MPA-MA in Hebrew & Judaic Studies

All the beautiful intentions of hesed are simply not enough. True tikkun olam requires action. And meaningful action—the kind that really makes a difference—requires tools, skills, and perspective. We get that. We live that. If you do, too, then the dual degree MPA-MA in Hebrew and Judaic Studies is your obvious next step.

The program, which can be completed in 2.5-3 years, is offered jointly by NYU Wagner and the NYU Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS). It draws from three incomparable sources of learning: The Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies within GSAS provides a deep investigation of Jewish identity, history, and values. NYU Wagner layers over that cross-sector, public-affairs-focused skill sets in management, finance, and policy. And then there’s NYC—arguably the epicenter of Jewish communal life in North America—and your chance to engage in hands-on experience. Together, we’ll help you move from intentions to plans, plans to implementation, implementation to impact.

Careers

Dual-degree students and alumni have worked in positions such as:

• Senior Development Officer, American Jewish World Service (AJWS)
• Senior Program Director, Next Generation and Service Initiatives, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
• Director of Youth Philanthropy, Jewish Funders Network
• Director of Community Initiatives, Jewish Funds for Justice
• Director of Program & Education, Repair the World
• Directors of Hillel, North Carolina, Emory University, and SUNY Binghamton
• Executive Director, Baruch Hillel
• Associate Director, Emerging Leaders & Philanthropists, UJA-Federation of NY
• Associate Director, URJ Eisner Camp
• Director, South Florida, American Jewish Committee (AJC)
• Program Director, Jewish Feminist Orthodox Alliance (JOFA)
• Director of Community Engagement, Mechon Hadar
• Co-Founder and Director, PresenTense Group
• Senior Program Officer, Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany
• Assistant Director, Teva Learning Alliance
• Program Coordinator, Jewish Communal Service Association of North America (JCSA)
• Project Manager, Strategic Planning and Organizational Resources, UJA-Federation of New York
• Project Manager, BJENY-SAJES
• Development Officer, Lawyers and Accountants Group, Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

program directors

Professor Robert Chazan, Co-Director and Skirball faculty advisor

Professor David Elcott, Co-Director and NYU Wagner faculty advisor

admissions

Applicants are required to apply to each school. Once admitted to both schools, a student will qualify for the dual-degree program. It is acceptable to use the same letters of recommendation for both applications, but please tailor your personal statements to the respective schools. At least two letters of recommendation for your Skirball application must be academic. 

Contact wagner.skirball@nyu.edu with any questions.

NYU Jewish Studies Resources

Learn more about NYU's graduate programs and academic resources in Jewish Studies.

COURSE MATRIX