Hebrew and Judaic Studies (BA)

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Program Description

The Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies offers one of the most comprehensive Jewish studies programs in North America for undergraduate students. Courses are taught in Hebrew language and literature as well as in Jewish history and culture from the ancient world to the present. The department’s internationally-renowned faculty includes specialists in Biblical and ancient Near Eastern studies, Second Temple Judaism (including Dead Sea Scrolls), Talmud and rabbinics, medieval and modern Jewish history, medieval and modern Jewish philosophy and thought, Jewish mysticism, modern Hebrew and Yiddish literatures, and the history, politics, and society of modern Israel.

The department offers a major and minor in Hebrew and Judaic studies. Highly motivated students are encouraged to participate in the department’s honors program, which includes taking graduate courses or honors seminars and, in the senior year, writing an honors thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are also encouraged to study at the NYU Global Academic Center in Tel Aviv, Israel, which offers a variety of courses on Israel and Jewish studies.

Honors Program

Students who have been in residence at New York University for at least two full years, completed 64 credits of graded work, and maintained GPAs (overall and major) of at least 3.65 may apply for the honors program. As part of their major requirements, honors students must complete at least two graduate courses or honors seminars in the department. In addition to the major requirements, students must register for HBRJD-UA 997 Independent Study:Hebrew or HBRJD-UA 998 Independent Study, for the purpose of writing an honors thesis under the supervision of a department faculty member. The subject of the honors thesis and the faculty adviser are to be chosen in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies.

Admissions

New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU.  For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.