American Jewish University serves as the ultimate hub of Jewish learning and research. Here, Jewish teachings, culture, and creativity reign supreme, allowing those of the Jewish faith to have freedom and space to expound and expand their identity. Hence, this is also one of the top schools in Los Angeles, one that never fails to provide high-quality education and offers a safe space for freedom of thought. With how prestigious this institution is, it's almost a shame that the American Jewish University is one of the very few Jewish universities in the country.
Source: American Jewish University Facebook Page
History of American Jewish University
The American Jewish University was formed through a merger between the University of Judaism and the Brandeis-Bardin Institute. The University of Judaism was founded in 1947 by Jewish thinkers Mordecai Kaplan and Rabbi Jacob Pressman. Though it was initially a project between New York City's Jewish Theological Seminary and the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater
Los Angeles, it eventually became an independent institution in the 1970s. Kaplan and Pressman set up the university to provide an institution for the diversity of Judaic expression in the US. To this day, it's one of the very few Jewish universities in the world.
What Does American Jewish University Look Like?
The American Jewish University is located on the famous Mulholland Drive, which is near the outer
neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Thanks to its location, the school has a huge campus with ample outdoor space and all the standard school facilities. The main school building is designed in the Brutalist architectural style, which helps it stand out amidst the tall trees on the Santa Monica mountains. Since it's a fair distance away from the central districts, the school accommodations are also designed to look more like a hotel or apartment complex than a typical boarding school setting.
Source: American Jewish University Facebook Page
The American Jewish University Student Body
Despite its large campus, the American Jewish University has a small student body. The school only welcomes around 108 students per year, composed of both new enrollees and those returning who haven't graduated yet. To break it down even further, around 56 of them are full-time students while the remaining 52 are only enrolled part-time. In terms of its racial demographics, the school's student body is made up of over 74.1% White students, 6.48% Hispanic students, 2.78% Asian students, 0.926 Black students, and 0.926% Multiracial students. And considering the nature of the institution, all of the students are of the Jewish faith.
American Jewish University's Best Programs and Courses
One main thing to note about the American Jewish University is that all of its academic programs relate to the Jewish faith. Hence, its most popular major is Jewish Studies. The course explores more about the Jewish identity, delves deep into the religion's history, and various schools of thought within the community. Apart from that, the school's other prominent programs include Business Administration, Politics & Global Studies, Psychology, and Media Arts. Beyond the standard lessons taught in these majors, the school still relates all subjects back to Judaism.
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American Jewish University’s Prerequisites
American Jewish University's acceptance rate is 61%, which means it's relatively easier to get in here compared to other top schools in Los Angeles. But does this mean that it's easy peasy to apply and get admitted into this school? Not necessarily. For one thing, applicants will still need to have a minimum GPA of 2.5, which means good grades are a must. In terms of standardized test scores. the school requires at least a 1080 on the SAT or a 4.32 on the ACT. Undergraduates will also need a high school diploma while postgraduates must have at least a Bachelor's Degree.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at American Jewish University?
Though the American Jewish University is perhaps one of the more affordable schools in Los Angeles, it's still pretty pricey when you take
LA's living costs into account. So how much does it cost to study here? It depends on your degree program. If you're studying in the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, for instance, you're looking to pay around $7,000.00 per year. If you're studying at the Masor School for Jewish Education and Leadership, on the other hand, expect to pay a minimum of around $9,734 to a maximum of about $27,300.00 per year.
Where is The American Jewish University in Los Angeles?
As already mentioned, the American Jewish University is located on Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles. The area is known for its mountainous terrain dotted by some of the most upscale residential neighborhoods in the city. Considering that it's a more rural part of LA—notwithstanding the affluent areas—you're better off living in the school's accommodations. But if you do decide to stay outside and near the school instead, it's worth noting that the area has some of the most expensive
luxury homes to rent in Los Angeles. On top of the city's already high living costs, do you think you can afford it here?
Source: American Jewish University Facebook Page
American Jewish University serves as a safe space for those of the Jewish faith to learn more about the religion, culture, and the world at large. This is what makes it one of the finest schools in Los Angeles, especially since it's one of the very few Jewish universities out there.
