Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule an advising appointment?

To arrange a meeting with an undergraduate advisor, make an appointment using the Advising Appointment System If the available appointments don’t work for your schedule, e-mail the advisor at js-student-services@umich.edu. The advisor will communicate with you to find an appointment time that works for your schedule.

How long does an advising appointment last?

An advising appointment is scheduled for 30 minutes although many appointments do not last this long. If necessary, an advising appointment can be scheduled for longer.

What is discussed at an advising appointment?

For prospective students, the advising appointment is a chance to discuss why the student is interested in Judaic Studies and if the Judaic Studies agree is a good fit for the student’s academic and post-graduation interests. The student and advisor will review the student’s transcripts to identify any current or completed courses that can count toward a Judaic Studies degree. The student and advisor will also review the requirements for the major and minor as well as the course offerings for the upcoming term if they are available.

How frequently should I meet with an advisor?

It is recommended to meet with the Judaic Studies advisor at least once per year. The check-in appointment is a great opportunity to confirm what requirements remain for the degree, discuss specific future courses, learn about upcoming opportunities or events, and provide feedback on your experience in the program.

When are course offerings posted for next semester?

Course offerings for the upcoming Winter Semester are available in late October or early November. Course offerings for the upcoming Fall Semester are available in late February or early March.

Where are course offerings listed?

Course offerings for the upcoming semester are listed on the Judaic Studies courses page and in the LSA Course Catalog.

If a course is offered one year, will it be offered again the next year?

Some courses regularly repeat but courses are not guaranteed to be offered every year. One Core Course will be offered every semester so students can fulfill the degree requirement. Each semester courses will be offered at a variety of levels covering a diverse range of topics to choose from.

How many credits is the degree?

The major is 28 credits and the minor is 15 credits. Both the major and minor require one Core Course: Judaic 205, Judaic 210, or Judaic 281. Additional details can be found on the degree pages.

Is there a language requirement for the degree?

There is no language requirement for the major or minor.

Can language credits count toward the degree?

Language courses in less commonly taught languages (such as Yiddish, Ladino, or Biblical Hebrew) at the 200-level or above can count toward the major or minor (up to 8 credits) if the student meets LSA's language requirement in another language. Advanced Hebrew language courses at the 300- or 400-level can count toward the major or minor. 

I have 4 credits left in the degree but only 3 credit classes are being offered. What can I do?

It is possible to increase the course offering credits by completing additional work. You must first get approval from the course instructor and determine with the instructor the additional work you will complete. You will then complete the online Request for Modification of Credit Hours form.

You can also take a one-credit independent study with the instructor. Please contact the Student Services Coordinator at js-student-services@umich.edu to discuss this process. 

Can I earn an honors degree in Judaic Studies?

The Judaic Studies Honors Program is designed for declared Judaic Studies majors who want to do advanced research and write an extensive thesis on a topic of their choice under the direct supervision of a Judaic Studies faculty member. Interested students should meet with an advisor during the fall semester of their junior year to discuss the application process. The student will need to identify a Judaic Studies faculty to serve as the Honors Thesis Advisor. If approved, the student will enroll in Judaic 497 (Fall Term) and Judaic 498 (Winter Term) to work on the thesis with their advisor. The completed thesis is due in late March prior to graduation.

What is a graduation release?

All Judaic Studies degree students must meet with an advisor for a graduation release. It is recommended to do this one semester prior to graduation. You and the advisor will confirm that you have met the requirements for the degree or list the requirements remaining for your final semester. The advisor will submit a form to the auditors. Once a release is submitted for each of your declared degrees, the LSA auditors will send a final audit of all your college, LSA, major, and minor requirements to your umich email account. Use the Advising Appointment System to schedule an appointment.

Is there a graduation ceremony?

Judaic Studies holds a graduation reception and ceremony. The event is generally held on the Friday before the main graduation. A save the date will be sent out in March with the specific location and time.

Can I get funding to study abroad?

Funding is available for Judaic Studies related activities for undergraduate students who meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Declared degree in Judaic Studies
• Taken at least 3 Judaic Studies classes
• Receiving any grant or loan funds through the office of financial aid
• Demonstrated academic achievement and is apply for funds for tuition assistance, research projects, internships, study abroad, and similar activities related to Judaic Studies
• LSA Undergraduate Student participating in a UM Study Abroad program in Israel (10/8 note: UM travel restriction)
Additional information and application directions can be found on the student funding page

Can I use study abroad credits for the degree?

Transfer courses may be applied toward the major, but at least 15 of the total 28 credits for the major must be completed in residence. For the minor, a minimum of 3 courses must be completed in residence. Transfer credits cannot be used to replace the Core Course requirement. Approval for credit of courses transferred from another institution toward the Judaic Studies major and minor requirements must go through the Judaic Studies Program Transfer Credit Approval Process. Additional information can be found on the Transfer Credit Policy page.

How will I receive information about Judaic Studies courses, events, and information?

All declared Judaic Studies students are added to an e-mail list and will receive information regarding opportunities for students, course offerings, and events.

If a prospective student wishes to receive periodical information from Judaic Studies, they can ask to be added to the prospective student e-mail list.
 

Who else can I talk to in order to learn about Judaic Studies?

Along with the Judaic Studies advisor, you can reach out to the Associate Director or Director.