M.A. in Humanities West and East Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies Contact Us Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology Computer Science Cybersecurity Data Analytics and Visualization Digital Marketing and Media Mathematics Occupational Therapy Physician Assistant Physics Speech-Language Pathology Program OverviewThe Master of Arts in Humanities West and East explores the intellectual traditions that have shaped human civilization through the study of philosophy, history, and literature. Rooted in Revel¡¯s commitment to rigorous humanities scholarship, the program emphasizes close textual analysis, critical thinking, historical inquiry, and advanced academic writing. Through the study of foundational texts and ideas, students develop the analytical and interpretive skills central to humanistic inquiry.The 30-credit (10-course) program can be completed in one year (two semesters and a summer). Students will have access to internship opportunities that provide professional experience and strengthen their readiness for employment after graduation. Graduates are eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), a work authorization that allows them to gain valuable professional experience in the United States.Humanities Master¡¯s Degree CurriculumThe curriculum combines foundational training in the humanities with elective study in philosophy, history, literature, and related fields.Core Courses in Humanities MA (West and East)Students begin with four required courses that establish core skills in humanistic inquiry, including critical reading, historical analysis, and academic writing.HUM5001 ¡ª Introduction to the Humanities, West and EastHUM5002 ¡ª Truth and Certainty in the Study of HistoryHUM5003 ¡ª Writing as Inquiry: Critical Thinking and ArgumentHUM5004 ¡ª 21st Century Perspectives on the HumanitiesElective Courses in Humanities MA (West and East)Core Traditions of the HumanitiesHUM6001 ¡ª Early Modern Western Philosophy (Descartes to Kant)HUM6002 ¡ª Modern Western Philosophy (19th¨C20th Century)HUM6003 ¡ª Early Modern European History (1500¨C1800)HUM6004 ¡ª Modern European History (1800¨CPresent)HUM6005 ¡ª European Literature I: Renaissance to RomanticismHUM6006 ¡ª European Literature II: Realism to ModernismAdvanced and Specialized TopicsHUM7001 ¡ª Classical Chinese Ethics: Confucian, Mohist, and Daoist PerspectivesHUM7002 ¡ª Humanistic Introduction to Biblical Literature & Western CultureStudents may also take selected courses from the regular roster of Revel graduate offerings, including:? Introduction to Jewish Mysticism (JPH 5350)? Visions of a Just Society in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Philosophy (JPH 6205)? Jewish Existentialism: Buber & Rosenzweig (JPH 6872)? Philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas (JPH 6874)? Jewish Art and Visual Culture (JHI 6255)? Cultural Responses to the Holocaust (JHI 6486)Career Outcomes and Graduate Pathways for Humanities MA1. Graduate Study Pathways? Strong foundation for doctoral studies in Humanities, Religious Studies, and International Studies, supported by faculty recommendations and research training? Access to internship opportunities, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities that support U.S.-based career development? Optional Practical Training (OPT), enabling one year of U.S. work experience to build qualifications prior to seeking a work visa2. Career Opportunities with a Humanities Master¡¯s Degree? Education: Graduates may be qualified to teach subjects such as the Humanities, world history, philosophy, religion, or cultural studies at various levels¡ªincluding high schools, universities, and international academic programs. ? Publishing and Media: Graduates may pursue roles in editorial work, research, and writing focused on religious studies, history, and cultural analysis, contributing to the expanding discourse on cross-cultural and religious themes.? Cultural Institutions and Museums: Opportunities may include work as curators, archivists, or program coordinators in museums and cultural centers. Institutions focused on Jewish heritage often value professionals who can help connect Jewish culture with broader audiences.? Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Graduates may pursue roles in NGOs focused on religious tolerance, cultural exchange, and global peacebuilding, bringing expertise in cross-cultural and interfaith understanding.? Consulting and Advisory Roles: With knowledge of humanities, Jewish studies, and cultural analysis, graduates may be equipped to offer insights to businesses, governments, and organizations engaging with the Middle East or Jewish communities.? International Relations and Diplomacy: Graduates may pursue opportunities in diplomacy and intercultural communication, particularly in regions such as the Middle East. Full Program Breakdown Program OverviewThe Master of Arts in Humanities West and East explores the intellectual traditions that have shaped human civilization through the study of philosophy, history, and literature. Rooted in Revel¡¯s commitment to rigorous humanities scholarship, the program emphasizes close textual analysis, critical thinking, historical inquiry, and advanced academic writing. Through the study of foundational texts and ideas, students develop the analytical and interpretive skills central to humanistic inquiry.The 30-credit (10-course) program can be completed in one year (two semesters and a summer). Students will have access to internship opportunities that provide professional experience and strengthen their readiness for employment after graduation. Graduates are eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), a work authorization that allows them to gain valuable professional experience in the United States.Humanities Master¡¯s Degree CurriculumThe curriculum combines foundational training in the humanities with elective study in philosophy, history, literature, and related fields.Core Courses in Humanities MA (West and East)Students begin with four required courses that establish core skills in humanistic inquiry, including critical reading, historical analysis, and academic writing.HUM5001 ¡ª Introduction to the Humanities, West and EastHUM5002 ¡ª Truth and Certainty in the Study of