Degree Completion BA: Yeshiva and Seminary

Forms for Student Use
NOTE: The expectation is that FDU Yeshiva/Seminary fall classes will be a mix of in-person and online delivery classes taking place either synchronously (ZOOM) or asynchronously. Please register for classes by filling out the registration form above, signing it, taking a picture or scanning it, and emailing it to fparra@fdu.edu as soon as possible. Once you are registered, your instructors will get back to you with specifics on how to log on to your course. For advising, contact Dr. Francisco Parra at fparra@fdu.edu
Designed for busy students in the Orthodox Jewish community, the Yeshiva and Seminary Program at Fairleigh Dickinson University allows yeshiva and seminary students to transfer various credits and earn a bachelor of arts degree in less than 15 months. As a student in FDU’s Yeshiva Program for men or Seminary Program for women, you’ll complete your bachelor’s degree and achieve career success through exceptional academics, supportive professors and affordable tuition. The Yeshiva and Seminary Program has graduated hundreds of yeshiva and seminary students who have gone on to graduate and professional schools such as Harvard, Columbia, and Penn Law Schools, Johns Hopkins Medical School, the FDU Silberman College of Business MS in Accounting program, Rutgers Dental School, Wurzweiler and Touro Schools of Social Work, Wharton School of Business and various MBA Programs. Additionally, FDU Yeshiva and Seminary students have the opportunity to advance into FDU’s professional degree programs within our School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences or School of Nursing and Allied Health. Our students have also pursued various careers in business with their college degrees.
“I chose to attend the FDU Yeshiva Program because it offered a flexible schedule, which allowed me to continue my Judaic Studies, while still partaking in an undergrad program that would afford me all the professional opportunities I was looking for. While there, I was able to seek advice and utilize FDU’s pre-law counseling to help me determine and get into the law schools best fit for me.”
– Joseph Neuburger, BAIS ’18
Program highlights
- Enjoy easy access to NYC with our convenient location in Teaneck, NJ.
- In-person as well as synchronous and asynchronous online classes.
- Tuition that’s 50% less than many other FDU programs.
- Transfer up to 90 credits (up to 72 credits from prior yeshiva and seminary study and up to 18 more from the CLEP or other exams and colleges) into the program and complete your BA in just one year.
- Dedicated faculty who deliver highly specialized career development and graduate assistance that is tailored to meet the needs of yeshiva and seminary students.
- Get ahead with shorter terms, including Jewish holiday “Z’man” mini sessions.
- Customize your degree with a specialization in business, psychology, entrepreneurship, public administration, healthcare administration, or pre-med.
Admissions requirements
- Completed online application. There is no fee to apply.
- Proof of a high school diploma (official transcript) or GED.
- One year of post-secondary yeshiva/seminary studies in a recognized program.
- Official Yeshiva/Seminary transcripts.
Degree requirements
- Completion of 120 credits
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 in upper-level courses completed at FDU
Every student must take at least 30 credits (including online courses) with FDU. Out of these 30 credits, the following must be taken at FDU:
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Written and Oral Communication: (9 credits)
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Written Communication (6): WRIT 1002 and WRIT 1003
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Oral/Professional Communication (3 credits): SPCH 1155, COMM 2099, or another approved course.
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Technological and Information Literacy (3 credits): Any MIS course, including MIS 1135 (Intro to Computers). Please consult with your advisor about recommended and/or approved options for this category.
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Global and Cultural Understanding (6 credits): UNIV 2001 Cross Cultural Perspectives (3 credits) and UNIV 2002 Global Issues (3 credits)
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Scientific and Quantitative Analysis (7 credits)
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Lab Science (4): Choose one four credit course with a mandatory lab component from Biology (BIOL), Chemistry (CHEM), Environmental Science (ENVR), Marine Biology (MBIO), or Physics (PHYS)
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College Math (3): Successful completion of MATH 1126, MATH 1128, MATH 1107, or MATH 1142 (Introduction to Statistics).
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Advanced Writing (3 credits): Courses for this requirement may come from a variety of disciplines. Please consult with your academic advisor to discuss appropriate and acceptable course options for this requirement.
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Specialization (18 credits): Completion of six courses in a chosen specialization.
