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Revel Admissions

SCHOLARSHIP, TORAH, WISDOM, THOUGHT


As of Fall 2023, all programs at Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies will be available remotely as well as in-person.
All classes can be taken live-online via Yeshiva University's remote conference platform.

The Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, located at Yeshiva University's Wilf Campus in the Washington Heights section in upper Manhattan, is one of the world's largest centers of advanced Jewish studies. We offer MA and PhD degree programs, a remote MA in Philosophy, a joint MA/MS program with the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, as well as a joint BA/MA degree program for qualified undergraduates at Stern College for Women and Yeshiva College.

Please click below to learn more about our programs' requirements, how to apply and other essential admissions information.

MA Program: Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university and have a grade point average of at least B (3.0). Admission to the General Jewish Studies MA does not require Hebrew proficiency, though certain electives will be unavailable to students who lack such proficiency. With the exception of Modern Jewish History, however, pursuing any of the specialist tracks requires an academic background that includes documented evidence of a Hebrew proficiency adequate for the required readings. In the absence of such evidence, a Hebrew reading test may be required as part of the admission process. Beginners Biblical Hebrew courses will be available to students entering without Hebrew proficiency.


PhD Program: Admissions Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

  1. Hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university.
  2. Possess a knowledge of Hebrew adequate for the pursuit of doctoral work.
  3. The student's scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examinations must accompany the application. The GRE reporting code for Revel is 6284. [The GRE will be waived for 2020-2021 applications.]
  4. Applicants holding a master's degree and those who have made substantial progress toward such a degree must submit a qualifying paper or papers, totaling approximately 70 pages, demonstrating the ability to pursue doctoral research.
  5. Students applying directly out of college must submit a writing sample providing evidence of outstanding potential for pursuing such research.  Students admitted on this track must devote full time to their doctoral studies.
  6. Applicants accepted into the program may be offered multi-year doctoral level fellowships.  It is understood that receipt of such fellowships beyond the first year is contingent upon satisfactory progress.   

Joint BA/MA-BS/MA Program: Admissions Requirements

General Requirements

  1. Cumulative grade point average: 3.2
  2. Average in Jewish studies: 3.4
  3. Senior standing (94 credits)
  4. Acceptance by the undergraduate dean and dean of Revel

Additional Requirements

Yeshiva College Students and Sy Syms School of Business Students

  1. Completion of the Jewish Studies General Education requirements

Stern College for Women and Sy Syms School of Business Students/Beren Campus

  1. Five of the six required semesters of Jewish studies core courses
  2. Jewish Studies majors: at least 18 credits toward the major at SCW

B.A./M.A. Pathways Option

Through the B.A./M.A. option, YU undergraduates can take up to 12 graduate credits that will count toward both their bachelor's and master's degrees. After completing their bachelor's, students can complete their master's in just one more year. 

·       Admissions criteria: Junior in any YC/SCW major with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and a minimum grade of B-plus in the prerequisite coursework listed below. Students can begin taking graduate coursework in their junior or senior year.

·       Prerequisites for graduate coursework: The following four physics courses, including at least one course with a lab, with a minimum grade of B-plus in each: mechanics; electromagnetism; and two intermediate/advanced courses.


Application Deadlines

Applications for admission to the doctoral program are considered only once a year for admission in the fall semester. The deadline for applications, including all supporting documents, is December 31 of the previous year (e.g., the deadline for fall 2021 admission will be December 31, 2020). Late applications will not be considered. Applicants to the doctoral program must submit verbal, quantitative and analytical GRE scores. The GRE reporting code for Revel is 6284.

Applications for fall admission to the MA program, including all supporting documents, by students requesting scholarships and fellowships is March 13, 2020. Late applications will be considered, but priority in the granting of financial aid will be given to those who file by this date. For spring admission, students should apply at least two months prior to the semester in which they wish to be admitted. Please see the fall calendar for exact date.

Student Options/Degree Students

Students admitted with permission to work toward degrees are considered matriculated. They fall into two categories:

  1. Regular Students: those who have met all conditions for admission
  2. Provisional Students: Those who have not met all conditions of the application process but who may become regular students once all conditions for admission have been met. Provisional students do not automatically become regular students.

