Judaic Studies

BA

Why study Judaic Studies?

This interdisciplinary major combines the study of Hebrew with history, literature, philosophy and other fields to familiarize students with the experience of the Jews of the past and present. Judaic studies offers students a wide range of approaches to exploring and understanding Jewish history, culture and religion.

Admission Requirements

Successful Judaic studies degree candidates demonstrate the core abilities and skills required in many liberal arts disciplines: academic focus, time management and the ability to develop high-level critical thinking skills. In particular, Judaic studies is suited to students who work well with languages and wish to study Judaism in its religious, historical, literary and cultural contexts. The program welcomes students of all backgrounds - field biology majors do not need to be mice and Judaic studies majors do not need to be Jewish!

Judaic studies graduates are well-prepared for further academic work in Judaic studies, Near and Middle Eastern studies, religious studies, Holocaust studies and other related fields. As a multi- and interdisciplinary field, Judaic studies provides an outstanding general education. A Judaic studies degree also prepares one for careers in research and in various private- and-public sector fields. In addition to pursuing graduate study, Judaic majors and minors enjoy careers in:

  • education
  • community service
  • a wide variety of religion-affiliated organizations
  • journalism
  • social work
  • business
  • and many other fields that value individuals whose skills include research, writing and critical thinking.

Students in the College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

University of Cincinnati 3 + 3 Law School Admissions

This major welcomes eligible students who would like to earn a bachelor’s degree and a UC law degree in just six years, saving a year of tuition and time over the traditional path to becoming a lawyer. Students will receive careful advising to complete their major and A&S core degree requirements in 3 years. More information is available here.

The University of Cincinnati’s Department of Judaic Studies offers the student a unique academic and cultural experience. Since UC is a state-affiliated school, students of all backgrounds are welcome, and the program carries no theological or political agenda. The department enjoys a healthy relationship with nearby institutions such as Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, the Jacob Marcus Center, the American Jewish Archives and the Center for Holocaust Education, and students have ongoing opportunities to work with those institutions.

The department’s faculty represents a wide range of disciplines within the field and boasts both distinguished publication records and numerous teaching and service awards. At the same time, professors and instructors are engaged and accessible, offering students personal attention and a feeling of community in a large university setting.

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

  • Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
  • Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
  • Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
  • Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the college.
  • Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
  • Complete the College Core Requirements.
  • Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has 2.0 GPA cum.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

  • 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
  • at least a 2.0 GPA cum

For more information, Pathways Advising and Student Success

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application

Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has 2.0 GPA cum.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

  • 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
  • at least a 2.0 GPA cum

Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Judaic Studies

Application Deadlines

While midyear admission is possible, fall semester is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that semester. Applicants to the UC College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Ari Finkelstein
French Hall West
Rm 3510
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0169
(513) 556-6546
finkelai@ucmail.uc.edu

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Program Code: 15BAC-JUDC-BA