Jewish Theological Seminary, The

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A.-Midrash and Scriptural Interpretation, D.H.L.; PhD

Program Description:

The program in Midrash and Scriptural Interpretation is interdisciplinary, designed to enable students to gain expertise in the broad varieties of rabbinic biblical exegesis and rabbinic narrative. Students are exposed to critical study of the Bible and rabbinic literature; current methodologies in the study of Midrash and Scriptural Interpretation; and appropriate cognate literatures. Background is offered in the social history of late antiquity through the medieval period. A concentration in Midrash and Scriptural Interpretation focuses on exegesis of biblical and rabbinic texts from the second century through the medieval period. Students must choose a concentration in either Midrash or medieval Bible exegesis and focus course work and comprehensive examinations accordingly.

The program emphasizes acquisition of critical methodologies current in the study of Midrash and Scriptural Interpretation. To that end, students learn historical-critical techniques such as philology and historiography. At the same time, a focus is given to rabbinic narrative. Students learn modern and postmodern literary theories, as well as feminist and gender readings. All texts are studied in their original languages and students are expected to develop fluency in those languages as well as competence in cognate languages. Graduates of the various programs teach at universities throughout North America, Europe, and Israel.

Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Eligibility Requirements:

Prior to taking the Comprehensive Examination, doctoral students are required to pass a proficiency exam in reading Hebrew academic texts, for which HEB 5999: Reading Academic Texts provides the requisite skills.

# of Credits Required:

30

International Student Requirements:

Applicants whose native language is other than English and who have not been educated at a college where English is the language of instruction must submit official scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL score of 100 (Internet-based) is required. The Graduate School also may require that nonnative English speakers prove satisfactory proficiency by scoring at level 10 on the placement test administered by Columbia University's American Language Program (ALP).

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

1000.00 USD

Tuition In-State Full Time:

21200 USD

Financial Aid Offered: No

Format: Campus

Classification: Theological Seminaries

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: Under 1,000