Requirements for Major

Students who have taken two Jewish Studies classes are eligible to apply for the Jewish Studies Major Program. There is no grade requirement. Students must submit a transcript in order to apply.

The Major in Jewish Studies requires 10 courses (30 credit hours). 

The core of the major in Jewish Studies is a close relationship between the student and two faculty advisors. Working with their faculty advisors, students design a course of study that fulfills the Jewish Studies requirements, provides disciplinary rigor, and addresses the student’s academic interests and career plans. Knowledge of Hebrew is not required but encouraged.  Students are expected to complete language study appropriate to their particular program, as approved by their advisors.

Distribution Requirements

Three courses, one from each of the following categories, as approved by their advisors, in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies:

• History and Society
• Belief and Thought
• Language, Literature and Culture (Note: A 3000-level Hebrew course can be counted toward the “Language and Literature.”)

Click here for a list of courses that meet distribution requirements. Other courses may count towards these category requirements, with the approval of the Director of Jewish Studies. 

Electives

Students will take six electives, as approved by their advisors. Students are encouraged to select courses that focus on their area of interest. For example, a student with interests in modern Jewish history would take elective courses relevant to that area, while a student with interests in rabbinic literature would take elective courses relevant to that area. 

Capstone

Students will take one 4000-level class selected in consultation with their advisors and relevant to their program of study.

For more information, please contact the Jewish Studies Program Director at jlg2u@virginia.edu.

Study Abroad

Find more information about studying abroad here.