Double Degree Program with the Jewish Theological Seminary
The Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies of The Jewish Theological Seminary offers dual-degree programs that provide a bachelor’s degree from Barnard and a second bachelor's degree in Jewish Studies from List College. This distinctive program enables you to combine the intimate experience of List College - one of the most renowned Jewish studies colleges in the world - with the secular experience of a liberal arts college for women at Barnard. Students are able to engage in intensive study of Jewish History, Jewish Literature, Jewish Thought, Bible, Talmud, and Hebrew with leading scholars in these fields.
Barnard/JTS Double Degree Application Process
Beginning August 1, 2018, all students applying to the Double Degree Program must submit ONLY the List College (JTS) Common Application and Writing Supplement. Applicants must select the Double Degree Program at Barnard College to be considered. All supplementary documents should be submitted to the List College Admissions Office. Students should not complete the Common Application for Barnard College. Once complete, all applications and supplementary documents will be shared with the Barnard Admissions Office and applicants will be reviewed jointly by both Barnard and List College. For more information, please visit the List College website. If you have questions, please contact Christina Lopez, Dean of Admissions, at clopez@barnard.edu.
Students cannot apply separately to the Double Degree Program and Barnard. They must make the decision before the application deadline to apply to the Double Degree Program, or just to Barnard. If admitted to the Double Degree Program, it is the expectation that students will complete requirements for both the BA in liberal arts at Barnard College and the BA in Jewish Studies at JTS.
Once enrolled, transfer out of the program will only be considered after two semesters of study at both institutions have been completed, and only for compelling, documentable reasons. Students would write an appeal to the Academic Deans from each institution. The Double Degree appeals committee, made up of Deans and administrative staff from both institutions, will meet to review the request and render a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students enrolling in Double Degree program will complete requirements for both the BA in liberal arts at Barnard College and the BA in Jewish Studies at JTS. The program is designed to be completed in four years, dependent on Hebrew language proficiency. Depending on major, some summer credits may be necessary. Once enrolled, students will have two advisors - one at Barnard and one at JTS - who will work together to help students navigate course credits and requirements.
Yes, all students in the Double Degree Program complete the full undergraduate curriculum at both Barnard and List College. Additionally, they have access to all academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular opportunities at both schools.
Yes, students in the Double Degree Program will take courses at Barnard and JTS each semester. Most students take six courses per semester, often split evenly between both campuses. For at least three semesters students will be expected to maintain full-time status at Barnard (a minimum of four courses). During those semesters, students will take 4-5 courses at Barnard and 1-2 courses at JTS.
Students in the Double Degree Program have the opportunity to live at either Barnard or JTS. Most first-year students live at Barnard during their first year.
Double Degree applicants interested in financial aid should follow the financial aid guidelines for Barnard College and JTS. When selecting colleges for the FAFSA, be sure to select both Barnard and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. This will ensure that both colleges receive your FASFA information. In addition, Barnard applicants must also complete the CSS Profile in order to receive a financial aid package. For more information on financial aid for the Double Degree program, please view our cost and aid page.