Jewish Studies

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About Jewish Studies
Jewish Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

About Jewish Studies

The Department of Jewish Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Judaica. It welcomes students interested in deepening their knowledge of Jewish history and Jewish texts. Students have the choice of a thesis or non-thesis M.A. in Jewish Studies and may choose to complete the thesis M.A. with a stream in the History of the Jewish Interpretation of the Bible. An ad hoc Ph.D. is also available. We have particular research and teaching strengths in the following areas: Hebrew Bible and its interpretation; rabbinics and codes; medieval and modern Jewish thought; Eastern European Jewish history; Jewish literature (Hebrew, Yiddish, English); and contemporary North American Jewish life. These areas are broadly construed to accommodate the range of research interests in the Department. Students develop close relationships with their supervisors and benefit from the diverse expertise available in our Department and in the University at large.

While the thesis option is designed for students undertaking advanced research in one of the areas above, the non-thesis option offers a generalist degree in Jewish studies.

Jewish Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Ideally, applicants would have completed a B.A. in Jewish Studies. If an applicant is otherwise deemed acceptable, it is possible to be admitted to a Qualifying Year. Students seeking admission to the History of the Jewish Interpretation of the Bible stream must demonstrate competence in Hebrew prior to beginning the program.

In addition to the appropriate references, transcripts, and examination scores, applicants should send samples of their academic work in their field of interest. Personal interviews are strongly recommended.

For graduate applicants whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized Canadian or American (English or French) institution or from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction, documented proof of English proficiency is required prior to admission.

Application Procedures

McGill’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See University Regulations & Resources > Graduate > Graduate Admissions and Application Procedures > Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Additional Requirements

Below are additional requirements set by this department:

Research proposal
Curriculum vitae
Written work

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application opening dates are set by Enrolment Services in consultation with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), while application deadlines are set by the Department of Jewish Studies and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate McGill departmental website; please consult the list at mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

Information on application deadlines is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-steps/application-deadlines.

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.

Available Programs

Program Overview

Master of Arts (M.A.) Jewish Studies (Thesis)

This program is aimed at students who have acquired a rich background in Jewish studies through their B.A. and who are now ready to focus their study on one period and/or discipline within the broad field of Jewish civilizational studies. Students choosing Eastern European studies, Jewish thought, or Hebrew literature must enter the program with a good command of either Hebrew or Yiddish according to their chosen specialization.

Students may also choose to complete the M.A. (Thesis) program with a stream in the History of the Jewish Interpretation of the Bible. This stream is aimed at students who have acquired a rich background in Bible and Jewish studies through their B.A. and who now wish to study the Bible and its interpretation within Jewish circles at an advanced level. Students choosing this path must enter the program with a good command of Hebrew.

The degree is normally completed within two years. Subsequent career paths are varied, but could include work in Jewish communal agencies, Jewish schools, Jewish foundations, the rabbinate, or further graduate study in a related field.

Master of Arts (M.A.) Jewish Studies (Non-Thesis)

This program is aimed at students who have acquired some background in Jewish studies through their B.A. and who wish to add to their knowledge without having to concentrate on one period or discipline within the broad field of Jewish civilizational studies. Students may take courses in related disciplines outside of Jewish Studies, if appropriate. The degree is normally completed within two years. Students must demonstrate good command of Yiddish or Hebrew prior to graduation. Subsequent career paths are varied, but could include work in Jewish communal agencies, Jewish schools, Jewish foundations, the rabbinate, or further graduate study in a related field.

Ph.D. in Jewish Studies

This is an ad hoc program. Please contact the Department for further information.

2025-2026