Frequently Asked Questions

About the Application Process

1. What funding is available for master's degree students?

All who are applying for a matriculated master's degree program (on-site or online) are considered for The Davidson School merit fellowship.

Thanks to the generosity of the Jim Joseph Foundation, The Davidson School is pleased to offer full-tuition fellowships for all accepted students. Full-time students are funded for up to three years. Part-time (including distance learning) students are funded for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal for a fourth year.

2. What funding is available for full-time doctoral degree students?

All who are applying for a full-time doctoral degree program are considered for The Davidson School merit fellowship and living stipend. The fellowship covers the cost of tuition for doctoral students while they are in residency (generally two to three years). The living stipend is generally $20,000 per academic year.

3. When will I find out if I have been admitted?

Admissions decisions are made within four weeks of receipt of a completed application.

4. What kinds of grades and test scores do I need to be admitted?

The Davidson School seeks a minimum 3.0 GPA and a GRE verbal score of approximately 500. We do not evaluate the math score. That being said, it is important for you to know that The Davidson School reviews applications in a holistic manner. No one element of your application will disqualify you from admissions. We are looking for students who are passionate about Jewish education and are able to handle the rigorous course work offered at JTS.

5. Does The Davidson School require an interview?

The Davidson School does not require interviews for MA applicants but does require interviews for EdD students. Occasionally the dean will request an interview with an MA applicant. This interview can be conducted in person or on the phone.

6. Do I have to submit my application as a complete packet?

You do not have to submit your application as a complete packet. Letters of recommendation will be accepted by email if they are addressed to edschool@jtsa.edu and come directly from the work email address of the recommender.

7. I am not a Conservative Jew. Should I still apply?

Yes! The Davidson School is an egalitarian pluralistic school of Jewish education. We train people from all backgrounds to be excellent Jewish educators in all settings and movements.

About The Davidson School

1. What degrees can I earn at The Davidson School?

The Davidson School offers a master of arts degree in Jewish Education and a doctorate in Jewish Education.

2. How long is the master’s degree program?

Students attending JTS full-time and on-site can complete the course work in two to three years. The time it takes someone to complete the degree is dependent on a student's level of Hebrew when entering the program and academic background in Judaic studies.

3. Do you offer graduate-student housing?

JTS has many options for single and married graduate students. Although housing is not officially guaranteed for graduate students, the JTS housing office has been able to accommodate past requests for JTS housing.

4. Can I transfer graduate-level courses from another school into The Davidson School?

Yes, 9 credits can be transferred from an accredited university if the credits were not considered required credit hours for an undergraduate or graduate degree.

5. Is there a program to study at JTS and other schools concurrently?

Yes, all matriculated students may take courses offered through Teachers College at Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary with approval from their advisor, and must register for courses through JTS.

About Orientation

1. I am a distance learning student. Do I have to attend orientation week?

No. Distance learning students who live too far from New York City to travel here do not have to attend orientation week. However, if you live nearby and can attend, it is strongly advised that you do so.

2. I cannot attend orientation. How can I make it up?

Orientation week is an important part of The Davidson School experience, and missing it is not advisable. However, if you are unable to attend orientation week, here is what you should do:

  • Make an appointment with Rabbi Jonathan Lipnick, the leader of mifgash, and he will give you the information and materials you have missed.
  • Make an appointment to see Dr. Ofra Backenroth to go over the information you have missed.
  • On your first day at JTS, be sure to go to the Department of Human Resources to get your JTS ID card.
  • Read the academic handbook posted online.
  • Review the academic calendar and all deadlines to ensure no financial penalties are incurred.
3. How do I drop a course?

You can drop a course after the first session of class. The add/drop period ends after the first week of courses. The Davidson School does NOT pay for courses that were dropped after the add/drop date—you will receive a bill from the bursar for courses dropped after the add/drop date.