2008 Guide to Academic Programs in
Formal and Informal Jewish Education
Introduction
Jewish education tops the
agenda of the Jewish community in North America. The need to provide a quality product in both
formal and informal settings requires talented and professionally trained
educators who have experiences and degrees that have prepared them for their
particular roles. JESNA has therefore
prepared the 2008 Guide to Academic Programs in Formal and Informal Jewish
Education to aid those seeking to prepare themselves for the field.
The purpose of this guide is
to provide general information about academic programs that are designed specifically
to prepare people to enter the field of Jewish education. We have included in this listing all of the
programs that are affiliated with the Association of Institutions of Higher
Learning for Jewish Education, these programs are noted by a “+” next to their
name. We have also included programs in
Jewish Communal Service.
In selecting the 'right'
program, the prospective student should carefully consider the purposes and
goals of the program, the nature and type of faculty, the length of the program,
the types of fieldwork internships that are required and the connection that
the program has with the field. Although
some of this information is included in this guide, we strongly recommend that
each candidate carefully explore these issues with both the admissions director
and students at different schools who are either currently enrolled in or have
recently completed the programs.
We have designed this guide
to be an introduction to the variety of programs offered. Patterned after guides to colleges and
universities, this guide includes information about admission requirements and
who to contact for additional information.
Feel free to contact JESNA or the schools themselves to be in touch with
current and former students of these programs.
Participants of either
Lainer Interns for Jewish Education or Graduate Seminar on Career Choices in
Jewish Education, two of JESNA’s highly acclaimed programs, are indicated by an
“*” following their names.
+ Indicates programs
affiliated with the Association of the Institutions of Higher Learning for
Jewish Education
* Indicates alums of JESNA’s
Lainer Interns for Jewish Education or Graduate Seminar on Career Choices in
Jewish Education
Programs in Jewish Education
(click on name to see school information)
American Jewish University - Fingerhut School of Education +
American Jewish University – Graduate Programs in Nonprofit Management, Lieber School of Graduate Studies
Baltimore Hebrew University +
Brandeis University – MAT-JDS/DeLet
Brandeis University – Hornstein Program in Jewish Professional Leadership +
Fairleigh Dickinson University
George Washington University and The Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning +
Gratz College +
Hebrew College – Shoolman Graduate School of Jewish Education +
Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, School of Jewish Communal Service
Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, New York School of Education +
Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, Rhea Hirsch School of Education +
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Jewish Theological Seminary – The William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education +
The Jewish Theological Seminary – The Graduate School and Colombia University School of Social Work
Loyola University Chicago – Jewish Day School Master Teachers Program and Jewish Day School Leadership Program
McGill University – Jewish Teacher Training Program +
New York University – PhD Program in Education and Jewish Studies, The Steinhardt School of Culture Education and Human Development
New York University – Program in Non-Profit Management and Judaic Studies
Ohio State University – School of Physical Activity and Educational Services, College of Education and Human Ecology
Siegal College of Judaic Studies +
Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies +
Tel Aviv University – Melamdim - The Russ Berrie School for Teacher Training
University of Maryland – The Josef and Rebecca Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies
Yeshiva University – Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration +
Yeshiva University – Wurzweiler School of Social Work
York University – Teacher Education Program +
American Jewish University (formerly University of Judaism)
Fingerhut School of Education +
Address
15600 Mullholland Drive,
Los Angeles,
CA 90077
http://www.ajula.edu/maed
Program
The Fingerhut School of Education at the University
of Judaism
offers a Master of Arts in Education degree.
This comprehensive two-year program focuses on pedagogy, curriculum,
educational administration, Jewish texts, and Hebrew literacy. Upon graduation, students receive both an
M.A.Ed. and B.Lit. in Hebrew Letters.
Students interested in youth education, environmental and community
education, Hillel, summer camping, and the arts may enroll in a concentration
in Jewish Experiential Education. All students study with experts in the field
of Jewish education in a weekly colloquium series and engage in paid,
clinically supervised teaching and administrative internships during both years
of the program. Students with strong
Hebrew skills who teach at least 10 hours per week in a Jewish setting may
apply for the M.A.Ed. for Working Professionals Program. The Working
Professionals Program meets during full-time summer sessions and one or two nights
per week and some Sundays over the course of two years.
Joint Programs offered: A combined M.A.Ed. /M.B.A. in Nonprofit
Management (three years), M.A.Ed. /M.A. in Jewish Communal Studies (three
years), M.A.Ed./Rabbinic Program with the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
(one year for Ziegler students), and a B.A./M.A. Ed. Program for UJ
Undergraduates (five years with dean’s permission).
