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The goal of the Master’s Degree program in the Department of Jewish Heritage is to deepen and expand the student’s knowledge in the vast fields of Jewish and Israel studies gained during their B.A. studies, by presenting to program participants the full spectrum of Jewish studies including physical, historical, intellectual, religious, and halachic topics of Israel and the Jewish people.

The program, taught by leading researchers and lecturers in the field, is comprehensive and detailed, making every lesson an intellectually inspiring experience, by utilizing academic methodology and critical analysis approach.

The Master’s Degree in the Jewish Heritage program offers the option of combining a Teaching Certificate in a variety of fields, or Field Archaeologist Certification, with the Master’s Degree. These combinations of degree and certification open up diverse opportunities for employment, professional promotion, and academic advancement.

Active since 2011 after receiving permission by the Israel Council of Higher Education, the program today is one of the most in-demand and thriving Master’s program in the University. Since 2011, more than 200 participants have graduated.

The program is unique and innovative. It is based upon the already existing tradition of Jewish studies and the Humanities while integrating the three study clusters. The curriculum encourages students to ask academic and existential questions, and it gives them the tools to deal with these questions through modern and relevant research knowledge and methods.

The program provides an organized specialization in one of three clusters, according to the student’s choice:

History of the Jewish People, the Land of Israel and the Zionist Movement

The program’s curriculum, while focusing on the student’s chosen speciality, combines the different clusters. The program includes:

Methodological courses in research (these courses are common to all study clusters)

Specialization courses in one of the three clusters

Additional elective courses from the other clusters

The Master’s Degree program takes two years to complete. Studies in the program are held on Thursdays in order to assist students in maintaining their professional or personal schedules while completing their degree.

There are two study tracks in the program:

Theoretical studies with limited research (non-Thesis Track studies). Theoretical studies with extended research (Thesis Track studies).

Students in the extended research track will conduct comprehensive research totalling 12 credits at a level appropriate for publication in scientific literature. In addition, participants will complete theoretical studies totalling 24 credits, of which 8 credits are seminars.

As part of the limited research track, participants will complete theoretical studies totalling 28 credits and conduct scientific research of only 8 credits through seminars. The total number of credits required to complete the studies is 36.

Curriculum

An 80% average grade in a Jewish undergraduate subject is required for admission, though applicants with a borderline average may be accepted provisionally with permission and conditions from the department’s Teaching Committee.

Applicants with a B.A. not in Jewish studies, with an 80% average grade, may be required by the departmental Teaching Committee to take several supplementary courses. The supplementary program considers the student’s undergraduate studies and is tailored to the individual’s needs.

The departmental Teaching Committee may exempt students from some of the program’s requirements on the basis of academic studies done for a Master’s Degree at other institutions (the exemption can be up to 25% of the Master’s Degree program – 9 credits).

In order to fulfil the academic requirements for the Master’s Degree, students must attain an average of at least 70% and no grade less than 65% in their courses (methodological courses require a passing grade of at least 70%). The student must prove his/her knowledge of English at the required academic level. As graduate research requires knowledge of a second foreign language, the University will provide the student with appropriate options for learning the required language.

Thesis Track: Students will conduct research that will develop into a thesis, presenting and summarizing their research under the supervision of one of the department lecturers specializing in the field of research. Upon completion of the research, the thesis will be submitted to the evaluation committee, and the students will be required to undergo a defense examination and eventually present their research and conclusions in the framework of a departmental seminar.

Admissions Option 2

Master

Social Sciences

Cultural Studies

Heritage Studies

Ariel University was originally established as a college in 1982 and was recognized as a university in 2012. Today, Ariel University remains Israel’s newest public university while evolving into a major national and international force in academics and research.

Master of Arts in Jewish Heritage

Introduction

Curriculum

Study Clusters and Study Format

Study Tracks and Curriculum

Admissions

About the School

Questions