Heller School of Social Policy and Management

“We are excited about this dual-degree program between the Heller School and the Hornstein Program. Through this MBA/MA dual degree, we are educating a new generation of leaders for the Jewish community. As one of the few MBA programs nationwide designed for managing organizations with a social mission, the Heller MBA combines rigor with sensitivity to the needs and challenges faced by mission-driven organizations. You will leave here ready to lead organizations in the pursuit of their financial goals as well as the pursuit of solutions to pressing social problems.”

Jody Hoffer Gittell
Jody Hoffer Gittell
Director, MBA Program
The Heller School for Social Policy and Management

Degree Options

Hornstein has four unique dual-degree programs, all of which span five semesters for a total of 21 months. Students in all programs have field experiences in innovative Jewish organizations, are mentored by outstanding Jewish professionals and participate in seminars in Israel.

Dual MBA-MA in Jewish Professional Leadership

In partnership with Brandeis' Heller School for Social Policy and Management, ranked as one of the top three graduate schools of social policy in the United States by US News and World Report

This innovative program prepares future Jewish community executives with the full complement of MBA/non-profit skills and specialized knowledge of Judaic studies and contemporary Jewish life.

It is specially designed to provide a strong foundation in management practices and Jewish professional studies. In addition to courses with scholars throughout the university, students take management courses focused on non-profit organizations, as well as courses specific to the Jewish community. [curriculum chart]

Recent graduates of this program hold positions, such as: Executive Director, Orange County California Hillel; Program Officer, Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE); Strategic Planning Consultant, Combined Jewish Philanthropies; Development Officer, Jewish Federation of Atlanta.

Dual MPP-MA in Jewish Professional Leadership

In partnership with Brandeis' Heller School for Social Policy and Management

This new program blends the Heller School's public policy curriculum with the Hornstein Program's integrated approach to Jewish leadership training. By preparing professional leaders with a full array of policy analysis and development skills, as well as specialized knowledge of Judaic studies and contemporary Jewish life, it trains students to design and implement innovative solutions to the Jewish community’s most critical problems, and to analyze and reform existing practices. The program will graduate its first cohort of students in May 2010. [curriculum chart]

Dual MA in Jewish Professional Leadership and Near Eastern and Judaic Studies

In partnership with Brandeis' Near Eastern and Judaic Studies Department

This rigorous program prepares future Jewish leaders 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. Students have the opportunity to study with some of the foremost Judaic scholars in the world and to consider how what they learn can be put to practical use in shaping 21st century Jewish life. [curriculum chart]

Recent graduates of this program have gone on to doctoral studies at the University of North Carolina, Boston University, and Brandeis University. They have also accepted positions such as Development Officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and Assistant to the President at Jewish Home and Hospital in New York City.

Dual BA-MA in Jewish Professional Leadership

In partnership with Brandeis' Near Eastern and Judaic Studies Department

The Hornstein BA/MA degree supplements undergraduate study in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, Hebrew, or Yiddish with a master’s degree in Jewish Professional Leadership. Achieved in a fifth (graduate) year of study, the Hornstein MA provides the professional skills and deep knowledge of the American and world Jewish communities that will position graduates for work in a wide range of careers in the Jewish community.

Highly motivated and academically successful Brandeis undergraduates who are NEJS or Hebrew majors or minors, or Yiddish minors, are invited in the spring of their junior year to apply for admission to the five year BA/MA. Students must complete all requirements for the BA at the end of the fourth year, including successful completion of the major or minor in NEJS, Hebrew or Yiddish.