Of the 120-credit total, credits are typically transferred from Yeshiva, Seminary, or Israel Defense Forces study. Examples include
- Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)
- First Year Seminar courses (2 credits)
- Inquiry in the Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
- International Perspective (3 credits)
- Social and Behavioral Scientific Analysis (6 credits)
If you are seeking financial aid, you must provide proof of high school graduation or of having attained a GED. All transfer credits should be submitted prior to the beginning of coursework and before students complete their FDU studies. The programs must be completed with FDU credits; that is, your last class must be taken at FDU. If you are taking a break, you should apply for a leave of absence. If you are gone from the University without a leave of absence, you must re-apply. You cannot simultaneously be a student at FDU and at another institution of higher learning (not including your Yeshiva/Seminary).
Program learning outcomes
Each college program has identified outcome measures that indicate whether students are successful in meeting the specific outcomes for the program. The following are outcome measures that will be assessed for the Bachelor of Arts Degree Completion program:
- Communication: An FDU graduate will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in written documents, when making oral presentations, and when appropriate, by using graphic presentation software.
- This outcome is also aligned with FDU University learning outcomes for written communication, oral communication and information literacy
- Critical Thinking: An FDU graduate will demonstrate the ability to define problems; to use information resources such as libraries and computers; and to analyze and integrate knowledge, perspectives and techniques.
- This outcome is also aligned with FDU University learning outcomes for critical thinking.
- Global and Culture Understanding : An FDU graduate will demonstrate an understanding of the historic and global context of events and achievements over time as treated in subjects such as history, the arts and the humanities with an awareness of and sensitivity to global problems and social issues, including those involving ethnic and cultural differences.
- This outcome is also aligned with FDU University learning outcomes for Global Understanding and Cultural Understanding
- Specialization: An FDU graduate will demonstrate the mastery of a body of knowledge in one subject area or a group of related areas that will be considered the graduate’s specialization.
Fall/Spring Schedule
Yeshiva/Seminary Program (2023-2024)
Fall (In-Person – Yeshiva)
August 28 – December 12 — Class will be taught in-person and on Zoom.
[Note: MGMT 1111.E1 used toward Business Specialty.]
- MGMT 1111. E1: Intro. to Business Management– [Sun 10:00 AM-1:00 PM – Prof. Y. Stern]
Fall Science 4-credit Courses (Online – Yeshiva and Seminary)
[Note: Students who begin their studies after August 15, 2023 are now required to take a 4-credit science course. Any of these four courses fulfill that requirement. Please review with your advisor!]
- ENVR 1001. 51: Intro to Environmental Science (9/11-11/18)– [M. Campo]
- BIOL 1090. 32: Human Biology and Health (8/28 – 11/18– [Staff]
- CHEM 1135. 21: Science and Art (8/28 – 12/20) – [M. Leonida]
- CHEM 1022. 33: Chemistry of Nutrition (8/28 – 12/20)– [L. Faherty]
Fall I (Online- Yeshiva and Seminary)
August 28 – October 12 — Classes will be taught online asynchronously (No set class time).
[Note: BUSI 2430.E1, FIN 4341.E1, INTER 4016. E1 used toward Business specialty. PSYC 3318.E1 used toward Business and Psychology specialties. MGMT 3344.E1, MIS 2101.E1 used toward Business, Technology Management, & Public Health Administration specialties.]
- PSYC 3318. E1: Psychology of Everyday Persuasion– [Prof. R. Lubin]
- MIS 2101. E1: Management Information Systems– [Prof. M. Wadhwa]
- FIN 4341. E1: Financial Markets and Institutions [Prof. M. Stone]
- INTER 4016. E1: Business Leadership– [Prof. M. Haines]
- BUSI 2430. E1: Seminar in Business in the 21st Century– [Prof. I. Jaskoll]
- MGMT 3344. E1: Public Relations– [Prof. M. Goldfarb]
Sukkot Z’man (Online- Yeshiva)
September 26 – October 13 (September 26, 27, 28. October 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) — Class will be taught online synchronously on Zoom.
[Note: UNIV 2001.E3 used toward University Core Requirement.]
- UNIV 2001. E3: Cross Cult. Perspectives– [M,T,W,Th 9:00AM- Noon– Prof. T. Swanzey]
Sukkot Z’man (Online- Yeshiva and Seminary)
September 26 – October 13 — Classes will be taught online asynchronously (No set class time).
[Note: ACCT 1131.E1, BUSI 3001.E1 used toward Business specialty. PSYC 2001.E1 used toward Business and Psychology specialties. MKTG 2050.E1 used toward Business, Technology Management, & Public Health Administration specialties.
