Jewish Professional Leadership

This dual-degree Jewish Professional Leadership Program, consisting of an MA in Jewish Studies from the Gershon Kekst Graduate School of JTS and an MS in Social Work from Columbia University’s School of Social Work (CSSW), prepares students for professional leadership careers in the Jewish community.

The Jewish Professional Leadership Program provides future professionals with exceptional skills, knowledge, dedication, and vision for challenging leadership positions in Jewish communal organizations. Our graduates are making a difference every day in the Jewish community and beyond. Students receive an outstanding classroom education, as well as extraordinary real-world experiences. The combination allows our graduates to excel in diverse, complex organizations on international, regional, and local levels.

The quality and flexibility of the Jewish Professional Leadership program enables graduates to pursue careers in countless settings. Federations, Hillels, family service agencies, Jewish community centers, camps, Jewish supplementary schools, and foundations are only some of the options available to the programs’ graduates.

Having two degrees allows graduates to move vertically within their chosen field and to move easily from one sector to another. The unparalleled energy, passion, and ability of our graduates place them among the most sought-after professionals.

Prospective students interested in Jewish Professional Leadership should apply to both JTS and CSSW. The Jewish Professional Leadership program requires applicants to demonstrate a commitment to the Jewish community. Contact the Kekst Graduate School Admissions Office at (212) 678-8022 or gsadmissions@jtsa.edu to learn more.