Nondegree Students

Students who wish to enroll for courses to meet their particular needs without entering a degree program are considered nonmatriculated. They fall into two categories:

  1. Visiting Students: those in good standing at another school of Yeshiva University, who have the permission of the dean of that school and of the dean of Revel, may register for a limited number of courses
  2. Transient Students: those in good standing at other colleges and universities, who have the permission of their home institution and of the dean of Revel, may enroll for courses for possible transfer to their home school

Undergraduate Students at Yeshiva University

Students who wish to enroll for courses to meet their undergraduate and/or graduate needs fall into two categories:

  1. Bachelor's/master's (BA/MA) students: undergraduate students may apply for the joint BA/MA program
  2. Undergraduate students taking graduate courses for undergraduate credit: With the permission of the college dean and the dean of Revel, undergraduate students may take graduate courses for undergraduate credit only. These courses cannot be converted to graduate courses should the student desire to enroll in Revel for a graduate degree.

Full Program Breakdown

The Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, located at Yeshiva University's Wilf Campus in the Washington Heights section in upper Manhattan, is one of the world's largest centers of advanced Jewish studies. We offer MA and PhD degree programs, a remote MA in Philosophy, a joint MA/MS program with the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, as well as a joint BA/MA degree program for qualified undergraduates at Stern College for Women and Yeshiva College.

Please click below to learn more about our programs' requirements, how to apply and other essential admissions information.

MA Program: Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university and have a grade point average of at least B (3.0). Admission to the General Jewish Studies MA does not require Hebrew proficiency, though certain electives will be unavailable to students who lack such proficiency. With the exception of Modern Jewish History, however, pursuing any of the specialist tracks requires an academic background that includes documented evidence of a Hebrew proficiency adequate for the required readings. In the absence of such evidence, a Hebrew reading test may be required as part of the admission process. Beginners Biblical Hebrew courses will be available to students entering without Hebrew proficiency.


PhD Program: Admissions Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

  1. Hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university.
  2. Possess a knowledge of Hebrew adequate for the pursuit of doctoral work.
  3. The student's scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examinations must accompany the application. The GRE reporting code for Revel is 6284. [The GRE will be waived for 2020-2021 applications.]
  4. Applicants holding a master's degree and those who have made substantial progress toward such a degree must submit a qualifying paper or papers, totaling approximately 70 pages, demonstrating the ability to pursue doctoral research.
  5. Students applying directly out of college must submit a writing sample providing evidence of outstanding potential for pursuing such research.  Students admitted on this track must devote full time to their doctoral studies.
  6. Applicants accepted into the program may be offered multi-year doctoral level fellowships.  It is understood that receipt of such fellowships beyond the first year is contingent upon satisfactory progress.   

Joint BA/MA-BS/MA Program: Admissions Requirements

General Requirements

  1. Cumulative grade point average: 3.2
  2. Average in Jewish studies: 3.4
  3. Senior standing (94 credits)
  4. Acceptance by the undergraduate dean and dean of Revel

Additional Requirements

Yeshiva College Students and Sy Syms School of Business Students

  1. Completion of the Jewish Studies General Education requirements

Stern College for Women and Sy Syms School of Business Students/Beren Campus

  1. Five of the six required semesters of Jewish studies core courses
  2. Jewish Studies majors: at least 18 credits toward the major at SCW

B.A./M.A. Pathways Option

Through the B.A./M.A. option, YU undergraduates can take up to 12 graduate credits that will count toward both their bachelor's and master's degrees. After completing their bachelor's, students can complete their master's in just one more year. 

·       Admissions criteria: Junior in any YC/SCW major with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and a minimum grade of B-plus in the prerequisite coursework listed below. Students can begin taking graduate coursework in their junior or senior year.

·       Prerequisites for graduate coursework: The following four physics courses, including at least one course with a lab, with a minimum grade of B-plus in each: mechanics; electromagnetism; and two intermediate/advanced courses.


Application Deadlines

Applications for admission to the doctoral program are considered only once a year for admission in the fall semester. The deadline for applications, including all supporting documents, is December 31 of the previous year (e.g., the deadline for fall 2021 admission will be December 31, 2020). Late applications will not be considered. Applicants to the doctoral program must submit verbal, quantitative and analytical GRE scores. The GRE reporting code for Revel is 6284.

