Jewish Studies, BA BA
Jewish Studies majors at UWM examine the culture and religion of the Jewish people through language, history, arts, media, politics, and literature.
A major in Jewish Studies prepares students for work in a multicultural world with a skill set that includes the ability to analyze texts and weigh different interpretations, present persuasive arguments in writing and speech, and appreciate different backgrounds and viewpoints. Jewish Studies alumni have found careers in social welfare, Jewish organization administration, government, business administration, journalism, the arts, education, and other fields. Further graduate study has led others to careers in religious leadership, medicine, and the law.
UWM students can choose a Hebrew track within the major which has a focus on the foundations of Judaism, including extensive study of the Hebrew language. Or, students can opt for the Jewish Studies track with an emphasis on modern Jewish history, literature, film and politics.
Jewish Studies majors and minors can further their education by participating in UWM’s Study Abroad opportunities in Israel. Majors and minors studying in Israel are eligible for travel awards from the Stahl Center for Jewish Studies. The Stahl Center for Jewish Studies also offers other scholarships and awards to outstanding Jewish Studies majors and minors, including a scholarship for majors that helps students in their final semesters, so they can progress to graduation more easily.
A major in Jewish Studies may be of particular interest to students earning a certificate in Middle Eastern and North African Studies, Cultures and Communities, and/or Comparative Ethnic Studies, or as a second major with History or Religious Studies.
The major can be completed fully online for students who need coursework that fits their schedules.
Career Resources and Job Outcomes
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus, Online
Why study Jewish Studies at UWM?
- Comprehensive courses. Students explore Jewish culture, religion, language, history, arts, media, politics, and literature.
- Flexibility. Our program is available completely online. Or you can take some courses online and others in-person. It is your choice!
- Diverse classmates. Our flexibility through the online program attracts students from all over the country and the world. Traditional aged students, older students returning to school, adults seeking a career change, and individuals interested in personal growth will all be part of your classes.
Listed below are the requirements for the Jewish Studies major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages.
Major Requirements
All majors in Jewish Studies are required to register with the program at the beginning of their candidacy and are encouraged to speak to the program coordinator as early as possible to plan a course of study.
Jewish Studies majors in both tracks must complete a minimum of 15 advanced-level (numbered 300 and above) credits in L&S courses taken in residence at UWM. A GPA of 2.0 is required in courses taken for the major at UWM and in all courses that count for the major, including transfer work. All majors in Jewish Studies must complete a minimum of 30 credits in the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Judaism | ||
| The Jews of Modern Europe: History and Culture | ||
| Introduction to Jewish History | ||
| Research Requirement (All research courses and projects must be approved by the coordinator) | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Advanced Independent Study | ||
One of the 300 level or above courses listed below | ||
| Major Tracks | ||
| Select one of the following: | 24-26 | |
Hebrew Studies Track | ||
Jewish Cultural Studies Track | ||
| Total Credits | 30-32 | |
Major Tracks
Students must select one of the following two tracks:
Hebrew Studies Track
Hebrew language courses: Students are required to complete HEBREW 201 and HEBREW 202 in order to graduate in this track. HEBREW 101 and HEBREW 102 count toward the 100-200 level course requirement below.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HEBREW 201 & HEBREW 202 | Third-Semester Hebrew and Fourth-Semester Hebrew | 8 |
| Select 6 credits of 100 or 200 level courses from the following: | 6 | |
| First Semester Hebrew | ||
| Second Semester Hebrew | ||
| Introduction to Judaism (recommended) | ||
| Jewish Culture in America: History, Literature, Film | ||
| Bible Stories | ||
| Introduction to the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible | ||
| The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible | ||
| Representing the Holocaust in Words and Images | ||
| The Modern Middle East in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries | ||
| Select 12 credits of 300 level or above courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Topics in Biblical Literature: | ||
| Women in the Bible | ||
| The Arab-Israeli Conflict | ||
| Global Jewish Film and Television: | ||
| The Jews of Modern Europe: History and Culture | ||
| Jewish and Christian Responses to the Holocaust | ||
| Introduction to Jewish History | ||
| Germany: Hitler and the Nazi Dictatorship | ||
| The Holocaust: Anti-Semitism & the Fate of Jewish People in Europe, 1933-45 | ||
| Advanced Independent Study | ||
| Total Credits | 26 | |
Jewish Cultural Studies Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 9 credits of 100 or 200 level courses from the following: | 9 | |
| First Semester Hebrew | ||
| Second Semester Hebrew | ||
| Third-Semester Hebrew | ||
| Fourth-Semester Hebrew | ||
| Jewish Culture in America: History, Literature, Film | ||
| Bible Stories | ||
| Introduction to the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible | ||
| The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible | ||
| Representing the Holocaust in Words and Images | ||
| The Modern Middle East in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries | ||
| Select 15 credits of 300 level or above courses from the following: | 15 | |
| Topics in Biblical Literature: | ||
| Women in the Bible | ||
| The Arab-Israeli Conflict | ||
| The Jews of Modern Europe: History and Culture | ||
| Introduction to Jewish History | ||
| Global Jewish Film and Television: | ||
| Jewish and Christian Responses to the Holocaust | ||
| Germany: Hitler and the Nazi Dictatorship | ||
| The Holocaust: Anti-Semitism & the Fate of Jewish People in Europe, 1933-45 | ||
| Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict | ||
| Advanced Independent Study | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors, and success coaches. Letters and Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional College Advisors and Faculty Advisors. L&S College Advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental Faculty Advisors focus on the major.
College Advisors are located in Holton Hall and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College Advisors will:
- assist you in defining your academic and life goals;
- help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals;
- assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures;
- provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate; and
- monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty Advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a Faculty Advisor when you declare your major. Faculty Advisors are an important partner and will:
- help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department;
- explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences; and
- serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their College Advisor and Faculty Advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
What can you do with a Jewish Studies major? Lots!
The Jewish Studies major and minor are available for completion entirely online. Learn more about how the online program works.