PhD in Jewish/Judaic Studies (PhD)

Spertus Institute connects Jewish history, thought, and texts with contemporary community and professional work. Graduate programs include the MA in Jewish Studies, Doctor of Science in Jewish Studies, Doctor of Hebrew Letters, and MA in Jewish Professional Studies. Certificate options focus on Jewish leadership, synagogue executive leadership, and combating antisemitism. Programs combine theory and practice for Jewish professionals, community leaders, and students pursuing Jewish Studies scholarship.

The Center for Jewish Leadership brings together Jewish ethics, culture, and history with approaches from business and nonprofit leadership. Its degree programs, certificates, workshops, master classes, and symposia serve professional and volunteer leaders. Since 2014, the Center has reached more than 2,500 Jewish communal professionals and volunteers representing 250 organizations. Learning addresses contemporary issues and develops skills for organizational and community work.

The campus is at 610 S Michigan Avenue in Chicago, directly across from Grant Park, within the city’s academic and cultural corridor. The facility provides classrooms, contemporary resources, and technology in an accessible setting. Students can join onsite or online programs, and the Institute has experience with distance education and online teaching. Programs are open to people of all backgrounds and denominations. Applicants to the MA in Jewish Studies need a baccalaureate degree and official transcripts, along with application materials and an interview for qualified candidates. Applications are considered during two periods each year.

This programme focuses on Jewish thought, history, and practice through academic study of texts and contemporary issues. Students engage with core topics such as Jewish identity, historiography, and intergroup relations. The programme is designed for professionals and lifelong learners seeking advanced knowledge in Jewish studies. It emphasizes individual research and practical application within Jewish communities.

Focus areas include Jewish identity and authenticity, Jewish historiography, Textual study of Jewish literature, Interfaith and intergroup relations, Jewish modernity, Jewish living and practice.

The programme requires 18 courses totaling 54 quarter-hour credits. These include 7 core courses, 5 text-based courses, 4 electives, a comprehensive exam, and 2 final project courses.

Graduates pursue roles in Jewish education, communal leadership, research, and interfaith engagement.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in Jewish Studies or an equivalent. The preferred application deadline is January 4, 2027, with a final deadline of February 1, 2027.

The programme totals about 54 credit hours. Part-time, with courses delivered online and in person at the Chicago campus; self-paced with recommended completion of three courses per academic year. For international students, tuition is below the median for US programmes.