Jewish Studies
The Jewish Studies Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Jewish history, culture, religion, and society. The curriculum integrates history, religious studies, literature, sociology, and cultural analysis, enabling students to explore the historical experiences, intellectual traditions, and cultural contributions of Jewish communities globally. Students engage in research projects, textual analysis, and interdisciplinary studies, developing analytical, interpretive, and critical skills necessary to understand complex cultural and social phenomena.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, collaborative research, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in Jewish studies, history, and cultural analysis. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research proficiency, and interdisciplinary scholarship, preparing graduates to evaluate social, historical, and cultural issues and contribute to academic, educational, and community initiatives. Students leave the program with research competence, cultural literacy, analytical insight, and critical reasoning, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in Jewish studies, education, public policy, or cultural institutions.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Jewish Studies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Area & Cultural Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Jewish Studies
- Introduction to Jewish History and Culture
- Religious Traditions and Textual Studies
- Research Methods and Critical Thinking
- Jewish Literature and Intellectual History
Year 2 – Intermediate Study and Cultural Contexts
- Modern Jewish History and Society
- Politics, Law, and Jewish Communities
- Sociological Approaches to Jewish Life
- Electives: Hebrew Language, Jewish Philosophy, or Cultural Expression
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
- Jewish Diaspora and Global Communities
- Contemporary Issues in Jewish Culture
- Applied Research and Fieldwork
- Electives: Jewish Ethics, Holocaust Studies, or Religious Studies
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Jewish Studies
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Experiential Project in Academic, Cultural, or Community Settings
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Jewish Studies program are prepared for careers in education, research, cultural institutions, public policy, community organizations, and nonprofit advocacy. Alumni may work as educators, researchers, cultural program coordinators, or pursue graduate studies in Jewish studies, history, sociology, or public policy. The program equips graduates to analyze cultural, historical, and social dynamics, interpret complex texts, and communicate insights effectively. With strong research, analytical, and communication skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments focused on Jewish culture, history, and society.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of Jewish history, cultural analysis, religious studies, and applied research within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, fieldwork opportunities, and hands-on projects that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in education, research, and cultural programming. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary inquiry, and problem-solving, preparing graduates to contribute to scholarship, community initiatives, and cultural understanding. For students passionate about exploring Jewish history, culture, and society, and applying scholarly expertise in professional or academic contexts, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