- ACCT 1131. E1: Accounting I [Prof. M. Dyrek]
- MKTG 2050. E1: Search Engine Marketing– [Prof. R. Medaska]
- BUSI 3001. E1: Business Administration [Prof. M. Goldfarb]
- PSYC 2001. E1: Psychology for Success– [Prof. R. Lubin]
Fall II (Online- Yeshiva)
October 23 – December 20 — Classes will be taught online synchronously on Zoom.
[Note: SPCH 1155.E3 used toward Speech requirement.]
- SPCH 1155. E3: Public Speaking – [T, Th 2:00 PM- 5:00 PM – Prof. E. Goldman]
Fall II (Online- Yeshiva & Seminary)
There will be dual monitors. One for Yeshiva students and one for Seminary students!
October 23 – December 20 — Classes will be taught online synchronously on Zoom.
[Note: ECON 4305.E1 used toward Business Specialty. MATH 1129.E1 used toward Business, Psychology, Technology Management, & Public Health Administration specialties and Math requirement.]
- MATH 1129. E1: Statistics– [M, W 6:15 PM- 9:15 PM – Prof. A. Rabinowitz]
- ECON 4305. E1: Money and Banking – [T, Th 6:15 PM- 9:15 PM – Prof. Y. Stern]
Fall II (Online- Yeshiva and Seminary)
October 23 – December 20 — Classes will be taught online asynchronously (No set class time).
[Note: BUSI 2565.E1, MKTG 2120.E2 and MGMT 3200.E1 used toward Business specialty. PSYC 3080.E1 used toward Business and Psychology specialties. ENGW 3006.E1 used toward English requirement. UNIV 2002.E3 used toward University Core requirement.]
- PSYC 3080. E1: Contemporary Issues: Leadership– [Prof. R. Lubin]
- BUSI 2565. E1: Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship– [Prof. I. Jaskoll]
- ENGW 3006. E1: Persuasive Writing [Prof. R. Traum-Avidan]
- MKTG 2120. E2: Principles of Marketing– [Prof. A. Vardouniotis]
- MGMT 3200. E1: Contemporary Managerial Issues– [Prof. M. Stone]
- UNIV 2002. E3: Global Issues– [Prof. A. Guth]
Spring (Online- Yeshiva & Seminary)
January 22 – May 5 – Classes will be taught online asynchronously (No set class time)
[Note: UNIV 2001.E1 used toward University Core requirement.]
- UNIV 2001. E1: Cross Cultural Perspectives – [Staff]
Spring I (Online – Yeshiva)
January 22 – March 8 – Classes will be taught in person or synchronously online on Zoom.**
- MGMT 3111. E1: Management & Labor [M, W 6:15-9:15pm – Prof. E. Stern]
Spring I (Online – Yeshiva & Seminary)
January 22 – March 8 – Classes will be taught online asynchronously (No set class time)
- BUSI 3645. E1: Business Management – [Prof. I. Jaskoll]
- ENGL 2259. E1: Creative Writing – [Prof. R. Traum – Avidan]
- PSYC 3315. E1: Abnormal Psychology – [Prof. R. Lubin]
- MIS 2101. E1: Management Information Systems – [Prof. M. Wadhwa]
- FIN 2203. E1: Personal Finance – [Prof. M. Stone]
Spring II (Online – Yeshiva)
March 11 – May 3 – Classes will be taught in person or synchronously online on Zoom.**
- MGMT 1110. E1: Business in Global Society [M, W 6:15-9:15pm – Prof. E. Stern]
Spring II (Online – Yeshiva & Seminary)
March 11 – May 3 – Classes will be taught online asynchronously (No set class time)
- MKTG 4272. E1: Consumer Behavior – [Prof. M. Haines]
- ENGW 3006. E1: Persuasive Writing – [Prof. R. Traum-Avidan]
- PSYC 1802. E1: Career Development – [Prof. R. Lubin]
- MGMT 2261. E1: Human Motivation and Behavior – [Prof. M. Goldfarb]
- ENTR 3160. E1: Launching New Ventures– [Prof. I. Jaskoll]
Pesach Z’man (Online – Yeshiva)
April 14 – May 3 (April 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 28. May 1, 2, 3)
Classes will be taught synchronously online on Zoom.
[Note: UNIV 2002 used toward University Core requirement.]
- UNIV 2002. E1: Global Issues [S, M, T, W, Th, F 9-12:15pm – [Prof. T. Swanzey]
Pesach Z’man (Online- Yeshiva and Seminary)
April 14 – May 3 — Classes will be taught online asynchronously (No set class time).
