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Program Description
A joint degree PhD program is available with the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies. Admission to this joint degree program must be granted by both the Department of History and the Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies upon entry or at the point of screening. The program for the PhD degree provides a framework within which students can acquire the following training and experience: (1) broad exposure to a general area of interest and to its current literature and controversies; (2) more intense training in the special field in which the student intends to conduct research and do his or her primary teaching; (3) a sound but more limited introduction to a second field; (4) training in research procedures and methods; (5) appropriate linguistic competence; and (6) the completion of a dissertation judged to be a significant piece of historical research and writing.
Admissions
All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:
See Hebrew and Judaic Studies for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.
Program Requirements
The program requires 72 credits, comprised of 36 credits in Hebrew and Judaic Studies, and 36 credits in History. Students must pass major field written examinations in both departments and a joint oral examination, meet all language requirements for the PhD in Hebrew and Judaic Studies, and present an acceptable dissertation.
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| HBRJD-GA 1005 | Prob & Meth in Hebrew & Judaic Studies | 3 |
| 15 |
| 9 |
| 9 |
| 24 |
| 4 |
| 8 |
| Total Credits | 72 |
Additional Program Requirements
Language Requirement
Students must demonstrate proficiency in the Hebrew language in its various phases as well as a reading knowledge of two modern Western languages or research languages, as demonstrated by examination.
Qualifying Exams
Students must pass written qualifying examinations in major and minor fields and an oral examination in the major field.
Dissertation
Students must present and defend an acceptable dissertation.
Departmental Approval
All Graduate School of Arts & Science doctoral candidates must be approved for graduation by their department for the degree to be awarded.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have:
- The ability to make a significant and original scholarly contribution to the field.
- Mastery of the theories and methods of the study of History with specialization in Jewish history.
- Mastery of the secondary literature in both a sub field of history and a parallel field in Jewish history, including awareness of the critical issues and research questions.
- The ability to present a significant and original thesis-driven research paper in clear, succinct prose.
- The ability to design the syllabus for an undergraduate history class, to guide discussion in a seminar, and to deliver an undergraduate lecture.
- Proficiency in Hebrew, two research languages, and the primary languages relevant to the student’s field of interest.
Policies
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies
Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.