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 Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy (PNP) Program-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.

ALUMNI PROFILES

Jason Leivenberg

Jason Leivenberg (MPA-MA 2016)

Senior Vice President, NuRoots at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles

Read Jason's profile

Stefanie Zelkind

Stefanie Zelkind (MPA-MA 2006)

Director, Wexner Graduate Fellowship/Davidson Scholars Program

Read Stefanie's profile

Justin Rosen Smolen

Justin Rosen Smolen (MPA-MA 2013)

National Director of Youth Programs, Keshet

Read Justin's profile

Total credits required: 63

  • 24 Credits toward the Master of Arts (MA) in Hebrew & Judaic Studies
    • 6 Core credits
      • Recent Developments in Hebrew and Judaic Studies (HBRJD-GA 1004, 3 credits)
      • The Jewish Community (HBRJD-GA 3224, 3 credits)
    • 18 Elective credits
  • 39 Credits toward the Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Public & Nonprofit Management & Policy 
  • Additional Requirements

FALL YEAR 1 [15 credits]
Registration residency: GSAS

  • 3 MA credits (HBRJD-GA 3224 The Jewish Community)
  • 12 MPA credits (Core)

JANUARY YEAR 1 [3 credits]
Registration residency: GSAS

  • 3 MPA credits (Elective or Specialization)

SPRING YEAR 1 [15 credits] 
Registration residency: GSAS

  • 3 MA credits (Elective)
  • 12 MPA credits (3 Core + 6-9 Specialization + 0-3 Elective)

FALL YEAR 2 [10.5 credits]
Registration residency: Wagner

  • 6 MA credits (HBRJD-GA 1004 Recent Developments in Hebrew and Judaic Studies + 3 Elective)
  • 4.5 MPA credits (1.5 Capstone + 3 Elective)

SPRING YEAR 2 [10.5 credits]
Registration residency: Wagner

  • 6 MA credits (Elective)
  • 4.5 MPA credits (1.5 Capstone + 3 Taub Seminar)

FALL YEAR 3 [9 credits]
Registration residency: Wagner

  • 6 MA credits (Elective)
  • 3 MPA credits (Elective)

Note: Students wishing to reduce their credit loads in the first year of study may do so in consultation with their program advisors (e.g., by moving some credits to their final term and/or to optional January/summer terms).

program directors

Professor Elisha Russ-Fishbane, 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.

Students enrolled in dual master's degree programs with other NYU schools are not eligible for NYU Wagner Named Fellowship programs or merit scholarships.