Why study Judaic Studies?

This interdisciplinary program combines the study of history, literature, philosophy, Hebrew language 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

Students already pursuing a degree in any college at UC can add the minor to their program. Be sure to submit a declaration of the minor using our online form.

In addition, you must meet with the program director so that the department is aware that you are pursuing the minor and can advise you appropriately. Do this early enough to avoid delay in obtaining your minor.

Successful students in Judaic studies 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 students 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. Judaic studies 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.

Contact the program director, whose name and information appear at the top of this screen.

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) 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.

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 represent 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.

If you have declared the minor, then it will appear on your application for graduation. Apply for graduation as you normally would for your bachelor’s degree.

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

Contact Information

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

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Program Code: 15MIN-JUDC-MIN