Apply for Admission
This page is for students looking to apply to the on-campus dual-degree program. For information about applying for the online MA, click here or contact the Brandeis Online admissions team at online@brandeis.edu.
Applying to an on-campus program
The Hornstein Program accepts a select group of talented students each year. We consider students who care deeply about the Jewish future, and who have demonstrated leadership capabilities and academic accomplishments.
Use the links below to find everything you need to prepare your application for Hornstein's dual-degree program. When you're ready, click the button below to start the online application form. Feel free to contact our office any time for guidance. We're here to help!
Start your MA application
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In addition to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences online application form, you need to submit:
- An application fee
- Transcripts from all universities and colleges attended. These will be uploaded to your online application; please do not send official transcripts to our office.
- Three letters of recommendation, submitted electronically
- A resume or CV
- A statement of purpose (2-3 page essay) discussing any experiences that have shaped your interests and commitments, career goals, and how you hope your program will help you address and achieve your professional ambitions.
- Writing sample (3-5 pages, double spaced) demonstrating your ability to write and think articulately.
The Hornstein Admissions Committee begins reviewing applications in mid-January with awards announced in mid-February. We will continue to accept applications until the class is full. If you have questions before or during your application, please contact us at hornstein@brandeis.edu or 781-736-2990.
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
email to arrange a visit.
International applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an English-speaking institution within an English-speaking country must submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English (PTE-Academic).
For Fall 2024 admissions cycle, we are also accepting test results from the Duolingo English Test.
Test scores should not be more than 2 years old.
Students who have graduated from a university in the following English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand) are exempt from the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE requirement. Minimum scores for each exam are:
- 120 (Duolingo)
- 600 (paper-based TOEFL)
- 250 (computer-based TOEFL)
- 100 (internet-based TOEFL)
- 7 (IELTS)
- 68 (PTE)
You may submit a photocopy or digital image of your score report to expedite the review of your application, but an official report sent directly from ETS, IELTS or PTE must be received to finalize any offer of admission.
The GSAS TOEFL school code is 3261.
For more information about English-language testing, please refer to the GSAS webpage for international students.