HistoryHUM5003 ¡ª Writing as Inquiry: Critical Thinking and ArgumentHUM5004 ¡ª 21st Century Perspectives on the HumanitiesElective Courses in Humanities MA (West and East)Core Traditions of the HumanitiesHUM6001 ¡ª Early Modern Western Philosophy (Descartes to Kant)HUM6002 ¡ª Modern Western Philosophy (19th¨C20th Century)HUM6003 ¡ª Early Modern European History (1500¨C1800)HUM6004 ¡ª Modern European History (1800¨CPresent)HUM6005 ¡ª European Literature I: Renaissance to RomanticismHUM6006 ¡ª European Literature II: Realism to ModernismAdvanced and Specialized TopicsHUM7001 ¡ª Classical Chinese Ethics: Confucian, Mohist, and Daoist PerspectivesHUM7002 ¡ª Humanistic Introduction to Biblical Literature & Western CultureStudents may also take selected courses from the regular roster of Revel graduate offerings, including:? Introduction to Jewish Mysticism (JPH 5350)? Visions of a Just Society in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Philosophy (JPH 6205)? Jewish Existentialism: Buber & Rosenzweig (JPH 6872)? Philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas (JPH 6874)? Jewish Art and Visual Culture (JHI 6255)? Cultural Responses to the Holocaust (JHI 6486)Career Outcomes and Graduate Pathways for Humanities MA1. Graduate Study Pathways? Strong foundation for doctoral studies in Humanities, Religious Studies, and International Studies, supported by faculty recommendations and research training? Access to internship opportunities, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities that support U.S.-based career development? Optional Practical Training (OPT), enabling one year of U.S. work experience to build qualifications prior to seeking a work visa2. Career Opportunities with a Humanities Master¡¯s Degree? Education: Graduates may be qualified to teach subjects such as the Humanities, world history, philosophy, religion, or cultural studies at various levels¡ªincluding high schools, universities, and international academic programs. ? Publishing and Media: Graduates may pursue roles in editorial work, research, and writing focused on religious studies, history, and cultural analysis, contributing to the expanding discourse on cross-cultural and religious themes.? Cultural Institutions and Museums: Opportunities may include work as curators, archivists, or program coordinators in museums and cultural centers. Institutions focused on Jewish heritage often value professionals who can help connect Jewish culture with broader audiences.? Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Graduates may pursue roles in NGOs focused on religious tolerance, cultural exchange, and global peacebuilding, bringing expertise in cross-cultural and interfaith understanding.? Consulting and Advisory Roles: With knowledge of humanities, Jewish studies, and cultural analysis, graduates may be equipped to offer insights to businesses, governments, and organizations engaging with the Middle East or Jewish communities.? International Relations and Diplomacy: Graduates may pursue opportunities in diplomacy and intercultural communication, particularly in regions such as the Middle East. MA in Humanities West and East at a Glance 30-credit graduate program at Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³» in the heart of New York City Immersive in-person experience in one of the world¡¯s great cultural capitals Interdisciplinary curriculum exploring literature, philosophy, and cultural traditions of the West and East Analytical and academic writing skills developed throughout the program for advanced humanities study 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) available for international graduates Career pathways in education, cultural institutions, publishing, NGOs, international relations, consulting, and further graduate study Key Facts Request More Information Degree TitleMaster¡¯s Degree in Humanities West and EastAdmissions Requirements 1. Bachelor¡¯s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Qualified undergraduates at partnering universities may apply before completing their BA degree. 2. International applicants: demonstrated proficiency in English (TOEFL score of 90 or equivalent).MA Credit RequirementsThirty credits (ten courses) distributed among introductory and advanced courses. Students typically complete the degree in two semesters (four courses per semester) and one summer term (two courses).Courses meet three hours per week for fifteen weeks during the fall and spring semesters. Summer courses typically meet three times per week for five weeks.Tuition$1,300 per credit ($39,000 for the full 30-credit degree). Scholarships will be offered to outstanding candidates. Key Facts Degree TitleMaster¡¯s Degree in Humanities West and EastAdmissions Requirements 1. Bachelor¡¯s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Qualified undergraduates at partnering universities may apply before completing their BA degree. 2. International applicants: demonstrated proficiency in English (TOEFL score of 90 or equivalent).MA Credit RequirementsThirty credits (ten courses) distributed among introductory and advanced courses. Students typically complete the degree in two semesters (four courses per semester) and one summer term (two courses).Courses meet three hours per week for fifteen weeks during the fall and spring semesters. Summer courses typically meet three times per week for five weeks.Tuition$1,300 per credit ($39,000 for the full 30-credit degree). Scholarships will be offered to outstanding candidates. Request More Information Meet Our Faculty Join a community of renowned scholars and passionate educators who bring global perspectives to the classroom. Our faculty combine rigorous scholarship with individualized mentorship, helping students develop critical thinking, advanced writing, and analytical skills essential for academic and professional success. Daniel Rynhold Email:rynhold@yu.edu Dean Daniel Rynhold's bio Daniel Rynhold Mordechai Cohen Email:cohenm@yu.edu Mordechai Cohen's bio Mordechai Cohen Ronnie Perelis Email:perelis@yu.edu Ronnie Perelis's bio Ronnie Perelis David Lavinsky Email:lavinsky@yu.edu David Lavinsky's bio David Lavinsky Elizabeth Stewart Email:estewart@yu.edu Elizabeth Stewart's bio Elizabeth Stewart Sarah Snider Email:sarah.snider@yu.edu Sarah Snider's bio Sarah Snider