MA in Learning and Leadership
Beginning Fall 2027
Program Overview
The William Davidson School’s Master of Arts in Learning and Leadership prepares both emerging professionals and mid-career leaders to guide organizations, design powerful learning experiences, and navigate complex challenges across the Jewish ecosystem. Grounded in a vibrant cohort community, the MA equips leaders to build ethical leadership cultures, facilitate constructive dialogue across differences, and integrate Jewish wisdom into contemporary practice.
Fall 2027 applications are accepted through March 1, 2027.
About the Program
The William Davidson School’s MA in Learning and Leadership addresses the evolving needs of Jewish professionals and offers:
30-Credit Structure: Rigorous, accessible, and affordable
Synchronous and Cohort-Based: Live online classes foster shared inquiry, complemented by annual in-person gatherings for relationship-building and practical skills
Prior Learning Assessment: Earn up to 12 credits for prior leadership experience, Jewish study, and professional training, including study through premier partners, the Hadar Institute and The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
Flexible Study Options: 18 months full-time (can be accelerated through Prior Learning Assessment) with part-time options also available
Optional Fully Funded Israel Seminar: A 10–12 day immersive experience focused on dialogue, societal complexity, and leadership facilitation
Who Should Apply?
This program is designed for individuals at various stages of their careers across the full spectrum of Jewish life, including:
- Emerging professionals and recent graduates seeking foundational leadership and educational training to launch impactful careers in the Jewish field.
- Mid-career leaders and directors in Jewish communal organizations, camps, day schools, synagogues, startups, social ventures, foundations, and national agency networks.
- Educators, program directors, and facilitators looking to ground their practice in modern organizational leadership, reflective practice, and Jewish wisdom.
Curriculum and Requirements
The 30-credit curriculum combines core foundational coursework, an applied practicum, and customized elective tracks.
| COURSE TITLES | NUMBER OF CREDITS |
| Foundations of Learning and Leadership | 3 |
| Foundations of Learning Design | 3 |
| Foundations of Organizational Leadership | 3 |
| Foundations of Dialogue and Facilitation | 3 |
| Foundations of Jewish Learning and Leadership | 3 |
| Additional Coursework | |
| Integrated Practicum | 3 |
| A hands-on, field-based capstone project completed in your current workplace or a mentored placement. Supported by faculty supervision and peer consultation, students lead a strategic initiative such as launching a new program, facilitating community dialogue, or designing curriculum. | |
| Electives and Prior Learning Assessment | 12 |
| Tailor your degree through graduate electives across JTS programs and partner institutions in the U.S. and Israel, such as the Hadar Institute and the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, or receive credit through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for existing professional expertise and advanced text study. | |
Immersive Experiences
Residency at JTS
In-person retreats serve as immersive, hands-on experiences designed to complement virtual learning. Residencies allow students to test ideas, engage with field leaders, and work through complex organizational challenges in real time. Equally important, these gatherings cultivate the cohort community. Shared meals, collaborative workshops, and structured reflection build authentic connections and an enduring professional network.
Israel and Facilitation Across Difference (Optional)
Jewish leaders regularly navigate complex, sensitive questions surrounding Israel, contemporary politics, and community boundaries. Welcoming students from across the full political and ideological spectrum, the MA in Learning and Leadership is committed to cultivating leaders who can engage with intellectual rigor, nuance, and empathy.
As part of the Foundations of Dialogue and Facilitation sequence, students have the opportunity to participate in a fully funded 10–12 day immersive seminar in Israel. Through on-the-ground exploration, engagement with diverse voices across Israeli society, and guided dialogue, participants build pedagogical and facilitation skills needed to hold thoughtful, constructive conversations in their home institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I complete the degree while working from outside New York?
Yes. The program is offered via synchronous (live) online sessions, allowing students to participate from anywhere in the world. Courses meet in real time to foster active discussion and cohort community. Annual in-person retreats at JTS bring the cohort together for immersive learning and relationship-building.
How long does the program take to complete?
The full-time track is designed as an 18-month program. Students who transfer in credits via Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) may be able to complete the program on an accelerated schedule. A flexible part-time option is also available, extending the program timeline to fit your needs.
How does Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) work?
Experienced professionals and students with advanced text-study backgrounds can earn up to 12 credits (towards the 30-credit total) for prior professional work, leadership roles, or intensive study at recognized institutions, including premier PLA partner programs at the Hadar Institute and the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, as well as other accredited U.S. and Israeli institutions.
Is the Israel Seminar required?
No, the 10–12 day Israel seminar is an optional experience integrated into the Foundations of Dialogue and Facilitation course. For students who choose to participate, all program and travel costs are fully funded.
What sets this program apart from other graduate degrees in Jewish education?
The MA in Learning and Leadership bridges educational design, organizational management, and dialogue facilitation into a streamlined 30-credit degree. It focuses explicitly on adaptive leadership capacities, such as facilitating across differences and guiding organizational change, grounded in Jewish wisdom and modern leadership frameworks.
Admissions and Information
Fall 2027 applications are accepted through March 1, 2027.
