Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Jewish Studies, BA
Study detals
: Bachelor's degree : Jewish Studies, BA LAJSTBA : Full time : 48 MonthRequirements
Academic requirements
First-year students must:
- Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
- Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
- Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.
Conditional admission
ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.
Competency requirements
International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:
- Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
- Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).
Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)
Additional information
Program description
The BA in Jewish studies offers a transdisciplinary, cross-cultural and temporally expansive program of study. It focuses both on the study of Judaism as a religion and on Jewishness as a distinct set of cultural values, peoplehood and historical legacy.
As with other degree programs in the humanities or social sciences, a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish studies provides an intellectual balance and complement to the study of science and technology. By engaging the Jewish experience as both a historical and contemporary reality, the program facilitates enhanced cultural, historical and global awareness.
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
- Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking), MGM
- Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy), MGM
- Global Management (Global Affairs), MGM
- Global Management (Global Business), MGM
- Global Management (Global Development and Innovation), MGM
- Global Management (Global Digital Transformation), MGM
- Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship), MGM
- Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery), MGM
- Global Management (Global Legal Studies), MGM
- Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management), MGM
- Global Management (Public Administration), MGM
- Global Management (Public Policy), MGM
- Global Management (Sustainability Solutions), MGM
- Global Management (Sustainable Tourism), MGM
- Global Management, MGM
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.
Global opportunities
Global experience
Study abroad programs can help students connect the past to the present. Judaism dates back to ancient times, and people of this heritage can be found all over the world. Students can immerse themselves in places that hold much significance for Jewish peoples, whether in Israel or elsewhere in the diaspora.
Participation in one of the more than 300 available Global Education programs can provide real-world experience that complements skills and lessons learned in the classroom. Study abroad helps students gain a global perspective and an increased appreciation for the history, philosophy and religion of different cultures. In addition, the experience and understandings gained across borders can aid in a competitive job search.
Graduates who receive a bachelor's degree in Jewish studies and pursue a career with one of the hundreds of U.S. companies that do business in Israel have a competitive edge because of their familiarity with Jewish culture.
Jewish studies graduates are also prepared to:
- attend rabbinical seminary in preparation for becoming a community rabbi or chaplain
- engage in world political and economic issues
- pursue advanced education in Jewish professional service fields
The degree also provides a firm foundation for those who wish to pursue advanced degrees related to their area of interest in fields that may include:
- archaeology
- creative writing
- ethics
- film and media
- history
- journalism
- justice studies
- law
- philosophy
- political science
- religious studies