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Teaching Hebrew

About the Program

Brandeis University's M.A. in Teaching Hebrew is a first-of-its-kind program in the United States, providing teachers and students with the knowledge and training to become professional teachers of Hebrew in a college or university; this program is also for current in-service teachers in local schools. This program addresses the urgent need for qualified Hebrew teachers in Jewish education.

Candidates who apply to the program are expected to have competence in Hebrew at least at the Advanced-Mid level, which is defined in the ACTFL guidelines. We also hope that during their tenure, candidates will take advantage of our superior level Hebrew courses in order to improve their language skills.

The Hebrew Language Program in the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies has won national recognition for its leadership and quality of instruction. The program emphasizes theoretical and methodological learning as well as hands-on experience and rigorous field training. The two-year curriculum consists of 12 courses (eight required and four elective), and two semesters of practicum training. Seven of the 12 required courses focus exclusively on aspects of teaching and learning the Hebrew language. The practicum training, which closely accompanies the coursework, provides an opportunity to teach in a variety of settings.

For more information on our related program, the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with a concentration in Hebrew/Delet, please visit the M.A.T. site. For a comparison between the M.A. in Teaching Hebrew and M.A.T. in Hebrew/Delet programs, please use this chart.

Degree Options

M.A. in Teaching Hebrew (full-time, 2 years)

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:

Fall only

Application Deadlines:

Rolling until the class is filled; application review begins 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;
• Two letters of recommendation, which the admissions committee prefers to be submitted online (please click here for more information);
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé;
• A statement of purpose indicating your reasons for undertaking graduate study and, in particular, your interest in teaching Hebrew. In addition, please describe your qualifications for the academic program and your objectives in undertaking this program.
• Interview with the Director of the program.

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.

HEBREW LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: Applicants must have achieved at least advanced-mid level in Hebrew language, according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) guidelines. Advanced-mid competence is defined as the ability to function successfully and effectively in most formal and informal settings, with ease and accuracy. This ability must be reflected in the four skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension.

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

Financial Aid

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