Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program

Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Leadership and Master in Public Policy

In partnership with the Heller School for Social Policy and Management

If you want to become a professional leader who can effect positive change for the Jewish community at the policy level, you’ll need policy analysis and development skills as well as knowledge of Judaic studies and contemporary Jewish life — all of which our MA-MPP track is designed to impart. This track will teach you how to both assess policy and practice and design and implement strategic solutions.

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 well-trained leaders and policy experts, Hornstein MA-MPP graduates are well prepared to work in a range of settings, including Jewish advocacy organizations, government, and academia.

Our program has more than 700 alumni. They are currently applying their leadership and policy expertise in such locations as the Joint Committee on Education, Massachusetts State House as a research analyst; Jewish Community Relations Council as a social justice coordinator; and United Jewish Communities of Metrowest New Jersey as an associate in planning and allocations.

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 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 final paper on Jewish community-related policy.

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.