Admissions
All applicants must have a Bachelor's
degree from an accredited college or university. Submission of official transcripts, three letters
of recommendation, GRE scores, two essays, an application fee, and an interview
are required. Priority deadline: March
Finances
Cost per-semester for
2007-2008 is $10,200 + fees.
Significant need-based financial aid and
scholarships are available. Please visit www.ajula.edu for details.
Number of Students
Currently in Program
35
Student / Teacher Ratio
10:1 in education classes, 10:1-20:1 in
Judaic studies classes, 6:1 in Hebrew classes
Admissions
Abby Fifer, M.A.Ed.
Director of Admissions, Fingerhut
School
of Education
310-440-1586
Fax:(310) 471-3657
maedadmissions@ajula.edu
Back to Programs
American Jewish University (formerly University of Judaism)
Graduate Programs in Nonprofit Management, Lieber School
of Graduate Studies
Address
15600 Mullholland Drive,
Los Angeles,
CA 90077
http://www.uj.edu/mba
Program
The University of Judaism MBA program in
nonprofit management focuses on the business of running a nonprofit
organization: the marketing, fundraising, financing and accounting necessary to
manage and create change within the nonprofit world. Our Masters of Jewish Communal Studies
combines Judaic knowledge with the management skills needed to work efficiently
in the Jewish world.
Additional programs are offered: an MA in
nonprofit management for students who are already in possession of a master's degree,
and a Master of Arts in Jewish Communal Studies. In addition to the single degrees, joint
degrees are offered with the Admissions Bachelor's
degree from accredited college or university.
Submit official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, GRE scores, application,
essays and application fee. Rolling
Admissions.
Finances
Cost for 2006-2007 is
$19,440 + fees.
Need based financial aid and some
scholarships available. Check financial
aid at www.uj.edu
Number of Students
Currently in Program
38
Student / Teacher Ratio
10:1
Admissions
Edward Grice
Assistant Dean, Nonprofit Management
Program
(310) 440-1260
egrice@uj.edu
Nina Lieberman Giladi
Dean, Nonprofit Management Program
(310) 476-9777 x259
Fax:(310) 471-3657
nlieberman-giladi@uj.edu
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Baltimore Hebrew
University
Graduate Program in Jewish Education +
Address
5800 Park Heights Ave.,
Baltimore,
MD 21215
http://www.bhu.edu
Program
The MAJE is a 39-credit master’s degree
program that provides students with the most current and essential tools to
become effective Jewish educators. By integrating classical and contemporary
Jewish Studies with pedagogy and the best educational practices, the MAJE
program will prepare its graduates to embark on professional careers as
teachers or administrators in a formal or informal Jewish educational setting.
Students select either the teaching or administrative track, and may elect to attend
full-time or part-time. The five core components of both tracks are: Jewish
studies, educational theory, methodology, a practicum seminary, and a
supervised internship.
Admissions
Bachelor's degree from an accredited
college or university required. Minimum GPA of 3.0 required. Three letters of recommendation,
official transcripts, personal statement, resume and personal interview required.
Applicants with or without teaching experience may apply. Applicants may be
required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test
(MAT). Application deadline: June 1.
Finances
For 2007-2008, the full-time graduate
tuition (9 credits/semester) is $5175 a semester or $1725 per 3 credit course.
Registration is $25/semester. Federal financial aid, BHU scholarships and
fellowships are available.
Number of Students
Currently in Program
30
Student / Teacher Ratio
14:1
Admissions
Laurie Kott
Director of Admissions and Recruitment
(410) 578-6967
Fax:(410) 578-6940
lkott@bhu.edu
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Brandeis University
MAT-JDS/DeLeT (Master of Arts in Teaching for Jewish Day Schools, previously
called DeLeT, Day School Leadership through Teaching,) at the Mandel Center for
Studies in Jewish Education: Preparing Elementary School Teachers for Jewish
Day Schools
Address
Mandel
Center
for Studies in Jewish Education, Mailstop 049, Brandeis University Waltham, MA 02454-9110
www.brandeis.edu/mandel
www.brandeis.edu/gsas/apply
www.brandeis.edu/programs/education/MAT/
Program
MAT-JDS/DeLeT is a 14-month, Master of
Arts in Teaching Elementary (MAT) fellowship program (sponsored by Mandel
Center for Studies in Jewish Education) that prepares individuals to be
beginning elementary teachers for Jewish day schools. The program consists of
two summers of study at Brandeis University and a yearlong mentored internship
in a Boston-area Jewish day school.
