Jewish Studies is a vibrant academic program that allows you to explore Jewish life and civilization through a variety of disciplinary perspectives, including history, sociology, political science, religious thought, literature, and the arts.
As a student in Jewish Studies, you will study the intellectual and cultural values of Jews, their religious beliefs and practices, languages, literary creativity, and participation in the larger societies in which they live. You will sharpen your ability to think critically, read closely, and write effectively. And while learning how Jews have lived, survived, and sometimes flourished, you will gain a deeper comprehension of their rich, varied culture and the world they inhabit.
Whatever your background or previous study, we encourage you to pursue a Jewish Studies major or certificate. At the broadest level, Jewish Studies will prompt you to reflect on the meaning of ethnic, racial, and religious identity. By examining one of the world’s oldest peoples, you will come to question preconceived notions about Jews and other minorities and to scrutinize popular and political representations of all marginalized groups.
To sample the variety of Jewish Studies offerings, check out our current courses.
How to Get in
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, visit Advising & Careers. |
| Courses required to get in | None |
| GPA requirements to get in | None |
| Credits required to get in | None |
| Other | None |
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. Some courses satisfy more than one L&S degree requirement (visit College of Letters & Science: Requirements for details).
This major can be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
| Communication | Complete both:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Complete both:
|
| Ethnic Studies | one 3+ credit course with the Ethnic Studies designation |
| Language | Complete either:
|
| L&S Breadth: Humanities | Complete 12 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation, which must include at least 6 credits with the Literature designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Social Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Social Science designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Natural Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Natural Science, Biological Science, or Physical Science designations, which must include both:
|
| Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) Coursework | at least 108 credits |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced work | at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | at least 120 credits |
| UW-Madison Experience |
|
| Quality of Work |
|
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their School/College to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
The Jewish Studies major requires 10 courses, totaling at least 30 credits, in 5 areas. Each course may count toward only one required area.
- One Gateway Course
- Two courses in Literature, Philosophy, and the Arts
- Two courses in History and Social Science
- Four courses in Modern Hebrew at an appropriate level
- The Core Seminar
Gateway Course
Complete one Gateway Course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Law, Business, and Ethics | ||
| The Sabbath |
Literature, Philosophy, and the Arts
Complete two courses in Literature, Philosophy, and the Arts, at least one of which must fulfill the Jewish Diaspora requirement,
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Diaspora (complete at least one course): | ||
| Religion and the First Amendment | ||
| Jews and Race | ||
| Health and Hotels in Central Europe | ||
| Yiddish Literature and Culture in Europe | ||
| Yiddish Literature and Culture in America | ||
| Modern Jewish Literature | ||
| The American Jewish Life of DNA | ||
| Jewish Humor | ||
| Muslims and Jews | ||
| German-Jewish Culture Since the 18th Century | ||
| Jewish Literatures in Diaspora | ||
| Complete any additional Diaspora course from the list above, or any of the following: | ||
| The Sabbath | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Literature (in English) | ||
| Elementary Topics in Jewish Literature | ||
| Elementary Topics in Jewish Philosophy and the Arts | ||
| Bascom Course | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| The Bible and Film: Literature and Media | ||
| Classical Rabbinic Literature in Translation | ||
| King David in History and Tradition | ||
| Jerusalem, Holy City of Conflict and Desire | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture I | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture II | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Jewish Literature | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Jewish Philosophy and the Arts | ||
| Moral Philosophy and the Holocaust | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry | ||
| Advanced Topics in Jewish Philosophy and the Arts | ||
History and Social Science
Complete two courses in History and Social Science, at least one of which must fulfill the Jews in America requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Jews in America (complete at least one course): | ||
| The American Jewish Experience: From Shtetl to Suburb | ||
| Jews and American Pop. Culture | ||
| Complete any additional Jews in America course from the list above, or any of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Modern Jewish History | ||
| Elementary Topics in Jewish History | ||
| The Holocaust | ||
| Israeli Politics and Society | ||
| Modern Jewish Thought | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Jewish History | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Jewish Studies: Social Sciences | ||
| Holocaust: History, Memory and Education | ||
| Antisemitism in European Culture | ||
| Arab-Israeli Conflict | ||
| Advanced Topics in Jewish History | ||
Language Requirement
Complete four courses in Modern Hebrew at an appropriate level.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Hebrew (Complete 4 courses): | ||
| First Semester Hebrew | ||
| Second Semester Hebrew | ||
| Third Semester Hebrew | ||
| Fourth Semester Hebrew | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture I | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture II | ||
Core Seminar
Complete the Core Seminar.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| What Is Jewish Studies? |
Note on Directed Study
With prior consent of the undergraduate advisor in Jewish studies and the relevant instructor, students may use one Directed Study course (JEWISH 699) to satisfy a requirement for the major.
