College of Arts and Sciences
Since 1975, Seton Hall’s M.A. in Jewish-Christian Studies program has taught students the history, theology, ethics and scriptures of the Jewish and Christian faiths. The first of its kind in the United States, this degree offers both a thesis and a non-thesis option.
Students develop a critical awareness of the relationship between Jewish and Christian people — and learn to address religious, ethical and social issues to promote justice and peace. Graduates are prepared for doctoral biblical and religious studies, or for any facet of interreligious and multicultural relations, dialogue and diplomatic experiences — from teaching to ecumenical administration to seminary.
Accreditation & Awards
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must complete our online graduate application and meet the following admissions requirements to be eligible for the program:
- Required application fee ($75, waivers available)
- Personal statement (750-1,000 words)
- Resume
- Official academic transcripts
In addition to the general University requirements for admission, the Department of Religion strongly recommends an interview or suitable correspondence with the Program Director to determine the objectives of the student in relation to the resources of the program.
Qualified students with proof of a bachelor’s degree may take up to 12 credits prior to applying for matriculation status in the degree program.
Deadlines
Fall Semester July 1 Spring Semester November 1
International Students Welcome!
Seton Hall welcomes applications from international students for admission into full-time graduate degree programs.
Curriculum Overview
This program aims to build an internationally diverse community of leaders, scholars, educators and students. As a result, our curriculum covers all aspects of the relationship between Jews and Christians — including their values and traditions.
Courses emphasize the interdisciplinary study of sacred texts and place them in their historical and socio-religious world context. Students complete 36 credits, including six in the reading of Hebrew texts. There are numerous course options, including Cross-Cultural Analysis for Jewish-Christian Studies, Medieval Jewish Thinkers, and Teachings of Jesus.
Students working for a degree normally gain an elementary knowledge of Hebrew early in the program, allowing them to enter the Hebrew mindset of the Biblical writers.
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36
Credits
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27
Average Number of Students Enrolled in Program
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8
Average Class Size
Sister Rose Thering Fund
Study where Sister Rose Thering’s legacy lives on—championing dialogue, justice and interreligious respect.
Career Opportunities
With a Masters in Jewish-Christian Studies from Seton Hall University, graduates can find opportunities in education, religious organizations and peace-building roles, promoting justice and understanding across diverse communities.
The program fosters a deep understanding of the historical, theological, and ethical dimensions of Jewish-Christian relations, equipping graduates to contribute significantly to Jewish-Christian groups and broader interreligious and multicultural initiatives.
The program is also an alternative to traditional degrees in History or Education, especially for educators aiming to meet New Jersey's mandate for K-12 Holocaust and genocide studies. This program empowers students with specialized knowledge, fostering a deep understanding of Jewish-Christian dynamics that can be directly applied in educational settings. Educators are well-prepared to deliver informed and impactful lessons in these critical areas of study.
50
Years Program Has Been Offered
$2+ Million
Scholarship Aid Awarded Through Institute of Judeo-Christian Studies
40+
Robust Graduate Courses in Active Rotation
Our faculty are invited to deliver lectures at universities around the world.
Our Faculty and Students
Cooperman/Ross Endowed Professor Addresses G-20 Religion Forum (R20) in Bali
Oesterreicher Lecture Explores Jewish-Christian Relations More Than 50 Years After Nostra Aetate
Jewish-Christian Theological Dialogue in “A Jewish View of Contemporary Ideas of the Trinity”
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Seton Hall University is committed to providing students with the most current information on how to finance their graduate degree. A graduate degree is within your reach – a variety of options can help you finance your degree, including scholarships, federal aid, graduate assistantships, and more.
Scholarships for the M.A. in Jewish-Christian Studies program are provided by the H. Suzanne Jobert Scholarship Fund and the Sister Rose Thering Fund.
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50%
Amount Scholarships Can Reduce Cost of Degree
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the program take?
The M.A. in Jewish-Christian Studies is a 36-credit program, which takes about two years to complete full-time and three to four years to complete part-time.
We also offer a Certificate in Jewish-Christian Studies for those who want to understand the relationship between Christians and Jews through a historical and phenomenological lens but wish to study for a shorter time. Educators who complete the certificate program also fulfill the New Jersey mandate for K-12 Holocaust and genocide studies.
Are scholarships available?
Scholarships specifically for the M.A. in Jewish-Christian Studies are available through the H. Suzanne Jobert Scholarship Fund and the Sister Rose Thering Fund, the latter scholarship is offered specifically to educators, who can apply for full scholarships.
Seton Hall also offers alternate ways to finance your education, including graduate assistantships (which include tuition benefits and a stipend), loans and financing options.
Where can I access additional FAQ's?
Additional Resources
Sister Rose Thering Fund
Institute of Judaeo-Christian Studies
Department of Religion
Request More Information
Office of Graduate Affairs
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About Seton Hall
One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.
Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.
Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey. The Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.
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1856
Founded by James Roosevelt Bayley
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14
Miles from New York City
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90+
Career-Building Graduate Programs
