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Jewish Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies at the University of Wisconsin offers students an interdisciplinary exploration of Jewish history, religion, language, literature, and culture from ancient times to the present. This four-year, full-time program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Jewish experience across various historical and geographical contexts. Students engage with topics such as the Hebrew Bible, rabbinic thought, Jewish philosophy, the Holocaust, modern Israel, diaspora communities, and the evolution of Jewish identity. Courses are drawn from a variety of academic disciplines including history, religious studies, political science, literature, and anthropology, creating a rich, multifaceted learning experience.
The program encourages critical reflection on themes such as memory, migration, minority identity, and cultural resilience. Students also have the opportunity to study Hebrew or Yiddish, conduct archival or ethnographic research, and participate in study-abroad programs or community engagement initiatives. Through small seminars, personalized advising, and access to faculty with diverse areas of expertise, learners cultivate skills in critical analysis, cross-cultural understanding, and historical interpretation. The program is intellectually rigorous yet flexible, allowing students to tailor their coursework to match personal interests and career goals in education, academia, cultural preservation, or public service.
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: 15 January 2026
- Location: University of Wisconsin, United States
- Field of Study: Area & Cultural Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in History and Culture
• Introduction to Jewish Civilization
• Hebrew Language I
• World Religions or Comparative Cultures
• Academic Writing and Research Skills
Year 2 – Texts, Traditions, and Interpretation
• Jewish History: Ancient to Medieval
• Hebrew Language II or Yiddish I
• Introduction to Jewish Philosophy
• Literary Traditions in Jewish Culture
Year 3 – Identity, Diaspora, and Modernity
• The Holocaust in Historical Perspective
• Modern Jewish Thought and Ethics
• Jews in the Modern Middle East
• Research Methods in Cultural Studies
Year 4 – Integration, Research, and Engagement
• Senior Capstone Seminar or Independent Study
• Jewish Communities in America
• Internship in Cultural or Educational Institutions
• Religion, Politics, and Modern Israel
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are equipped for careers in cultural organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and government or public policy agencies. They often work as educators, researchers, community program coordinators, museum curators, or cultural consultants. The interdisciplinary nature of the program also supports further study in Jewish Studies, history, religious studies, law, international relations, or education. Some graduates pursue rabbinical or seminary training, while others focus on advocacy or diplomacy in areas related to religious freedom and multicultural understanding. With growing interest in cultural preservation and global heritage, graduates who can navigate historical depth, textual interpretation, and cross-cultural dialogue are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully across both academic and applied settings.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary education, rooted in deep cultural inquiry and global relevance. At the University of Wisconsin, students engage with a broad array of perspectives and sources that illuminate Jewish life across time and space. Faculty expertise, archival access, and immersive learning experiences—such as language instruction, community partnerships, and global study—enrich the student journey and deepen understanding. The curriculum encourages reflection on themes such as identity, resilience, and social justice, allowing students to connect their academic study with today’s complex social realities. Whether preparing for graduate school, educational leadership, or roles in cultural institutions, students graduate with the knowledge, empathy, and critical tools needed to engage thoughtfully with history and culture in a diverse world.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 608-262-2433
Email: admissions@grad.wisc.edu
Address: 217 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
