The Jewish Theological Seminary
MA in Jewish Experiential Education FAQ
About the application process | About The Davidson School
- What is the MA in Jewish Education: Experiential Education?
- What funding is available?
- When does the MA in Jewish Education: Experiential Education start?
- What does the MA in Jewish Education: Experiential Education involve?
- What do you mean by cohort?
- How long does it take to complete the Experiential Education program?
- Will I be able to take electives?
- Can I waive required courses?
- How do field placements work?
- In what type of setting might I be placed?
- What will the Experiential Education program qualify me to do?
- How do I apply?
About the MA in Jewish Education: Experiential Education
1. What is the MA in Jewish Education: Experiential Education?
The Master of Arts in Jewish Education: Experiential Education at the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education is an exciting new program that prepares Jewish educators to be at the forefront of Jewish experiential education. Students will learn to develop innovative programs that can be applied across the Jewish educational landscape; educate learners with meaningful and accessible Jewish content through fun, engaging activities that create lasting positive impact; and lead and manage organizations.
Thanks to the generosity of the Jim Joseph Foundation, The Davidson School is pleased to offer full-tuition fellowships, plus stipends for field-placement work, for all applicants accepted into the full-time program. Full-time students are funded for two years with the possibility of renewal for a third year.
3. When does the MA in Jewish Education: Experiential Education start?
The first cohort enrolled in the fall 2011 semester. The first graduates will earn degrees in May 2013. Applications for the second cohort are currently being accepted. The second cohort will enroll in the fall 2012 semester.
4. What does the MA in Jewish Education: Experiential Education involve?
The Master of Arts in Jewish Education: Experiential Education involves targeted course work, integrative professional seminars, intensive field placements, and a close-knit cohort of students who focus specifically on experiential learning in all Jewish educational settings. It also includes a postgraduation induction year during which graduates receive additional mentoring.
5. What do you mean by cohort?
Each entering class will participate together in courses, seminars, and additional programming so that they may engage and learn together and from one another. The cohort experience allows students to create relationships with colleagues that will continue for a lifetime.
6. How long does it take to complete the Experiential Education program?
Students, whoa are required to be full-time and on-site, can complete course work and field work requirements in two years, pending the completion of course prerequisites prior to enrolling in the experiential cohort. Prerequisites include an intermediate knowledge of Hebrew and two courses in Jewish studies. Course work from an accredited institution may be considered as substitute for the prerequisites with the permission of the department chair.
Prerequisites may also be taken concurrently while enrolled in the experiential program with permission of the department chair. However, students who take prerequisites concurrently might need a fifth or sixth semester to complete the program.
7. Will I be able to take electives?
Yes! Students will have the opportunity to take at least 9 credits in electives in both Jewish studies and education. Students can also take courses at Teachers College, Columbia University.
8. Can I waive required courses?
Course prerequisites in Jewish studies and Hebrew may be waived based on previous course work or through placement exams. Core courses may be waived based on previous course work or work experience only with permission from the department chair. Students who waive core courses will not receive academic credit for them, but they will able to take an additional elective for each core course waived.
9. How do field placements work?
In year one, students will visit a variety of cutting-edge Jewish and secular organizations to observe, meet and interview Jewish educational leaders, and complete work projects with program mentors. In year two, students will be placed in an organization for a year, working approximately 20 hours per week, observing and participating in meetings, events, and completing meaningful projects. Students will report to a mentor who will provide supervision, guidance, and learning opportunities throughout the year.
Students will enroll in an integrative and professional seminar in both years connected to their field work. The seminar is designed to provide opportunities to reflect on fieldwork and to connect theory and practice. Students will be able to learn and gain insights from their fellow students' field placement experiences.
10. In what type of setting might I be placed?
Sample field placements include:
- Jewish Community Center Association
- TEVA Learning Center
- Foundation for Jewish Camp
- Columbia/Barnard Hillel
- JCC in Manhattan
- Camp Ramah / National Ramah Commission
- Museum of Jewish Heritage
- American Jewish World Service
- The Covenant Foundation
Graduates will become desirable and marketable candidates for many positions in Jewish education. Previous MA graduates of Davidson's informal/communal education track (the preceeding program to the MA in Jewish Education: Experiential Education) include:
- Executive Director, Limmud-NY
- Founder/Director, Eden Village Camp
- Associate Director, Storahtelling
- Program Director, BBYO
- Youth and Camp Director at the 14th Street YM/YWHA
- Program Associate, Covenant Foundation
- Manager of Volunteer Services, Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
- Youth & Family Education Director, Huntington Jewish Center, New York
- Director of Experiential Education, Golda Och Academy of Bergen County, New Jersey
About the MA Application Process
1. What are the deadlines?
The deadline is March 1, 2012, for the fall 2012 semester to be automatically eligible for full tuition fellowship. Applications submitted after March 1, 2012, will be considered only on an availability basis. All application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be received no later than May 1, 2012.
2. When will I find out if I have been admitted?
Applicants are required to participate in an in-person or video-conference interview. Admissions decisions are made within four weeks of receipt of a completed application (including the interview).
3. What kinds of grades and test scores do I need?
The Davidson School seeks a minimum 3.0 GPA and sufficient GRE verbal and writing scores. However, The Davidson School reviews applications in a holistic manner; no one element of your application will disqualify you from admissions. We are looking for students who are passionate about leadership, committed to a career in Jewish education, and able to handle the rigorous course work and field placement requirements.
4. Do I have to submit my application as a complete packet?
You do not have to submit your application as a complete packet. Letters of recommendation will be accepted by email if they are addressed to edschool@jtsa.edu and come directly from the work email address of the reference.
About The Davidson School
1. Is The Davidson School only for Conservative Jews?
The Davidson School is for everyone! The Davidson School is proud to be an egalitarian pluralistic school of Jewish education. We train people from all backgrounds to be excellent Jewish educators in all settings and movements.
2. Do you offer graduate-student housing?
JTS has many options for single and married graduate students. Although housing is not officially guaranteed for graduate students, the JTS Office of Residence Life has been able to accommodate past requests for JTS housing.
3. Can I transfer graduate-level courses from another school into The Davidson School?
Yes, 9 credits can be transferred from an accredited university if the credits were not considered required credit hours for an undergraduate or graduate degree.