- PSYC 1173. E1 Group Dynamic – [Prof. R. Lubin]
- MKTG 2040. E1: Advertising and Promotion – [Prof. A. Vardouniotis]
- HRTM 2213. E1: International Human Resource – [Prof. M. Goldfarb]
- MGMT 4415. E1: Strategic Management – [Prof. M. Stone]
**HYBRID COURSES: Students have the choice of either attending class in-person or on Zoom.
NOTE: Though asynchronous classes have no set class time, instructors place a variety of work submission deadlines that must be completed in a timely fashion.
All courses and instructors subject to change!
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A: 30 transferable credits, or if you are currently enrolled for at least one semester in a post-secondary yeshiva or seminary program.
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A: 90 credits. Up to a maximum of 72 credits from Yeshiva/Seminary study and whatever is needed to reach 90 credits from other colleges, through CPEP or other standardized exams.
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A: Up to 24 Early College credits can be applied, plus all APs with a score of 4 or more. They count toward the 90 credits that a student may bring with them into the program.
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A: You must take at least 10 FDU courses (30 credits) once you have been admitted into the program. These courses may be any combination of in-classroom and/or online courses.
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A: You work with your advisor, who will assist in choosing what courses and/or exams will fulfill your requirements.
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A: It is preferable to do so. In this way, you know how many credits may be transferred. These initial transcripts do not need to be official. However, in order to have credits officially transferred to your FDU records, we require that the institution of higher learning send an official transcript directly to the attention of Dr. Parra in our office.
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A: 6 courses (18 credits).
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A: Our program already offers a 50% tuition reduction, however, there are many aid programs available to our students, like Federal Pell grants, NJ TAG grants, Work-Study and other government financial aid. FDU’s Financial Aid office assists our students in seeking assistance.
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A: Students may specialize in any of these areas: Psychology, Business, Health Sciences, Technology Management, Public Health Administration and General Studies (which covers a vast array of subject areas). You develop your specialization in consultation with your advisor. Some specializations may only be available online.
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A: The Yeshiva/Seminary program is part of Petrocelli Center. You may take any online course at Petrocelli Center and the cost of the course remains the same. Other courses offered at Petrocelli will not be men- or women-only courses. You may also take any course offered at any college at FDU, but the cost of the course will not have the reduced tuition that Yeshiva/Seminary courses enjoy. Note: Some courses require that prerequisites be completed before you can take a particular class.
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A: The cost for each course taken in the program during 2022-2023 is $2001., plus a $36 technology fee.
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A: You may choose to take all of your classes online. We offer both Zoom synchronous online classes as well as asynchronous online classes. Some students are able to complete all exams and course work in 12-14 months. Others take longer.
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Synchronous courses are either given in person or on Zoom and take place at scheduled times. Asynchronous classes allow the student to do work when it is best suited for them, with no set class time. Asynchronous classes still require that students fulfill work within a defined time period!
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A: Our graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies. This is a Bachelor degree like any other and is recognized as such across the world. Our students who choose to continue their studies on a graduate-level have been accepted into the finest institutions of higher learning in North America and Israel.
Faculty
- Catherine Acosta: catacost@fdu.edu
- Paula Blank: pblank@fdu.edu
- Mike Dyrek: dyrek@fdu.edu
- Moran Goldfarb: goldfarb@fdu.edu
- Eric Goldman: goldman@fdu.edu
- Andrew Guth: guthandy@gmail.com
- Miranda Haines: m.haines@fdu.edu
- Henry Heinemann: henry_heinemann@fdu.edu
- Ira Jaskoll: jaskoll@fdu.edu
- Peggy Kleiner: gg1045gg@fdu.edu
- Robert Lubin: r.lubin@fdu.edu
- Mark Martorana: m.martorana@fdu.edu
- Robert Medaska: rmedaska@fdu.edu
- Francisco Parra: fparra@fdu.edu
- Aliza Rabinowitz: cfadr@fdu.edu
- Aryeh Stechler: ras@heichalhatorah.org
- Yitz Stern: bigyitz@fdu.edu
- Michael Stone: mstone0123@gmail.com
- Thomas Swanzey: thomas_s@fdu.edu
- Riki Traum-Avidan: profrt@fdu.edu
- Ira Treuhaft: itreu001@fdu.edu
- Athos Vardouniotis: athosvar@fdu.edu
- Manish Wadhwa: manish@fdu.edu
Yeshiva and Seminary Program
Apply Now!
NOTE: Please download the application, fill it out, sign and return to Dr. F. Parra at fparra@fdu.edu. Application fee has been waived.