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Master’s Program in Judaic Studies

The University of Connecticut’s Master of Arts (M.A.) Program in Judaic Studies provides an opportunity to pursue Judaic Studies on an advanced level. The M.A. degree is offered in consortium with the University of Hartford and draws on faculty from nearby colleges and universities, including Trinity College and Wesleyan University. The flexibility of the program allows students to pursue a broad set of courses covering the major epochs of Jewish civilization while allowing for specialization. Students who have been awarded the M.A. in Judaic Studies at UConn have pursued doctoral studies at other leading universities or have taken up careers in education and communal service. UConn is one of only a handful of public colleges and universities which offer the M.A. in the named field of Judaic Studies.

Program Objectives

  • The pursuit of philosophical, historical, literary, theoretical, and empirical approaches to the field of Judaic Studies through creative scholarship.
  • Independent inquiry that advances Judaic Studies as a respected discipline.
  • Advanced instruction for graduate students with professional interests in the field of Judaic Studies. Some students seek an advanced degree to enhance their credentials as teachers and school administrators where Judaic Studies and its subfields are an important curricular component. Others seek such knowledge for its own sake to satisfy their intellectual needs.

Admission to the Program

To be admitted to the M.A. Program in Judaic Studies, a student must meet the admissions standards of the University of Connecticut Graduate School, which include a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Additional criteria specific to this program include:

  • Completion of a minimum of one year (two courses or six credits) in the Hebrew language, or equivalent mastery of Hebrew.
  • Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is highly recommended.
  • Three letters of reference that address the applicant's level of scholarly potential and academic commitment.
  • A personal statement addressing the applicant's goals, accomplishments, research interests, and the time frame for degree completion.

Also desirable, but not required, are:

  • A personal interview with the applicant by UConn Judaic Studies faculty.
  • Submission of any exemplary written work (publications or scholarly papers) to enhance consideration for admission.
  • Undergraduate experience in Judaic Studies, theology, and/or relevant life experience.
  • Courses in the history of religion, comparative religion, and the history of the ancient Near East.
  • Students who have an interest in expanding their knowledge of Judaic Studies for professional or personal reasons are encouraged to apply.