Applications for fall admission to the MA program, including all supporting documents, by students requesting scholarships and fellowships is March 13, 2020. Late applications will be considered, but priority in the granting of financial aid will be given to those who file by this date. For spring admission, students should apply at least two months prior to the semester in which they wish to be admitted. Please see the fall calendar for exact date.

Student Options/Degree Students

Students admitted with permission to work toward degrees are considered matriculated. They fall into two categories:

  1. Regular Students: those who have met all conditions for admission
  2. Provisional Students: Those who have not met all conditions of the application process but who may become regular students once all conditions for admission have been met. Provisional students do not automatically become regular students.

Nondegree Students

Students who wish to enroll for courses to meet their particular needs without entering a degree program are considered nonmatriculated. They fall into two categories:

  1. Visiting Students: those in good standing at another school of Yeshiva University, who have the permission of the dean of that school and of the dean of Revel, may register for a limited number of courses
  2. Transient Students: those in good standing at other colleges and universities, who have the permission of their home institution and of the dean of Revel, may enroll for courses for possible transfer to their home school

Undergraduate Students at Yeshiva University

Students who wish to enroll for courses to meet their undergraduate and/or graduate needs fall into two categories:

  1. Bachelor's/master's (BA/MA) students: undergraduate students may apply for the joint BA/MA program
  2. Undergraduate students taking graduate courses for undergraduate credit: With the permission of the college dean and the dean of Revel, undergraduate students may take graduate courses for undergraduate credit only. These courses cannot be converted to graduate courses should the student desire to enroll in Revel for a graduate degree.

Swipe to learn more!

The Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, located at Yeshiva University's Wilf Campus in the Washington Heights section in upper Manhattan, is one of the world's largest centers of advanced Jewish studies. We offer MA and PhD degree programs, a remote MA in Philosophy, a joint MA/MS program with the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, as well as a joint BA/MA degree program for qualified undergraduates at Stern College for Women and Yeshiva College.

Please click below to learn more about our programs' requirements, how to apply and other essential admissions information.

MA Program: Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university and have a grade point average of at least B (3.0). Admission to the General Jewish Studies MA does not require Hebrew proficiency, though certain electives will be unavailable to students who lack such proficiency. With the exception of Modern Jewish History, however, pursuing any of the specialist tracks requires an academic background that includes documented evidence of a Hebrew proficiency adequate for the required readings. In the absence of such evidence, a Hebrew reading test may be required as part of the admission process. Beginners Biblical Hebrew courses will be available to students entering without Hebrew proficiency.


PhD Program: Admissions Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

  1. Hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university.
  2. Possess a knowledge of Hebrew adequate for the pursuit of doctoral work.
  3. The student's scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examinations must accompany the application. The GRE reporting code for Revel is 6284. [The GRE will be waived for 2020-2021 applications.]
  4. Applicants holding a master's degree and those who have made substantial progress toward such a degree must submit a qualifying paper or papers, totaling approximately 70 pages, demonstrating the ability to pursue doctoral research.
  5. Students applying directly out of college must submit a writing sample providing evidence of outstanding potential for pursuing such research.  Students admitted on this track must devote full time to their doctoral studies.
  6. Applicants accepted into the program may be offered multi-year doctoral level fellowships.  It is understood that receipt of such fellowships beyond the first year is contingent upon satisfactory progress.   

Joint BA/MA-BS/MA Program: Admissions Requirements

General Requirements

  1. Cumulative grade point average: 3.2
  2. Average in Jewish studies: 3.4
  3. Senior standing (94 credits)
  4. Acceptance by the undergraduate dean and dean of Revel

Additional Requirements

Yeshiva College Students and Sy Syms School of Business Students

  1. Completion of the Jewish Studies General Education requirements

Stern College for Women and Sy Syms School of Business Students/Beren Campus

  1. Five of the six required semesters of Jewish studies core courses
  2. Jewish Studies majors: at least 18 credits toward the major at SCW

B.A./M.A. Pathways Option

Through the B.A./M.A. option, YU undergraduates can take up to 12 graduate credits that will count toward both their bachelor's and master's degrees. After completing their bachelor's, students can complete their master's in just one more year. 

