Judaic Studies

Students from many different backgrounds and diverse interests benefit from learning more about the history of Western civilization through the perspective of Judaic studies. The Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies offers both a major and a minor for students. The program emphasizes the history, religion, and civilization of the Jewish people, as well as two years’ proficiency in Hebrew language and literature. The major is interdisciplinary, meaning undergraduates can take courses from a variety of departments that appeal to their unique interests. Students graduate with both advanced language skills and an increased awareness of diverse cultures and traditions.

School of Global Studies and Languages Commencement Ceremony

Sunday, June 15th, 2025
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
East Campus Green

More Commencement information

15

STUDENTS MAJORING OR MINORING IN JUDAIC STUDIES

90

STUDENTS IN JUDAIC STUDIES CLASSES

200+

JUDAIC STUDIES CREDITS

What You Can Do with a Degree in Judaic Studies

Judaic studies provides students with a broad, liberal arts background suitable for careers in a wide range of professional fields and prepares students for graduate work in Judaic studies or related endeavors. The flexible, interdisciplinary nature of the program means a major or minor in Judaic studies can complement a variety of other majors. Graduates of Judaic studies can work in:

  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Religious organizations
  • Social service organizations
  • Colleges and universities
  • Libraries and archives
  • Cultural heritage organizations
  • Print and online media publishing
  • Public interest groups
  • Legal aid societies

How Judaic Studies Impacts Your Studies

Talia James, students of Judaic studies minor, '25

“I have been enrolled in Judaic Studies courses at the University of Oregon since my freshman year. From finishing my second year of Hebrew to learning about my Ashkenazi Jewish identity, the Judaic Studies program has been an enriching and special aspect of my college experience. The faculty and professors have always been a support system for me during my academic journey at the UO. I am grateful for a trusted program where I can continue to build meaningful relationships with peers and mentors who enjoy learning about Jewish culture and history.”

—Talia James, Judaic studies minor, '25

Chloe Sesar, studnet of Judaic studies minor, '24

“It’s been a pleasure learning Hebrew at The University of Oregon for the last two years. Not only did I learn so much about the language itself, but I also gained knowledge about Middle Eastern culture and history, which enhanced my understanding and connection with the language courses. I feel so grateful that I have grown my Hebrew skills, and I cannot wait to practice them this summer in Israel!”

—Chloe Sesar, Judaic studies minor, '24

Our Degree Programs

Students who major in Judaic studies explore a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum in the history, religion, and cultural traditions of the Jewish people. The major also offers instruction in Biblical Hebrew language and literature.

Two students are giving a presentation on stage with a screen behind them

Learn from Experts in the Field

Students majoring in Judaic studies will learn from faculty who are known experts in their respective fields. Because each student is given the flexibility to build their own course of study built on their specific interests, there are opportunities to work with faculty representing a broad range of departments.

Group of students posing in front of a whiteboard with Hebrew letter on it

Get Real-world Experience

Our students extend their learning beyond the classroom through numerous experiential learning opportunities. Immerse yourself in another culture while studying abroad, develop vital job skills in an internship or practicum, or conduct original research on a topic that sparks your interest.

Scholarships and Funding

Students in the Judaic Studies Program can seek funding through the College of Arts and Sciences, which awards various scholarships both to incoming students and to those already attending the UO.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Academic Support

Our academic advisors can help students understand their major or minor requirements, plan their course of study, explore study abroad opportunities, and more.

Undergraduate Advising

Humanities News and Judaic Studies Events

ENGLISH, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES - On Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9, a cross-campus co-hosted symposium will focus on how the arts and humanities can address the threats that ocean species face. Blue Visions: Thinking with Ocean Ecologies across the Arts and Humanities is co-hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Center for Environmental Futures (CEF), Oregon Humanities Center, and the Department of English.
CLASSICS – As a new tenure-track faculty member in the Department of Classics, Ximing Lu is prepared to contribute his expertise in both research and teaching, offering students new perspectives on ancient history intertwined with modern scholarship. He also has a lot to teach on the subject of travel hacking.
PHILOSOPHY — Sure, when alum John Kaag’s mother forced him to take philosophy lessons from his Latin teacher in high school, he might not have imagined he'd pursue a career in philosophy. But he definitely didn't imagine he'd co-found an AI-driven website that allows you to read classic books alongside literary experts, including "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau.

All news »


Blue Visions: Thinking with Ocean Ecologies across the Arts and Humanities
May9
Blue Visions: Thinking with Ocean Ecologies across the Arts and Humanities May 9 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
UO Olympic Studies Week
May12
UO Olympic Studies Week May 12
UO Olympic Studies Week - Academic Session
May12
UO Olympic Studies Week - Academic Session May 12 Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact
madison moore "Night Fever"
May12
madison moore "Night Fever" May 12 Gerlinger Lounge
History Pub Series: "On the Trail of Bad Women: La Mala Vida and Defiant Women in Nineteenth Century Mexican Los Angeles, 1790-1870"
May12
History Pub Series: "On the Trail of Bad Women: La Mala Vida and Defiant Women in Nineteenth Century Mexican Los Angeles, 1790-1870" May 12 Whirled Pies Downtown
UO Olympic Studies Week
May13
UO Olympic Studies Week May 13
Department of History Coffee Hour
May13
Department of History Coffee Hour May 13 McKenzie Hall
Book Disciplines Workshop #3: You have published your book! Now what?
May13
Book Disciplines Workshop #3: You have published your book! Now what? May 13
Jalen Thompson "Who's Afraid of the Ratchet Aesthetic?"
May13
Jalen Thompson "Who's Afraid of the Ratchet Aesthetic?" May 13 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Your Future in Criminal Legal Careers (Panel + Connect)
May13
Your Future in Criminal Legal Careers (Panel + Connect) May 13 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall

All events »