The Ohio State University Department of Near Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures

Hebrew and Jewish Studies (HJS)

Hebrew and Jewish Studies (HJS)

The Major and Minor options in Hebrew and Jewish Studies invites students to explore the Hebrew language, Jewish history, culture, and literature through an interdisciplinary curriculum that bridges language study with cultural, historical, and intellectual traditions. At Ohio State, the Hebrew and Jewish Studies program combines rigorous language training with rich academic inquiry into Jewish life from ancient times to the present.

The major in Hebrew and Jewish Studies features two tracks—Hebrew language and Jewish studies—so you can tailor your coursework to your passions, while the minor provides a flexible way to deepen your understanding of Hebrew language, Jewish culture, and history alongside your major field of study.

Through the Hebrew language track, students develop proficiency in spoken and written Hebrew while studying Hebrew literary traditions across more than 3,000 years of usage—from biblical texts to modern novels, poetry, and media. Through the Jewish studies track, students engage a wide range of disciplines, including history, religion, literature, philosophy, and cultural analysis, gaining deep insights into the diverse experiences and contributions of Jewish communities globally.

Whether you’re interested in language and literature, history and thought, religion and society, or contemporary global issues, this program equips you with critical perspectives on one of the world’s oldest and most influential cultural traditions. The Department offers a variety of courses and opportunities—including study abroad and community engagement—that allow you to shape your academic experience around your interests and goals.

Changes to the requirements for fulfilling the Hebrew and Jewish Studies Major and Minors will go into effect at the start of the 2019/2020 Academic Year. These program revisions included consolidating the seperate Hebrew and Jewish Studies majors into a single Hebrew and Jewish Studies (HJS) Major with two tracks that will allow students to specialize in Hebrew language or Jewish studies. The revisions to the minor programs maintained the three distinct minors in Hebrew,Jewish Studies, and Jewish Oral History.

Students who entered OSU prior to the Autumn 2019 semester can choose to fulfill either the old or the new program requirements, in consultation with the NELC Academic Advisor. Students who enroll during or after the Autumn 2019 semester will be required to fulfill the new program requirements. 

The previous Hebrew major and minor program requirements can be seen here: https://nesa.osu.edu/hebrew-old-program-requirements

 
Students with questions about any of NESA's undergraduate programs should contact the departmental undergraduate advisor Tommy Beyl at beyl.1@osu.edu or call (614) 292-8485 to make an appointment.

Majors

Minors

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