaic Studies Department, to understand contemporary Jewish issues within the context of Jewish history, culture and tradition. The program is designed to provide the tools necessary to articulate a leadership vision for the Jewish community.
• Dual B.A.-M.A. in Jewish Professional Leadership, a five-year program in partnership with Brandeis' Near Eastern and Judaic Studies Department, supplements undergraduate study in NEJS, Hebrew, or Yiddish with a master’s degree in Jewish Professional Leadership.

Courses and Completion Requirements

For the most updated course listing, course descriptions, and degree requirements, please click here.

Faculty

We encourage you to explore one of the department’s greatest assets through our faculty pages. Learn more about the people who will help guide you along your graduate school path here.

Additional Resources

Consortium: Our membership in the Boston consortium allows you to take courses at Tufts University, Boston University, and Boston College, thus enhancing your Brandeis experience and the spirit of collaboration which Brandeis embodies.
Student Services: At Brandeis, you will become part of a community that is strengthened by life both within and outside of the classroom and laboratory walls. Please visit Student Services to see the array of University resources, events, and programming for graduate students, including our Graduate Student Services Center, Off-Campus Housing, Health Insurance, English as a Second Language (ESL) program, Disability Resources, Counseling Center, Career Services, and the Graduate Student Association.

Admission Information

Admission Semester

Dual M.B.A.-M.A; Dual M.P.P.-M.A.; Hornstein/NEJS Dual M.A.: Fall only
B.A.-M.A.: Summer admission, Jan. 15;  Spring admission (if student is graduating with a B.A. in December, check with Hornstein for the deadline)

Application Deadline:

Jan. 15

Admission Requirements:

To apply for the program, you need to submit:

• An application to the graduate school, which can be electronically submitted here;
• An application fee (please click here for instructions);
• Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended; applicants must provide a final transcript indicating successful completion of an undergraduate degree program before registration;
• Three letters of recommendation, which the admissions committee prefers to be submitted online (please click here for more information);
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;
• A statement of purpose (2-3 page essay) discussing any experiences which have shaped your interests and commitments, career goals, and how you hope address and achieve your professional ambitions.
• Management Problem Analysis (required for M.B.A.-M.A. applicants only) (2-3 page essay) describing a management problem of your choice that you experienced or observed at work, school, or volunteer setting. It should include a brief description of the problem, how the problem was addressed, and offer alternative options for resolution. The Admissions Committee will use the Management Problem Analysis to assess an applicant's analytic ability, problem solving skills, and writing style.
• Writing Sample (required for the M.P.P.-M.A. and the Hornstein/NEJS Dual M.A. only) (3-5 pages, double spaced) demonstrating your ability to think and write articulately.
• Campus Visit and Interview: We encourage applicants, whenever possible, to visit campus, sit in on classes, and meet our faculty members and students. A formal interview, preferably at Brandeis, is required and may take place at any time during the application process. Please call the Hornstein Program at (781) 736-2990/(800)-666-1636 (toll free)/ or e-mail to arrange. 
• Standardized tests (see below for specific required tests by program; all scores must be less than 5 years old).
  M.B.A.-M.A.: GMAT required; Our school code is 3097, or GRE 3092
  M.P.P.-M.A. and Hornstein/NEJS Dual M.A.:  GRE required; The Brandeis institution code is 3092.
  B.A.-M.A: no test required.

International students:  For additional requirements for international applicants (non-U.S. citizens or non-permanent residents), minimum TOEFL and IELTS scores, and important information regarding visas, please click here.

For a more comprehensive description of application requirements, please click here.

Financial Aid

Generous financial aid is available; for more information please click here.