Upon successful
completion of the program and passing the state teaching tests, fellows earn an
initial license for elementary teaching in the state of Massachusetts and an
MAT (Master of Arts Elementary) in Jewish Day School Teaching from Brandeis University.
Admissions
Applicants to MAT-JDS/DeLeT must have a
bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Previous work with children
in a Jewish setting is desirable. There is a sister DeLeT program at Hebrew
Union
College
-- Jewish Institute of Religion(HUC-JIR) in Los Angeles,
which has distinct features and shares common elements with the program at
Brandeis.
Applicants may apply online at the
Brandeis Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website:
www.brandeis.edu/gsas/apply.
Application deadline is January 15th, 2008
with rolling admissions until the class is filled
Finances
MAT-JDS/DeLeT is a tuition-free program.
Fellows also receive a $10,000 living stipend and benefits from the school in
which they are interning.
Number of Students
Currently in Program
10 MAT-JDS/DeLeT Students; 5 MAT students;
1 doctoral candidate
Admissions
Judy Elkin
MAT-JDS/DeLet
(781) 736-2099
elkin@brandeis.edu
Dr. Dirck Roosevelt
MAT Director
(781) 736-2002
elkin@brandeis.edu
drooseve@brandeis.edu
Back to Programs
Brandeis University
Hornstein Program in Jewish Professional Leadership +
Address
Hornstein
Program, Brandeis University. 415 South Street, PO Box 549110
MS 037, Waltham,
MA
02454
http://www.brandeis.edu/jcs
Program
Brandeis
University’s
Hornstein Program offers two degree options.
The first, is a dual MA/MBA degree in partnership with Brandeis's Heller
School for Social Policy and Management. This innovative program prepares
future Jewish community executives with the full complement of business and
non-profit skills as well as specialized knowledge of Judaic Studies and contemporary
Jewish life. The second is a double MA program in partnership with Brandeis's
Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies. This rigorous program prepares
future Jewish leaders to understand contemporary issues within the context of Jewish
history, culture and tradition.
Supervised fieldwork is an integral part of the Hornstein Program. These
intensive and powerful professional experiences at local and regional agencies
help students develop practical skills and learn to turn theory into
action. In addition, students are
introduced to Jewish community leaders at innovative Boston-area organizations,
meet with key professionals at national Jewish organizations and have access to
the many scholars and practitioners who visit the Brandeis campus. A monthly
seminar planned and coordinated with student involvement, provides
opportunities for discussion of central issues in Jewish communal life and
allows students to meet face to face with visionary leaders from around the country.
At Brandeis, students have access to the resources of leading academic and
research centers such as: Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, Crown Center
for Middle Eastern Studies, Fisher-Bernstein Institute for Jewish Philanthropy,
Institute for Informal Jewish Education, International Business School, Mandel
Center for Studies in Jewish Education and the Steinhardt Social Research
Institute. Students find the program's
Seminar in Israel to be a highlight of their Hornstein experience, combining
field visits, projects and classes, students confront the dilemmas of
contemporary Israel life.
Admissions
All applicants must
have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; GMAT
required for M.B.A./M.A. GRE required for dual M.A. See our website for details
as to the materials required for application. An interview is required for all applicants. Application deadline: February 15.
Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis
Finances
Generous scholarships
and fellowships are available to talented applicants.
Number of Students Currently in Program
20
Student / Teacher Ratio
4:1
Admissions
Carol Hengerle
Senior Program Coordinator
(781) 736-2995
(800) 666-1636
Fax:(781) 736-2070
hornstein@brandeis.edu
Back to Programs
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Office of Jewish Affairs and Israel
Programs
Address
H-DH2-06, 1000 River Rd., Teaneck,
NJ
07666
http://www.fdu.edu
Program
Master of Public
Administration: This 39 credit program is designed to create a well-rounded
administrator to work in the non-profit sector focusing on communal service
within the Jewish community. The
curriculum is designed to provide the conceptual and management skills needed
to perform effectively in the public and non-profit sectors.
Admissions
Applicants for Masters of Public
Administration should have a BA. If
applicants do not have a BA, they have the option to take part in the combined
degree program, finishing up their BA and working towards their Master of
Public Administration at the same time. Application deadline: Rolling.
Finances
$11,050 per semester.
Financial aid available. Some scholarships available through the Institute of Traditional Judaism.
