Master of Leadership in Jewish Education & Communal Service at Towson University

Degree: Master of Arts
https://www.towson.edu/cla/departments/familystudies/grad/jewisheducation/

Program Director: Dr. Hana Bor
Phone: 410-704-5026
Email: [email protected]

The Master of Arts in Leadership in Jewish Education and Communal Service program prepares students for careers as professional leaders for the Jewish community with a combination of leadership training, communal service and practical field experience. Through a choice of two concentrations, Education and Communal Professional, the program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines courses in leadership, education, non-profit management, communal service, Judaic studies and an internship experience tailored to each student.

This program emphasizes the development of students' capacities for effective communication, critical analysis and flexible thought. Students train for careers as educators or communal professionals in local, national and global nonprofits, service or educational organizations within the Jewish community. Examples include: the Jewish Federation, Hillel, Jewish Community Centers, social service agencies, Jewish schools, synagogues and others. Core components include five graduate Jewish studies courses, six professional courses, a supervised internship and practicum seminar.

Through the Baltimore Hebrew Institute, students can earn scholarships, fellowships and program enrichment.

Accelerated Bachelor's-Master's Program

Students may also earn the M.A. in Leadership in Jewish Education and Communal Service through the accelerated bachelor's to master's program. This program is designed to allow students to complete both the undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years, including 9 units taken during the summer terms. Students are required to complete the Hebrew Language requirement necessary for both the B.A. and acceptance into the M.A. program.

Master of Social Work and Leadership in Jewish Education & Communal Service

The dual-degree program in Social Work and Leadership in Jewish Education and Communal Service (or Jewish Studies) prepares students for careers in the Jewish community in areas such as Federations (planning, campaign and resource development); community relations councils (Jewish advocacy and community organizations); Jewish community center work (group work, programming, youth work and administration); Jewish educational settings (religious/day schools, camps) and Jewish family services (clinical social work).

The dual degree underscores the need to be skilled in social work, be knowledgeable about Judaism and receive professional experience in the Jewish community. This program emphasizes the development of students' capacities for effective communication, critical analysis and flexible thought. Students may complete the program in two years with summer classes or a minimester; however a three-year program is offered and recommended.

Dual-degree students concurrently obtain their degrees from Towson University (TU) and the University of Maryland (UMD). The UMD School of Social Work accepts 6 units to be transferred from TU, to apply to the Advanced Curriculum requirements. TU accepts 6 units to be transferred from UMD.

Applicants to this dual-degree program must apply separately to each program at TU and UMD. Admission to one program does not guarantee admission to the other.

1. Students will demonstrate content knowledge in Jewish studies.
2. Students will display Hebrew language and cultural literacy and proficiency in Hebrew reading, writing and speaking.
3. Students will be able to apply best practices in leadership of organizational management, community development or education.
4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of research techniques relevant to organizational management, community development or education.