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all JEWISH courses and all courses accepted in the major
- 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level major credits, taken in residence. Upper-level work includes all Intermediate or Advanced level courses in the Jewish Studies major.
- 15 credits in JEWISH, taken on campus
Honors in the Major
Students may declare Honors in the Major in consultation with the Jewish Studies undergraduate advisor.
Honors in the Jewish Studies Major: Requirements
To earn Honors in the Major students must satisfy both the requirements for the major and the following additional requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a 3.500 GPA for all JEWISH courses, and all courses accepted in the major
- Complete at least two courses, taken for Honors, in the major, with grades of B or better in each
- Complete a two-semester Senior Honors Thesis, a piece of original research composition, in JEWISH 681 and JEWISH 682, for a total of 6 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Proficiency in reading, writing, understanding, and conversing in Hebrew or another approved Jewish language, attained through four semesters of study
- Ability to read Jewish texts closely and to write original, coherent, and compelling arguments that push beyond summary to analysis
- Knowledge of Jewish civilization, culture, and society in both the past and the present
- Development, pursuit, and presentation of original research in Jewish studies culminating in a substantive academic paper that utilizes and cites appropriate sources
- Appreciation for diverse worldviews and value systems, including an understanding of interactions between Jews and non-Jews within the context of minority-majority relationships in Wisconsin, in the United States, and across the globe
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HEBR-MOD 101 | 4 | HEBR-MOD 102 | 4 |
| JEWISH/LEGAL ST/RELIG ST 203 or JEWISH 211 | 3 | Quantitative Reasoning B | 3 |
| Communication A | 3 | Communications B | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 | Science Breadth | 3 |
| Elective (Elementary level) | 3 | Elective (Elementary level) | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HEBR-MOD 201 | 4 | HEBR-MOD 202 | 4 |
| JEWISH 219 (meets Ethnic Studies; Jews in America [History/Social Science]) | 4 | Biological Science Breadth | 3 |
| Physical Science Breadth | 3-4 | JEWISH/PHILOS 442 (meets Literature/Philosophy/Arts) | 3 |
| Elective (Intermediate level) | 3 | Electives (Intermediate level) | 6 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| JEWISH/HISTORY 310 (meets History/Social Science) | 4 | JEWISH 350 | 3 |
| Science Breadth | 3 | JEWISH/AFRICAN/MEDIEVAL/RELIG ST 462 (meets Literature/Philosophy/Arts) | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth (if needed) | 3 | Intermediate/Advanced COMP SCI, MATH, or STAT (if BS) | 3 |
| Electives (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 6 | Social Science Breadth (if needed) | 3 |
| Elective (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Intermediate/Advanced COMP SCI, MATH, or STAT (if BS) | 3 | Electives (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 12 |
| Electives (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 12 | ||
| 15 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Advising and Careers
Declare or Cancel This Major
If you are interested in the possibility of declaring a major in Jewish Studies, make an appointment with the undergraduate advisor.
Jewish Studies can prepare one for a variety of career paths. Graduates in Jewish Studies have followed a variety of different career paths, including law, medicine, education, finance, social work, and the nonprofit sector. Jewish Studies students are also well prepared to apply for graduate studies in fields such as law, education, business, and social work, as well as prime candidates for rabbinical or cantorial school, theological studies, and advanced levels of Jewish Studies.
Study Abroad
Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu
As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students