Admissions
Dr. William Roberts
Director of Public Administration
Institute
(201) 692-7176
Fax:(201) 692-7179
roberts@fdu.edu
Insitute of
Traditional Judaism
Rabbi Ronald Price
Dean
(201) 801-0707
Fax:(201) 801-0449
rprice@utj.org
Back to Programs
George Washington University and The Partnership for Jewish
Life and Learning +
Cooperative Graduate and Professional Development Program
Address
Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning, 12230 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville,
MD
20852
http://www.pjll.org
Program
A graduate teacher training program
leading to M.A., Educational Specialist, (for those already holding M.A.
degree), and credited toward Eddy.
Degrees awarded by the George Washington University Graduate School of
Education and Human Development are available through the Partnership for
Jewish Life and Learning. This is a
three-year, 36-42 credit programs for an M.A. and 30-36 credits for Education
Specialist. Each graduate class meets once a week at the Partnership for Jewish
Life and Learning. Intensive summer
sessions are also available. The MA program consists of five education courses,
five Judaic studies courses, one research course, one internship and one
practicum. Students may concentrate in
one of the following areas: early childhood education, special education,
Jewish family life education or administration.
Graduates with an Educational Specialist Degree may continue at George Washington
University toward an Ed. D. Graduates are
also entitled to a license valid by the National Board of License for Jewish
Schools in North America. Certificate
programs are available, in school administration, Jewish family life and
mentoring and supervision.
Admissions
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited
college or university; Education Specialist Program – Masters Degree in
Education and/or Judaica or equivalent disciplines. Submit official transcript, two letters of
recommendation, GRE or MAT scores, Statement of Purpose and Statement of
Understanding, resume, applications and application fee. All prerequisite or co-requisite courses in
Judaica are available at the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning. It is feasible to complete the program in
three-years while doing part time or full time teaching or administration which
is also used as a practicum and supervised teaching. One may extend the length of the program and
teach full time. Thanks to the Jewish
Federation of Greater Washington, grants are available. The Cooperative Graduate Program has been in
operation since 1980.
Finances
$900.00 per 3 credit course for students
in the program and/or teaching in a Jewish school (this includes a subsidy
granted by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington). Others: $1,200 per 3
credit course Judaic prerequisite course-$250.00 + $20.00registration.
Admissions
Dr. Jacob I. Halpern
Dean
240-283-6223
jhalpern@pjll.org
Back to Programs
Gratz College +
Address
7605 Old York
Road, Melrose Park,
PA
19027
http://www.gratz.edu
Program
Gratz College
offers several graduate degrees and certificates in both Jewish Communal
Service and Jewish Education. The Masters
of Arts degree in Jewish Communal Service (MAJCS) and the graduate-level
Certificate in Jewish Communal Service(CJCS), with a special track in Jewish
Non-Profit Management (on-line),
prepares students to serve as future Jewish communal professionals and
enhances the Jewish studies background of those already employed in the
community. The Master's degree and
graduate-level certificate programs in Jewish education, including an online
only certificate in Jewish Early Childhood Education, combine clinical
knowledge of educational methodology and theory with strong grounding in Jewish
studies. Students choose to concentrate in teaching or administration and may
also pursue special tracks in day school and early childhood. Graduates emerge as experienced professionals
who are prepared for positions of leadership and responsibility in a variety of
formal and informal settings. Dual
Degree options are available within the college, combining Jewish Communal Service,
Jewish Education, Jewish Studies or Jewish Music. Gratz College
has also initiated a new Ed. D in Jewish Education program for Fall 2007. Additionally, there are several dual degree
options with other area institutions such as: MBA from Temple University Fox School
of Business, MSW from University of Pennsylvania, Early Childhood Education from Chestnut Hill College,
PhD. in American Jewish History from Temple University,
and Rabbinic ordination from Reconstructionist RabbinicalCollege.
Admissions
All applicants must have a Bachelor's
degree from an accredited college or university. Competencies in Hebrew and Judaic Studies are
required prior to graduation but may be acquired in tandem with graduate
studies. An interview is required. Application deadline: Rolling.
Finances
Tuition is currently $1910 per graduate
course. MA programs are 36 credits (12
courses). Certificate programs are 18
credits (6courses). Need-based financial
aid and fellowships are offered.
Additionally, several named fellowships in Jewish Education and Jewish
Communal Service are available.
