Modern Hebrew holds a special place in the history of linguistics. Hebrew was considered a dead language for 1800 years. Now it is the first language of seven million people and the official language of Israel. PSU's Modern Hebrew minor prepares you to become a proficient user of Modern Hebrew and develop a basic knowledge of Israeli cultures by introducing you to the language, peoples, and histories of the modern Hebrew-speaking world.
When you take Hebrew at PSU you are supported by a tightly-knit team of professors in two departments: World Languages and Literatures and the Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies. The faculty of both programs collaborate closely to accelerate your success. For example, a Hebrew language assignment could be matched to support your project in a concurrent Judaic Studies course. Modern Hebrew instructors are knowledgeable with the language from biblical to modern times and can support you in other courses that may demand familiarity with older historical layers of Hebrew.
You’ll enjoy small classes that facilitate Hebrew conversation with your fellow students during class time. Students of Hebrew get to know each other, become friends, and support each other’s study as they progress from one term to the next. Your language learning will also be supported by the student-run Hebrew Club and a professor-led study group to supplement Hebrew student learning called “Hebrew in English.”
The Department of World Languages & Literatures offers renewable scholarships of up to $1000 to students enrolling in and completing second and third-year modern Hebrew sequences. The Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies also offers scholarships and study abroad opportunities.
You can pair the Modern Hebrew minor with a major in Judaic Studies or History, or use it as preparation for graduate studies. Our students have gone on to attend graduate school in Israel and the U.S., as well as live and work in Israel.
A minor in Hebrew can open doors to many career opportunities, including translation, conflict resolution, education, business, international development and affairs, public policy, and travel and tourism.