Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Leadership and Social Impact MBA
In partnership with the Heller School for Social Policy and Management
If you want to become a Jewish community executive, this program will give you the skills and expertise you need: a strong foundation in both management and nonprofit practices, as well as a deep knowledge of Judaica and contemporary Jewish life. You’ll take courses taught by scholars across the university, including management courses focused on nonprofit organizations and courses specific to the Jewish community.
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.
In addition, you’ll benefit from the faculty of Brandeis’ esteemed Heller School for Social Policy and Management, where social justice meets public policy.
Careers and Alumni
As highly trained organizational leaders, Hornstein MA-MBA graduates are well prepared to work in a range of settings, including Jewish federations and Jewish community centers, advocacy organizations, camps, schools and start-ups.
Our program has more than 700 alumni working in such organizations as Ma'ayan: Torah Studies from the Sources, Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund of San Francisco, Moishe House, Camp Kadimah and the Anti-Defamation League of New England.
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, Heller courses totaling 38 credits and electives totaling 6 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, during your final Hornstein semester, the Team Consulting Project Workshop, which will give you the team-building skills and consulting tools you’ll need throughout your career.
In addition to taking academic courses, you’ll also gain professional experience in the field and participate in travel seminars in Israel, New York City, and/or Washington, DC.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
We offer generous tuition assistance, with no special financial aid application procedures. We also encourage you to apply for external scholarship programs.
The MA/MBA dual degree program is our most popular program.
“I earned my MA/MBA from Hornstein which provided me with the tools I need to serve as the Executive Director of the Columbia Jewish Federation. The skills and connections I gained help me be an effective Jewish communal leader. I appreciate everything I learned at Hornstein and use it ALL daily!”
—Ana Sazonov, MA/MBA’21
“I earned my MA/MBA from Hornstein in 2021. At Hornstein, I learned how to combine creativity with disciplined systems for evaluating, executing, and adapting ideas over time. The frameworks and tangible skills that supported this learning have proven valuable in my job as Operations and Communications Manager at Pedagogy of Partnership, powered by Hadar. Hornstein’s program is dynamic, collaborative, and challenging. I am a more intentional leader and a stronger communicator as a result.”
Lauren Luger, MA/MBA'21
“I earned my MA/MBA from Hornstein and the Heller School. Understanding the ecosystem of the North American Jewish world, and understanding how businesses operate has been extremely useful in my job as the Director of Advocacy at JLens. Hornstein is a truly special community. The program is experiential. Its flexibility allowed me to explore areas I was interested in. As a result I found a meaningful career in a field I had previously not even realized existed in the Jewish community.”
Dani Nurick, MA/MBA'21