Jewish Studies
Jewish Studies is an interdisciplinary major introducing students to the diverse identities, experiences, and traditions that have characterized Jews and Judaism over thousands of years, as well as a wide range of tools for critical analysis.
Program Overview
The Jewish Studies major allows students to take courses from across a variety of departments ranging from Religious Studies to History to World Languages and Cultures to Art History to Philosophy. Courses in Jewish Studies range from modern Hebrew to the Holocaust. Students in the major and minor can study abroad, research with award winning professors, and engage in unique learning opportunities. Students can tailor their own education as there is only one course all students are required to take, allowing them to select the other courses from a long and diverse group of classes.
Why Jewish Studies?
The Jewish Studies program at UT offers an interdisciplinary and globally relevant education that explores Jewish history, culture, philosophy, religion, and language. Students gain a broad perspective on Judaism’s historical evolution and contemporary relevance, engaging with topics such as the Holocaust, American Judaism, and the Middle East.
With small class sizes, renowned faculty, and hands-on learning experiences, the program prepares students to analyze complex global issues, understand religious and cultural diversity, and develop strong research and communication skills.
Careers
A Jewish Studies degree equips students with critical thinking, historical analysis, intercultural communication, and ethical reasoning skills, preparing them for diverse and impactful career paths. Alumni have successfully pursued careers in:
- Education & Academia – Teaching, research, and museum curation related to Jewish history, religion, culture, and philosophy
- Law, Public Policy, & Human Rights – Advocacy, policy development, and nonprofit leadership focused on religious freedoms, historical preservation, and global justice
- Media, Journalism, & Publishing – Writing, editing, and content creation for publications covering Jewish thought, heritage, and global affairs
- Religious & Community Leadership – Roles in interfaith organizations, Jewish cultural centers, and religious studies programs
- Business, Marketing, & International Relations – Careers in cross-cultural business, nonprofit management, and public administration, leveraging expertise in Jewish studies and global affairs
Many graduates also pursue advanced degrees in Jewish Studies, Middle Eastern studies, Holocaust studies, law, public administration, and international affairs, further deepening their understanding of Jewish culture, philosophy, and historical impact.
Featured Courses
REST 361
The American Jewish Experience
An exploration of the history, culture and major developments in American Jewish life.
JST 381
Judaism
History, traditions, philosophy, and religion of the Jewish people grounded in the ancient period, but includes diaspora, emancipation and haskalah.
JST 350
The Afterlife of the Holocaust
Selected themes, issues, figures, movements, and problems in the German-Jewish relationship as reflected in literature and culture from the 1750s to the present. Variable content. Taught in English.
JST 383
Ancient Jewish History
Biblical-Talmudic periods (1200 BCE – 600 CE). Origins of the Israelites, development of independent Israelite and Jewish states in the ancient Near East, rise of Jewish Diaspora communities, cultural convergences with Hellenism and early Christianity, and the development of Rabbinic Judaism.
Complementary Minors
