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Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies

Explore the history and cultures of the Jewish people from antiquity to the present.

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The major in Judaic studies offers a wide range of courses that explore the history and cultures of the Jewish people from antiquity to the present. These include introductory and upper-level course offerings in Hebrew language, Yiddish, Jewish history, Israel studies, philosophy, law, politics, and film. 

As a major, your required courses will include JUDAIC 101 (The Jewish Experience I: Ancient to Medieval), JUDAIC 102 (The Jewish Experience II: Medieval to Modern), and two years of the Hebrew language, as well as six upper-division Judaic studies courses. We also encourage you to spend one or two semesters of study at a recognized Israeli university to perfect your language skills and immerse yourself in Israeli life and culture.

Many of our majors have plans for a career that is directly related to Judaic studies, such as Jewish education, Jewish communal service, social work, the rabbinate, or an advanced graduate degree in preparation for an academic career. Some go on to graduate study in other fields such as law, business, medicine, or a career in the arts and communication.

Featured faculty

See all Judaic Studies faculty

Anne Broadbridge

Anne Broadbridge

Chair, History
Director, Middle Eastern Studies Program
Professor, History

Anne Broadbridge is chair of the Department of History, director of the Middle Eastern studies program, and a history professor.

Anne Broadbridge, Departments of History and Judaic and Near Eastern Studies, UMass Amherst

Alon Confino

Alon Confino

Director, Institute for Holocaust, Genocide, and Memory Studies
Professor, History and Judaic Studies

Alon Confino is the director of the Institute for Holocaust, Genocide, and Memory Studies and a professor of history and Judaic studies.

Alon Confino, Director of the Institute for Holocaust, Genocide, and Memory Studies, UMass Amherst

Susan Shapiro

Susan Shapiro

Director, Religious Studies Certificate Program
Associate Professor, Judaic Studies

Susan Shapiro is the director of the religious studies certificate program and an associate professor of Judaic studies.

Susan Shapiro, Director of the Religious Studies Certificate Program, UMass Amherst

Judaic Studies

Expand your Hebrew language skills and develop a keen understanding of Jewish history and culture in a program closely allied with Middle Eastern studies.