College: College of Letters and Science
Designation: Department
Major: Hebrew and Semitic Studies
Degrees Offered: M.A., Ph.D.
Other: Ph.D. Minor
Program Internal Tracks : M.A.--Hebrew Bible, Biblical Hebrew and Greek, or Hebrew literature; Ph.D.-- Biblical language and literature
Faculty: Professors Miller (chair), Brenner, Fox, Morahg
The department offers the master of arts and the Ph.D. degrees. The M.A. in Hebrew may also be earned with a secondary concentration in Greek, in cooperation with the Department of Classics. This program is valuable preparation for study in seminaries. A third M.A. track is Hebrew literature which includes studies in different periods.
The Department of Hebrew and Semitic Studies teaches Hebrew as a classical and living language and provides the opportunity to study the literature and thought of the cultures based on that language, in particular biblical Israel, rabbinic Judaism, medieval Judaism, and modern Israel. Also offered are courses in areas of study cognate to the above: Semitic languages, archaeology, and Jewish cultural history. Advanced courses teach the methodology of scholarly investigation. The graduate programs focus on language and literature. The student is expected to achieve a high level of Hebrew knowledge and the ability to read and analyze ancient Hebrew texts in a disciplined and sophisticated way.
Most Ph.D. alumni have teaching positions in colleges and seminaries here and abroad. Others work as editors, Bible translators, specialty librarians, and ministers.
Admission is based on the applicant's accomplishments in undergraduate and previous graduate studies. The application deadline for the fall term is August 1, but to be a candidate for a fellowship, one must apply by January 15. Application materials include the following: application for admission; reasons for graduate study; three letters of recommendation; Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores; TOEFL or IELTS score as required by the Graduate School; two sets of official transcripts from universities and colleges previously attended; and a optional writing sample. For detailed instructions, see hebrew.wisc.edu
For more information: Department of Hebrew and Semitic Studies, 1346 Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706-1558; 608/262-3204; fax 608/262-9417; hebrew@mailplus.wisc.edu; hebrew.wisc.edu.