Undergraduate studies act as a foundation and a preparation for graduate studies. Graduate studies emphasize a focus on individual research. The department provides students with a choice of four courses of study for a master’s degree, that will be further explained. In addition, students may choose several courses that correspond with either urban studies or environmental sciences, as well as a personalized course of study for excellence students. Beginning in July 2010, alumni of the Hebrew University’s Graduate program, who were granted a Master’s degree and have submitted a thesis will be able to finish according to these changes:
The studies will take two years and include the choice of two paths:
Research path – including a research project (thesis) – studies that enable a continuation into doctoral studies. These will take place on Mondays and Tuesdays (details about the courses and their specific times will appear in the University’s calendar).
Non-research path – does not include a research project. Classes will take place on Tuesdays (details about the courses and their specific times will appear in the University’s calendar).
The Graduate Studies are structured around four concentrations:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Organizational Studies
- Demography
Every student will belong to one of these specialties. The four concentrations include basic required courses, and will direct students towards the programs of study that fit their specialties.
In addition, there exist two additional concentrations:
Sociological and Anthropological studies with a focus on urban and environmental sciences.
Sociological and Anthropological Studies with a focus on management, planning, and borderingcountries.
A personalized program of study within the department and in collaboration with another department. The personalized program requires around 52-54 credits and is available for students who have achieved excellency (with a GPA of 90 at least), that are studying in the research path, and are instructed under the mentorship of a teacher in the department with the approval of a counselor from the corresponding studies.
The studies are based on required classes for every program, required classes for specific programs, and elective classes. In general, required foundational classes and some of the program-specific required classes are taught in the first year of the degree. Specialized classes within the student’s chosen program of study are taught in the second year.