Number of Students
Currently in Program
46 in Jewish Education and 11 in Jewish
Communal Service
Admissions
Stephanie Powell
Associate Director of Student Life/
Admissions
(215) 635-7300x148, (800)475-4635x148
(800) 475-4635 x140
Fax:(215)635-7399
Admissions@gratz.edu
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Hebrew College
Shoolman Graduate
School of Jewish Education +
Address
160 Herrick
Road, Newton Center,
MA
02459
http://www.hebrewcollege.edu
Program
Masters of Jewish Education may be
completed in two to three years.
Certificates and specializations offered in Jewish Day School Education, Early
Childhood Jewish Education, Jewish Family Education, Jewish Special Education,
Informal Education, and Camping.
The Masters of Jewish Education may also be completed in Jerusalem, Israel
through the Pardes Educators Program.
Graduates of the Hebrew College/Pardes program will also receive a
Certificate in Advanced Jewish Learning from Pardes.
Admissions
For degree
programs: submission of application and fee, 3 letters of recommendation,
transcripts, GRE scores, personal essay and interview are required. Application deadline: Early Decision:
December 15; Regular Decision: February 15.
Finances
Tuition is $865 per credit hour. Financial aid is available to full time
matriculated students through the Financial Aid Administrator mjaye@hebrewcollege.edu
Number of Students
Currently in Program
60
Student / Teacher Ratio
5:1
Admissions
Kate Nachman
(617) 559-8601
Fax:(617) 559-8601
admissions@hebrewcollege.edu
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Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
School of Jewish Communal Service
Address
3077 University Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90007
http://www.huc.edu
Program
HUC’s School of Jewish Communal
Service provides a variety of two-year
master’s level degree options. Dual
degree programs with the University of Southern California are offered in
Social Work, Public Administration, Business Administration, and Communications
Management. The School also has recently developed a dual degree program with
USC’s School of Fine Arts where students may earn a Master of Public Art
Studies (MPAS) and Master of Arts in Jewish Communal Service
(MAJCS). The School also offers a certificate in Jewish communal service.
Students may specialize in such areas as synagogue management, informal Jewish education, and youth services. HUC-JIR also offers a three year joint degree
program in Jewish Education and Jewish Communal Service.
Admissions
All applicants must have a Bachelor's
degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or
higher. There is a GRE requirement (GMAT is required for MBA program) as well
as one year of college Hebrew or its equivalent by the time of completion of
graduate studies at SJCS. Applicants
must have demonstrated an involvement in Jewish life. Application deadline:
February 1.
Finances
Grant-in-aid is based
on financial need. Eligible students may receive up to 75% of tuition support.
Number of Students Currently in Program
24
Student / Teacher Ratio
2/1
Admissions
M.A.J.C.S., MPA Deborah Shapiro
Regional Director of Admissions
(213)765-2121
Fax:(213) 747-6128
deschapiro@huc.edu
General
Information
M.A.J.C.S., MSW Marla Eglash Abraham
Interim Director
(213)765-2118
Fax:(213)747-6128
mabraham@huc.edu
Back to Programs
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
New York School of Education +
Address
1 West Fourth Street New York,
NY
10012
http://www.huc.edu
Program
The School of Education
in New York offers a full-time, three-year program that begins in Israel with
rabbinical and Cantorial students, and flexible part-time degree programs (with
a shorter, mid-winter seminar in Israel), leading to a Master of Arts in Religious
Education (MARE). Possible areas of specialization are Adult and Family
Education, Informal Education, and Day School Education.
Admissions
All applicants must have a Bachelor's
degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0. GRE
scores and two years of college level Hebrew, or the equivalent, are required
for admission. Application deadline:
Rolling.
Finances
Students demonstrating financial need are
eligible for HUC tuition grants of up to 75% of tuition and additional grants
and scholarships are available specifically through the MARE program. Annual tuition for full time students is
$16,000 USD while part time students are charged tuition at the rate of $680
USD per credit. A student taking fewer than 9 credit hours per semester is
considered a part time student and students enrolled in 9 or more credit hours
are considered full time.
Number of Students
Currently in Program
30
Student / Teacher Ratio
10:1
Admissions
Jo Kay
Director, School of Education
(212) 824-2213
Fax:(212) 388-1720
Jkay@huc.edu; mdenis@huc.edu
Back to Programs
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute
of Religion
Rhea Hirsch
School of Education +
Address
3077 University
Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007
http://www.huc.edu
Program
The Master of Arts in Jewish Education and
the Joint Masters in Jewish Communal Service and Education (in cooperation with
the School of Jewish Communal Service) prepare educational leaders for
congregations, day sch
