Modern Jewish Studies BA (Hons)
San Francisco State University, United States
Bachelor of Arts in Modern Jewish Studies
San Francisco State University
Jewish Studies / Humanities
Program Overview: BA in Modern Jewish Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Modern Jewish Studies at San Francisco State University is designed to provide an understanding of Jews and Judaism through the interactions of culture, history, and religion. The program examines how the challenge of modernity over the last two hundred years has transformed traditional Jewish societies and generated significant diversity and difference.
As the only degree-granting Department of Jewish Studies in the Bay Area and within the California State University system, this program offers a distinctive interdisciplinary education. Students explore how Jews have redefined religion, notions of identity, and social organization in contexts ranging from majority culture in Israel to minority culture elsewhere in the world.
The program is designed for students from any and all religious and ethnic backgrounds. Faculty use academic approaches from disciplines across the university to study religion, literature, history, culture, language, and all other aspects of Jewish life and experience, encouraging students to apply their analysis to their own communities and societies globally.
Key Program Highlights
- Only degree-granting Department of Jewish Studies in the Bay Area and within the entire CSU system
- Interdisciplinary curriculum spanning Jewish history, literature, Israel Studies, Holocaust Studies, and modern Jewish thought
- Opportunities for study abroad with partner institutions in Europe and Israel
- Paid internship connections within the Jewish community and regular visiting scholar events
Curriculum and Modules
The BA in Modern Jewish Studies requires a total of 30 major units, structured around core courses, electives, a culminating experience, and a writing-intensive GWAR course. Students also complete 12 units of complementary studies in a related field, which can be fulfilled through a minor, a second major, foreign language study, or an approved study abroad program.
Introduction to Jewish Studies
3 UnitsA survey of Jewish history, culture, and religion from the ancient world to the modern era, providing foundational knowledge for all subsequent coursework in the major.
The Arab-Israeli Conflict
3 UnitsExamines the causes of the Arab-Israeli conflict from the late nineteenth century through the British Mandate, Arab-Israeli wars since 1948, and ongoing attempts at resolution.
Holocaust Literature and Narrative
3 UnitsExplores how Holocaust narrative changes the nature of literature, shifting attention from the liberation of the imagination to the exhibition of memory under extreme conditions.
Israeli Cinema
3 UnitsA wide-ranging survey of Israeli cinema exploring the conflicts between East and West, Arabs and Jews, and the transformation from a militaristic society to a modern, pluralistic nation.
Repairing the World: The Jewish Call for Social Justice
3 UnitsA survey of Jewish social justice focusing on the religious mandate to repair the world, examining how Jewish texts and traditions relate to social justice questions between Jews and larger societies.
Culminating Experience
3 UnitsA capstone project or seminar that integrates the knowledge and analytical skills acquired throughout the program, allowing students to demonstrate mastery in a focused area of Jewish Studies.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BA in Modern Jewish Studies at San Francisco State University is open to international students who meet the university's academic and English language proficiency standards. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu, your dedicated point of contact throughout the admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- High School CompletionEquivalent of US high school diploma from an accredited or recognized institution
- Minimum GPA (Freshmen)2.5 on a 4.0 scale or B- average in academic courses completed after 9th grade
- Minimum GPA (Transfers)2.0 overall college GPA in all transferable courses
- SAT/ACT ScoresNot required; the CSU no longer uses ACT/SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility
- Full-time EnrollmentInternational students must enroll in at least 12 units per semester
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 61
- IELTSMinimum overall band score of 6.0
- PTE AcademicMinimum score of 45
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
San Francisco State University and the Department of Jewish Studies offer select scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for funding that matches your profile and academic goals.
Linda Mazursky Kurtz and Frank Kurtz Scholarship
Awarded annually to eligible Jewish Studies majors and minors in memory of Bernard Mazursky. This departmental scholarship recognizes academic achievement and commitment to the field of Jewish Studies.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
The BA in Modern Jewish Studies prepares graduates with strong analytical, research, and communication skills applicable across a wide range of professional fields. The degree aligns with graduate study in literature, history, religious studies, political science, international studies, and law, while also preparing students for careers as educators and community professionals.
Potential Career Paths
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
San Francisco State University is a well-established public institution within the California State University system, recognized for its commitment to diversity, community engagement, and strong return on investment. The university has received the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement and earned 4.5 out of 5 stars in Money Magazine's Best Colleges 2025 rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | SFSU Internal Strength | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Jewish Studies | CSU System | Only degree-granting dept in Bay Area and CSU |
| Health Sciences | Nature Index | #708 |
| Overall Research | Nature Index Research Leaders | #1442 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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