Jewish-Christian Studies

Since 1975, this program has taught students the history, theology, ethics and scriptures of the Jewish and Christian faiths. Students develop a critical awareness of the relationship between Jews and Christians — and learn to address complex 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 encounters — from teaching to ecumenical administration to seminary. The first of its kind in the United States, this degree offers both a thesis and a non-thesis option.

Resources:

By the Numbers

40 Years Program Has Been Offered
27 Average Number of Students Enrolled in Program
13 Publications by Faculty Last Year
8 Average Class Size

"Being a part of the Jewish-Christian Studies program at Seton Hall is a fantastic opportunity, not only to learn about the important elements of history, tolerance and understanding, but also to educate others and carry on an important message begun by Sister Rose Thering."
Jordyn Barry, M.A. ’14

Curriculum

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. Thesis students complete 36 credits, including six in the reading of Hebrew texts. Non-thesis students also complete 36 credits, and must demonstrate a basic knowledge of biblical Hebrew. There are numerous course options, including Cross-Cultural Analysis for Jewish-Christian Studies, Medieval Jewish Thinkers and Teachings of Jesus.

Graduate Catalogue
Academic Calendar
Course Exam Schedules

Faculty Listing

The faculty of the Department of Religion are world-renowned scholars with an extensive history of research and scholarship in areas such as the Gospels and early Christianity, modern Jewish thought and interfaith theology. In addition to publishing a voluminous number of books and papers, the faculty serve on the editorial boards of many prestigious journals in the field, including the Biblical Theology Bulletin, the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics, the Journal of Biblical Literature and several others. The department’s professors are also highly-esteemed speakers and, in just the past year, have delivered invited lectures at universities throughout the world, including Yale University, Emory University, the University of Pennsylvania and Wuhan University in China.

See all Department faculty »

Rabbi Alan Brill
Cooperman/Ross Endowed Chair for Jewish-Christian Studies and Director of Graduate Studies
View Profile

Rabbi Asher Finkel
Professor Emeritus, Jewish-Christian Studies Graduate Program
View Profile

Lawrence Frizzell
Associate Professor, Jewish-Christian Studies Graduate Program
View Profile

Our Graduate Programs

The College of Arts and Sciences is dedicated to providing graduate programs to educate the professionals, scientists, educators and leaders of the future. Our goal is to impart the skills and knowledge that graduate students need to develop and follow successful career paths and to prepare them to contribute meaningfully to society through service and/or the advancement of knowledge. We believe that an education grounded in the principles of liberal arts and dedicated to societal advancement through research and interdisciplinary studies is the best instrument for producing well-rounded citizens with intentions that are both personally fulfilling and noble.

Contact Us

Rabbi Alan Brill, Ph.D.
Director of the Jewish-Christian Studies Graduate Program

(973) 761-9463
[email protected]

Michael Dooney, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Graduate Academic Affairs
(973) 275-2155
[email protected]

Loading M.A. in Jewish Christian Studies...