Introduction
Our multidisciplinary program taught entirely in English, offers four main concentrations in which students have a choice of introductory and advanced-level courses. These are Bible, Jewish History, Jewish Philosophy, and Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology. The program also includes a wide variety of electives from other departments in the Faculty of Jewish Studies, such as Talmud, Hebrew, and Semitic Languages, Hebrew Literature, Yiddish and Ladino, Jewish Art, and Middle Eastern Studies. The department allows students to create individualized curricula, which best reflect their interests within the field of Jewish Studies.
Students may register for a dual-major in our department, combining their program with English Literature or Communications (also in English) or with any other undergraduate program given in Hebrew (for those with the appropriate level of Hebrew). Students who wish to register for the Jewish Studies program as an expanded single major should contact the Multidisciplinary Department.
The Department also offers an honors program called “Cramim”, taught in Hebrew, which is open to candidates with, particularly high scores. Interested candidates are invited to contact the department.
Career Opportunities
Jewish Studies include a vast array of different topics, creating a multi-faceted mosaic of traditions, which together form the foundations of our civilization. In an increasingly complex world, the ability to handle different fields of knowledge and different ways of thinking is an invaluable asset. Our graduates are welcome everywhere that embraces critical thinking, evaluating and integrating texts, processes, and relationships.
Core Requirements
37 Credits in Jewish Studies, which include the university quota of Basic Jewish Studies*
25-27 Credits in the student’s other major (Communication, English, etc.)
Up to 3 Credits in General Studies**
English as a Foreign Language***
*All students at Bar-Ilan are required to take 10 credits of Basic Jewish Studies. These credits are covered by our program.
**If the student’s dual major does not add up to 64 credits. General Studies courses are any courses offered (more than 6,000) at the university that are not related to the student’s major and are not Basic Jewish Studies. Students with the appropriate level of Hebrew are permitted to take courses in Hebrew, should they choose.
*** Depending on their English language test scores, students may be required to take additional classes in English as a foreign language. Students who graduated high school in English-speaking countries are exempt.
Program Length: 3 Years
Language of Instruction: English
Application Deadline: July 30, 2021
Admission Requirements
GPA 3.1 or above.
GPA 3.3 or above for waiver of SAT exam.
SAT 1100 or above, of which EBRW is 600 or above.
How to Apply
1. Submit the Application
Log in to the BIUInternational Online Applicant Portal, and fill out your application form.
You are required to pay a non-refundable application fee each time you apply.
2. Send Transcripts & Diplomas
Applicants must send in official copies of their transcripts and their high school diploma/ matriculation certificate. Students in their final year of studies may send in a partial transcript, and be accepted pending receipt of their final transcript and diploma.
While the decision process may be expedited by uploading digital copies of the required documents in the Applicant Portal, original copies must be mailed to our office directly.
3. Send Test Scores
Scores from SAT, ACT, or Psychometric, are required for admission and must be sent directly from the testing agency. Students who have taken the same exam multiple times will have only their best scores considered.
4. Upload ID & Passport Photo
Applicants must upload or email a photocopy of the first page of their Passport or Teudat Zehut, and a recent, 2″x2″, passport-sized photo of themselves.
