Study Jewish Studies at Illinois!
If you’re interested in learning about the world through the study of Jewish cultures, history, literatures, and religion, consider applying to the Program in Jewish Culture & Society at the University of Illinois.
Our program, populated by award-winning faculty, will help you study the richness and multiplicity of the Jewish worlds past and present. Diverse and scintillating public programs—from Klezmer to Israeli cinema—engage students, faculty, and community while fostering dialogue about a range of concerns.
The core faculty are consistently listed on the list of teachers ranked as excellent and are all dedicated professors.
You can:
- Engage with and learn from—often over lunch or dinner—a stunning array of visiting scholars, musicians, artists, writers, and others
- Connect with Jewish groups across campus and into the community
- Be part of movie nights, film series, and other meaningful events
Other opportunities include:
- Study abroad
- Independent research
- Undergraduate Fellowships
While you’re here, you’ll connect with students from Hillel and other campus groups and can network with alumni and other professionals through our Chicago-based alumni council.
What can you do with a Jewish Studies degree? We’ll give you excellent preparation for a range of occupations and our program will also serve you well if you decide to pursue graduate or law school. Most employers seek the following skills: critical thinking, knowledge about the world, excellent writing skills, and knowledge of diverse cultures. Becoming a minor or major in Jewish Studies sets you up for almost any career—whether in Jewish Studies or law, or a professorship, or business or anything else! Our graduates have become successful in a wide array of careers.
Think a Jewish Studies minor or major is for you?