Graduate Education
A Unique, Interdisciplinary, and Global Program
The Master of arts (MA) and Ph.D. in Judaic Studies at the University of Connecticut offers a consolidated program extending well beyond Near or Middle Eastern Studies. Sponsored by the Department of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages (LCL) — home to the Hebrew and Judaic Studies Section (HEJS) — the program is truly unique in its interdisciplinary reach.
HEJS is situated alongside sections devoted to Arabic studies, classics and ancient Mediterranean studies, Chinese, comparative literary and cultural studies, French and Francophone studies, German studies, Italian literary and cultural studies, and Spanish studies, many of which maintain strong connections to the university’s History, Medieval studies, and human rights programs.
Graduate students combine their interest in a relevant culture and literature (e.g., German, Spanish, Italian, French, Arabic) with a concentration in Hebrew and Judaic studies.
Program Objectives
- Independent inquiry that advances Judaic studies as a respected discipline.
- The pursuit of philosophical, historical, literary, theoretical and empirical approaches to the field of Judaic Studies through creative scholarship.
- Advanced instruction for graduate students with professional interests in the field of Judaic Studies.
Areas of Special Emphasis
- The literatures, history, and archaeology of Graeco-Roman and Late Antique Palestine
- The translation, exegesis, and comparative study of Hebrew Scripture from ancient through medieval times
- Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the medieval and early modern Mediterranean world
- Jewish literary, cultural, and institutional responses to catastrophe
- Jewish identities, including the self-representation of Jews in their literatures and the representation of Jews and Jewish themes in the writings of non-Jews
- Jewish responses to the Holocaust during and following World War II
Admissions Requirements
The deadline for admission is February 1. Applicants must apply to both the Graduate School of the University of Connecticut and the MA or Ph.D. program in Judaic studies in the Department of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages. All application materials, including supporting documents, must be received by February 1 for the fall semester. Please note that applications will not be processed until the fee is paid.
An undergraduate major in Judaic Studies is not necessarily required, but students must display evidence of adequate preparation and interest, and are encouraged to articulate a coherent plan of study that takes advantage of the program’s integrated approach. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required.
All applicants must submit:
- Three letters of reference addressing scholarly potential and academic commitment
- A personal statement addressing goals, accomplishments, research interests, and expected time frame for degree completion
- A writing sample
- A CV
Desirable, but not required:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
- A personal interview with UConn Judaic Studies faculty
- 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
International applicants:
International applicants must also submit transcripts and degree statements in the original language with an official English translation. Those from countries where the official language is not English must submit TOEFL examination results to the Graduate Admissions Office.
To apply, visit the UConn Graduate Admission site.
Degree Requirements
Master of Arts (MA)
The MA program requires a minimum of 30 credits of graduate coursework, and may be completed under one of two plans:
- Plan A: 21 credits of advanced coursework plus a minimum of 9 credits of Master’s Thesis Research (GRAD 5950 or GRAD 5960), and a final oral exam
- Plan B: 30 credits of coursework and a final written exam, without thesis
In either case, coursework is distributed among several sections in LCL, Medieval studies, and other departments as appropriate. All students must also complete CLCS 5302 and LCL 5030 as departmental requirements. A minimum of two years of college-level Hebrew language instruction (or its equivalent) is required to receive the master’s degree.
MA students planning to apply to the PhD program should complete CLCS 5302 and LCL 5030 during their first year.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
For full information on the Ph.D. program, please visit the Department of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages website.
Additional Requirements
Throughout the academic year, the Center for Judaic Studies and HEJS organize special seminars featuring faculty and visiting lecturers, which graduate students are expected to attend.
Resources for Graduate Students
Funding & Support
UConn’s Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life and the Department of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages offer support for graduate studies in the form of teaching and research assistantships that cover tuition and fees and include a stipend for living expenses. Students can apply for scholarships that consider merit and financial need.
Apply for scholarships and awards.
Career Pathways
Not sure what to do with your literatures, cultures, and languages degree in Hebrew and Judaic Studies Section? Explore job titles and industries where our alumni work.
Key Contacts
For questions about the program or admissions, please contact:
Dr. Jessica Cooperman, Director
js.cooperman@uconn.edu