Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Leadership and Master of Arts in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies
If you want to help shape — and implement — a vision for Jewish life in the 21st century, consider the MA-MA track. It’s a great way to gain Jewish leadership training while delving into your area of interest in Jewish studies. Working with leading Judaic scholars, you’ll acquire the deep knowledge of Jewish history, culture and tradition that’s needed to understand contemporary Jewish issues.
Why Brandeis?
Founded in the year of Israel’s independence, Brandeis is a secular, research-intensive university that is built on the foundation of Jewish history and experience and dedicated to Jewish values such as a respect for scholarship, critical thinking and making a positive difference in the world.
We are home to one of the oldest and largest Jewish studies programs outside of the State of Israel as well as many related centers and institutes. Our library houses one of the best collections of Hebraica and Judaica in the nation.
What’s more, our multidisciplinary Near Eastern and Judaic Studies department is one of the largest and most diverse programs of its kind.
Careers and Alumni
Our graduates have gone on to pursue doctoral studies as well as to positions at The David Project, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Camp Tawonga, Jewish Teen Foundations and the American Jewish Committee.
Curriculum
Over 21 months (four and a half semesters, including the summer between years one and two), you’ll take Hornstein courses totaling 36 credits; NEJS courses, graduate proseminar and final project totaling 36 credits; and electives totaling 8 credits, for a total of 80 credits. You’ll be required to demonstrate proficiency in modern Hebrew
The final Hornstein course is a capstone, where you’ll begin to apply your new knowledge to the professional workplace. You’ll also complete a master’s thesis, a final project or an oral examination.
In addition to taking academic courses, you’ll gain professional experience in the field and travel to Jewish communities around the world, from New York to Israel and locations farther afield.
Financial Aid and Scholarship
We offer generous tuition assistance, with no special financial aid application procedures. We also encourage you to apply for external scholarship programs.
“I earned my MA/MA from the Hornstein Program. Among many other things, I learned about embracing diversity and complexity within the Jewish communal space, which has proven to be invaluable in my work in the social-welfare sector. The Hornstein Program is well-rounded and comprehensive. I am a much stronger and more knowledgeable professional as a result of my education there.”
David Rosengarten, MA/MA’21