The Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies

We take the 3,000-year-long history and culture of the Jews as our point of departure for grappling with urgent human questions about justice and knowledge, tradition and change, crisis and resilience. We welcome students of all backgrounds who seek an intensive liberal arts experience.

Office Hours
Courses
Welcome Auditors

Welcome To Judaic Studies!

You are about to embark upon a transformative journey.

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Judaic Studies from Portland State University, you will learn how to navigate the complexity of our modern world by understanding its relationship with the past.

We welcome students of all backgrounds who seek an intensive liberal arts experience. Our faculty offer close mentoring to support your success, and our partnerships provide opportunities for internships, study abroad, and scholarships.

Discover the richness of Jewish history and culture — your future starts here!

What Does Judaic Studies Offer?

Caring Faculty →

Professors are committed to your success, offering close mentoring in addition to academic advising. Core Judaic Studies courses are taught by tenured professors who are experts in their fields.

Vibrant Student Community →

Students from all backgrounds and majors engage with groups and clubs on campus, as well as events and celebrations to build student community.

An Intimate Learning Environment →

You'll enjoy small classes taught by our scholar-teachers who foster the kind of close-knit academic community usually associated with small liberal arts colleges, all nestled within a major urban university.

Modern Hebrew →

The first language of seven million speakers, Modern Hebrew is also a gateway to studying Biblical Hebrew.

Funded Internships →

The Sara Glasgow Cogan Memorial Internship offers you a chance to gain valuable real-world experience with community partners.

Opportunities for Study Abroad in Israel →

The Lorry I. Lokey Endowed Fund for Israel Scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually for a Judaic Studies major to travel to and study abroad in Israel.

Major Requirements →

As a Judaic Studies major, you will learn how to navigate the complexity of our modern world by understanding its relationship with the past. Delve into the study of Jews and Judaism through history, from ancient Israel to 21st-century America.

Scholarships →

Generous scholarships available for Judaic Studies majors, from $500 to $7,000 annually. Additional scholarship opportunities for Judaic Studies minors. We are committed to supporting your passion!

Events →

Learn about our community supported lectures, symposia, and film screening events.

What Can You Do With a Judaic Studies Degree?

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Judaic Studies go on to fulfilling professions in education, community and social services, the rabbinate and ministry, research, the arts, marketing, consulting, and law.

You will develop marketable skills perennially relevant in the future of work:

Critical thinking and problem-solving
Ability to communicate ideas clearly and compellingly
Cultural intelligence and global perspective
Analytical acumen
Leadership and collaboration
Empathy

We would love for you to visit our downtown campus to connect with students and our faculty. Learn more about campus tours and how to take a virtual tour.

Summer Term 2025 Office Hours

Over Summer Term the Judaic Studies office suite will have no regular office hours.

If you need assistance when the Judaic Studies Office is closed, please visit the
Virtual Desk for the Dean's Office, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
For in-person assistance visit the Dean's Office (Cramer Hall 341):
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (in-person and virtual)

Connect: Send email or call via our Judaic Studies contact us page. You may contact faculty and staff directly.

Fall Term Courses

View all Fall Term courses taught by a Judaic Studies professor. Fall Term classes begin Monday, September 29, 2025

View Fall Courses

Auditors Welcome

Oregon residents age 65+ are eligible to audit courses at PSU through the Senior Adult Learning Center (SALC). Learn how to audit a course taught by a Judaic Studies Professor.

Learn How to Audit a Course