Jewish Studies Degree Programs FAQs
General
Requirements
Distance Learning
Tuition and Fees
General
Is your program accredited?
Yes. Spertus is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
What do your students do with a Jewish Studies degree?
Masters students tend to enroll to gain background for work in Jewish education or community service or for their own edification as part of their lifelong learning. Most doctoral students are rabbis or professional Jewish educators seeking to combine academic depth and practical application.
How often do you accept students into the program?
We accept students year round.
Are you on the semester or quarter system?
We are on the quarter system.
How many classes can I take at a time?
You can take one distance learning video course at a time and one independent study course at a time. During the seminars you can take up to three courses (even if you are currently working on other courses).
Do I have to wait until the next quarter to register for a course?
No, you can register for a course at any time. The course on your transcript will reflect the quarter that you registered for a course.
I live locally, can I take courses at Spertus during the year?
Yes, you can combine courses offered locally and through distance learning.
How long does it take to finish the programs?
The programs are designed so that students may complete them at their own pace. Most students complete the masters programs within 5 years and the doctoral program within 7 years.
Will I be a certified teacher when I finish the MSJE program?
The Master of Science in Jewish Education is not a certification program, though many graduates and students do teach at their local synagogues.
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Requirements
How many credits are required?
The MSJS/MSJE require 45 quarter-hour credits plus the equivalent of one quarter (semester) of Hebrew. The doctoral programs require 54 quarter-hour credits in addition to any prerequisites
How much Hebrew do I need?
To meet the Hebrew language requirement for the Master of Science programs you need to either take the Foundations of the Hebrew language course offered at Spertus, pass the Hebrew proficiency exam or complete one semester of college level Hebrew at an accredited college. For the Master of Arts programs you must complete the equivalent of 2 years of college level Hebrew. Students in the doctoral programs must have at least 2 years of college level Hebrew; students in the DJS program are further expected to have advanced proficiency with classical Hebrew sources.
Do you offer courses at Spertus?
Yes. We offer intensive on-campus seminars two times per year (generally in March and July). The courses are usually 4-6 days in length. You are able to register for one to three courses. We provide kosher meals and arrange for a discounted block of rooms at a nearby hotel.
Do I have to come to Chicago to meet the residency requirement?
Students are greatly encouraged to attend at least one on-campus seminar per year. In some cases students may be able to complete their programs without attending an on-campus seminar, however we do not encourage that. Taking courses on campus allows you to get to know the institution, its resources, your fellow students and faculty. It also gives you the opportunity to meet with advisors in person.
Can I transfer credits from my current program?
No. Spertus requires that a minimum of 45 credits be registered and successfully completed through Spertus.
Do we take tests?
Most courses (with the exception of the language courses) require you to write papers.
How long do I have to complete a course?
Students are allowed 6 months to complete a video course and 3-4 months to complete independent study or seminar courses.
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Distance Learning
Do you have classes on line?
We do not offer courses on line. We do offer courses on videotape (The Religion of Biblical Israel, Jewish Theology, Medieval Judaism, Modern Judaism, Jewish Ethics, Jewish Mysticism, Encountering the Holocaust; as well as the follow-up to Foundations of the Hebrew Language, which is on CD). In addition, students register for independent study or directed reading courses and intensive on-campus seminars.
How do the video courses work?
We send you the tapes, curricular materials and reading materials. You are also provided with contact information for the instructor should you have any questions.
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Tuition and Fees
How much is the tuition?
Currently tuition is $250 per quarter hour for masters programs and $275 for the doctoral programs.
Are the course materials extra?
The cost for course materials is in addition to course tuition. Course materials generally run between $50 and $100 per course. Video courses also require a refundable deposit. There is also a $25 non-refundable registration fee.
Do you offer scholarship money?
Yes. We offer an automatic 1/3 scholarship discount to degree students whose full-time employment is as an educator in a Jewish religious school, who are full-time communal service employees in a Jewish agency, who are full-time clergy, or who are Senior Citizens (age 62 and older). You can also apply for scholarships that are awarded on the basis of both need and merit.
How does the scholarship work?
Prior to registering for a course you may complete and submit a scholarship form along with your registration form. You are required to pay 1/3 of the tuition, course materials, shipping and handling charges, videotape deposits, and the $25 non-refundable registration fee upfront. Once the scholarship committee reviews your application, you will be notified by mail of any scholarship amount. At that time we ask that you pay the balance due. Once your course has been paid for, we will send you all course materials.
Do you offer student loans?
No. Because our students are not generally full time or half time, they are not eligible for financial aid.
Can I arrange payment plans?
If needed, this can be arranged on a case-by-case basis. We require you to provide a credit card number and you are charged the determined amount monthly.
What kinds of payment does Spertus accept?
Check, cash, money orders, Visa and MasterCard
Contact
Phone 312.322.1794
A variety of classes and public programs take place in the evening and on Sunday. See our calendar of events for more details.
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