UWM is first public university in the country to offer an online Jewish studies major - plus new certificate

UWM has become the first public university in the nation to offer a fully-online Jewish studies major.

UWM now offers all of the classes required for a Jewish studies major over the web, providing a new opportunity for distancelearners to access a UWM education without ever stepping foot on campus. The course delivers the same classes needed for a traditional major, just in a different format.

Rachel Baum, who coordinates and teaches in the program, explained that the online major is particularly appealing to working adults. Also, she noted, “Students find us because they have a deep interest in Jewish Studies but their local colleges don’t offer courses in it.” Several current majors are double majoring in History and Jewish Studies, both entirely online.

Rachel Baum

Jewish studies graduates have gone on to careers in museum work, Holocaust education, law, nonprofit administration, advocacy, the arts, and more. Students who declare the major or minor can also receive scholarships and awards from UWM’s Sam & Helen Stahl Center for Jewish Studies, whether they’re taking classes in-person or entirely online.

In September, the university added another online opportunity, Baum said. Students will now also be able to complete the new certificate in Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Studies completely online.

The online program offers access to more students than ever before, and the university offers special pricing that allows out-of-state distance learners to pay comparable rates to in-state tuition. Distance learners also receive academic guidance from Letters & Science advisors, either over-the-phone or over the web via Skype.

The major requires 30-32 credits, with the option to learn Hebrew in online classes. The university also connects students to study abroad opportunities in Israel through partnerships at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beersheba and at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Online learning isn’t without challenges. Classes operate on the same timeframe that in-person classes do, and students need to stay motivated and manage their time to complete their work. By the same token, the classes offer more flexibility for students with work, family, or other time commitments.

For a full list of requirements for the Jewish Studies major, visit https://bit.ly/2lcbDsf.

By Sarah Vickery, College of Letters & Science