Jewish Studies majors, Sammi Grofsky and Brian Bobka, study in the Jewish Studies library.

Undergraduate Degrees

Where can a degree in Jewish Studies take you? Find out now.

Degree programs

A degree in Jewish Studies provides a strong foundation in which to launch a career in a world of diverse identities, ethnicities, languages, and narratives.

Completion of a degree in Jewish Studies demonstrates critical thinking, cultural literacy, and historical analysis of the Jewish people, their history, and their impact on the human experience. Preparing you for success in a multicultural world, graduates of the KU Jewish Studies program go on to find employment in academics, business, social-services, law, public policy, international business, medicine and professional spheres within Jewish agencies, federations, congregations, and community centers.

One of the oldest academic interdisciplinary studies, the Jewish Studies Program offers diverse and extensive course work focusing on the spectrum of the Jewish experience. With a strong foundation in Jewish religion, history, and culture combined with the exploration of the global impact of Judaism on political, social, and cultural movements, a degree in Jewish Studies is valuable to those interested in professional pursuits as well as those seeking to continue their academic careers.

Major in Jewish Studies

A degree in Jewish Studies prepares students for success in the professional world. Jewish Studies majors will complete 30 hours of coursework and learn skills relevant to careers in a diverse range of fields. A BA in Jewish Studies provides a foundational degree for continued graduate study in History, Law, Political Science, Religious Studies, Social Sciences, as well as Rabbinical pursuits.

  • 2 courses in Jewish history and/or culture (6 credit hours)
  • 2 courses in Religion related to Judaism (6 credit hours)
  • 2 courses of Intermediate Hebrew or Yiddish (6 credit hours)
  • 3 Jewish Studies electives (9 credit hours)
  • JWSH 601, a capstone course (3 credit hours)

30 credit hours total

Minimum GPA 2.0

Minor in Jewish Studies

Because of the far-reaching influence of Jewish culture, history, and thought, a minor in Jewish Studies complements any major. This 18 hour program enriches any additional major or minor and it is not uncommon for graduates to successfully complete a minor through Hebrew language courses and electives which fulfill KU's Core Goals.

  • 1 course in Jewish History and/or culture (3 credit hours)
  • 1 course in Religion related to Judaism (3 credit hours)
  • 4 Jewish Studies electives (which can include 2 courses of Intermediate Hebrew or Yiddish)

18 credit hours total

Minimum GPA of 2.0