·       Admissions criteria: Junior in any YC/SCW major with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and a minimum grade of B-plus in the prerequisite coursework listed below. Students can begin taking graduate coursework in their junior or senior year.

·       Prerequisites for graduate coursework: The following four physics courses, including at least one course with a lab, with a minimum grade of B-plus in each: mechanics; electromagnetism; and two intermediate/advanced courses.


Application Deadlines

Applications for admission to the doctoral program are considered only once a year for admission in the fall semester. The deadline for applications, including all supporting documents, is December 31 of the previous year (e.g., the deadline for fall 2021 admission will be December 31, 2020). Late applications will not be considered. Applicants to the doctoral program must submit verbal, quantitative and analytical GRE scores. The GRE reporting code for Revel is 6284.

Applications for fall admission to the MA program, including all supporting documents, by students requesting scholarships and fellowships is March 13, 2020. Late applications will be considered, but priority in the granting of financial aid will be given to those who file by this date. For spring admission, students should apply at least two months prior to the semester in which they wish to be admitted. Please see the fall calendar for exact date.

Student Options/Degree Students

Students admitted with permission to work toward degrees are considered matriculated. They fall into two categories:

  1. Regular Students: those who have met all conditions for admission
  2. Provisional Students: Those who have not met all conditions of the application process but who may become regular students once all conditions for admission have been met. Provisional students do not automatically become regular students.

Nondegree Students

Students who wish to enroll for courses to meet their particular needs without entering a degree program are considered nonmatriculated. They fall into two categories:

  1. Visiting Students: those in good standing at another school of Yeshiva University, who have the permission of the dean of that school and of the dean of Revel, may register for a limited number of courses
  2. Transient Students: those in good standing at other colleges and universities, who have the permission of their home institution and of the dean of Revel, may enroll for courses for possible transfer to their home school

Undergraduate Students at Yeshiva University

Students who wish to enroll for courses to meet their undergraduate and/or graduate needs fall into two categories:

  1. Bachelor's/master's (BA/MA) students: undergraduate students may apply for the joint BA/MA program
  2. Undergraduate students taking graduate courses for undergraduate credit: With the permission of the college dean and the dean of Revel, undergraduate students may take graduate courses for undergraduate credit only. These courses cannot be converted to graduate courses should the student desire to enroll in Revel for a graduate degree.

Overview

We offer MA and PhD programs and a joint BA/MA or BS/MA program for undergraduates of Stern College for Women, Yeshiva College, and Sy Syms School of Business.

A Dual—Degree MS/MA is available with YU’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.

Classes meet weekly for 15 weeks at 3, 5, and 7 p.m.

Five week summer courses offered.

Generous scholarships available.

Academic Catalog (PDF)
Request for Letter of Recommendation (PDF)
Scholarship and Fellowship Award Application (PDF)
Application Fee Record (PDF)
Foreign Student Questionnaire (PDF)

Scholarships and Fellowships

Revel provides generous merit-based scholarships to qualified MA applicants. On the PhD level, Revel also awards to outstanding applicants fellowships that are competitive with top American PhD programs. Revel’s scholarship and fellowship endowments are the result of the tireless efforts of Revel Board Chairman Mordecai Katz, and the continued support of likeminded contributors who recognize the value of training academic Jewish scholars, educators and leaders at the highest levels.

Please contact Rona Steinerman at steinerm@yu.edu if you have further questions.

Auditors

A limited number of persons with the appropriate background may, with the permission of the dean, register as auditors. They are required to pay a stipulated fee. The category of auditor does not entitle the student to submit any coursework or to receive an academic record. An auditor is not entitled to use any campus facilities.

Foreign Students

Foreign students applying for admission to the school are strongly advised to file applications for admission well in advance of the admission deadline in order to ensure sufficient time for evaluation. They should have forwarded to the Office of the Dean complete transcripts of previous academic training and a certified translation of each document written in a foreign language other than Hebrew.

In addition to all admission requirements, proficiency in English—verbal and written comprehension and expression—is a prerequisite for study. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit acceptable proof of their proficiency in English before being considered for admission. Normally the student is expected to demonstrate proficiency in English by receiving an acceptable score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Service. This test is given in various locations throughout the world several times a year. Information on the location of testing centers as well as other pertinent information can be obtained by contacting:

TOEFL
Educational Testing Service
PO Box 6155
Princeton NJ 08541-6155
Telephone: 609.771.7100

Equal Opportunity

The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in admission and all other facets of its educational programs and activities. The University encourages applications from qualified students regardless of sex, religion, age, race, disability, marital status, color, or national origin, within the meaning of applicable law.

Office of Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services assists students in obtaining reasonable accommodations for documented disabilities including physical, emotional, visual, hearing, learning disabilities, ADHD and temporary disabilities. If you believe you are in need of a disability related accomodation, please complete an intake form and return it to ODS, attention Abby Kelsen (akelsen@yu.edu) as soon as possible so that your request can be reviewed. For additional information regarding reasonable accommodations and documentation guidelines, please refer to the Office of Disability Services website.

Visiting Revel

Prospective students interested in visiting our campus should call (646) 592-4271.

The Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies is located at:
Yeshiva University
Wilf Campus, Furst Hall Third Floor
500 West 185th Street
New York, NY 10033.

We are easily accessible by car or public transportation.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about admissions, administrative information, philanthropic opportunities or any other relevant concern.

Our mailing address:
Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies
Harry Fischel School for Higher Jewish Studies
500 West 185th Street, Furst Hall Third Floor
New York, NY 10033

Telephone: 646-592-4270
Fax: 212-960-0856

Prospective Students

Academic Catalog (PDF)
Request for Letter of Recommendation (PDF)
Scholarship and Fellowship Award Application (PDF)
Application Fee Record (PDF)
Foreign Student Questionnaire (PDF)

Scholarships and Fellowships

Revel provides generous merit-based scholarships to qualified MA applicants. On the PhD level, Revel also awards to outstanding applicants fellowships that are competitive with top American PhD programs. Revel’s scholarship and fellowship endowments are the result of the tireless efforts of Revel Board Chairman Mordecai Katz, and the continued support of likeminded contributors who recognize the value of training academic Jewish scholars, educators and leaders at the highest levels.

Please contact Rona Steinerman at steinerm@yu.edu if you have further questions.

Auditors

A limited number of persons with the appropriate background may, with the permission of the dean, register as auditors. They are required to pay a stipulated fee. The category of auditor does not entitle the student to submit any coursework or to receive an academic record. An auditor is not entitled to use any campus facilities.

Foreign Students

Foreign students applying for admission to the school are strongly advised to file applications for admission well in advance of the admission deadline in order to ensure sufficient time for evaluation. They should have forwarded to the Office of the Dean complete transcripts of previous academic training and a certified translation of each document written in a foreign language other than Hebrew.

In addition to all admission requirements, proficiency in English—verbal and written comprehension and expression—is a prerequisite for study. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit acceptable proof of their proficiency in English before being considered for admission. Normally the student is expected to demonstrate proficiency in English by receiving an acceptable score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Service. This test is given in various locations throughout the world several times a year. Information on the location of testing centers as well as other pertinent information can be obtained by contacting:

TOEFL
Educational Testing Service
PO Box 6155
Princeton NJ 08541-6155
Telephone: 609.771.7100

Equal Opportunity

The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in admission and all other facets of its educational programs and activities. The University encourages applications from qualified students regardless of sex, religion, age, race, disability, marital status, color, or national origin, within the meaning of applicable law.

Office of Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services assists students in obtaining reasonable accommodations for documented disabilities including physical, emotional, visual, hearing, learning disabilities, ADHD and temporary disabilities. If you believe you are in need of a disability related accomodation, please complete an intake form and return it to ODS, attention Abby Kelsen (akelsen@yu.edu) as soon as possible so that your request can be reviewed. For additional information regarding reasonable accommodations and documentation guidelines, please refer to the Office of Disability Services website.

Visiting Revel

Prospective students interested in visiting our campus should call (646) 592-4271.

The Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies is located at:
Yeshiva University
Wilf Campus, Furst Hall Third Floor
500 West 185th Street
New York, NY 10033.

We are easily accessible by car or public transportation.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about admissions, administrative information, philanthropic opportunities or any other relevant concern.

Our mailing address:
Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies
Harry Fischel School for Higher Jewish Studies
500 West 185th Street, Furst Hall Third Floor
New York, NY 10033

Telephone: 646-592-4270
Fax: 212-960-0856

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