Overview

The Yiddish Studies programme at Columbia University is recognised as a global leader in the scholarship and teaching of Ashkenazic Jewry’s cultural history. This undergraduate major integrates rigorous language instruction with the study of literature and culture across five continents. Students develop high-level linguistic proficiency while examining texts within broad historical and interdisciplinary contexts.

Why Yiddish Studies at Columbia University?

Columbia University maintains the only degree-granting Yiddish programme in the United States, positioning its graduates at the forefront of the field. The curriculum is supported by the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies, providing access to diverse programming and prestigious fellowships. Students benefit from small class sizes and individualised instruction from world-renowned faculty members.

The programme offers unique global opportunities, including the Naomi Fellowship for study abroad in Israel and Poland. Additionally, the Irene Kronhill Pletka YIVO Fellowship allows students to develop advanced archival research skills in New York City. Beyond the classroom, the Yiddish Club and monthly conversation hours create a vibrant, living cultural environment for all participants.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum combines core language acquisition with elective content courses in literature and history. A senior thesis of at least 35 pages is required for completion of the major. Modules may include:

Elementary Yiddish
Intermediate Yiddish
Advanced Yiddish
Survey of Yiddish Literature
Gender & Sexuality in Yiddish Literature
Magic & Monsters in Yiddish Literature
American Jewish Literature
Memory and Trauma in Yiddish Literature
Yiddish Theatre: Text & Performance

Careers with Yiddish Studies

Graduates of the programme are highly qualified for advanced academic research and professional roles across the humanities and social sciences. Many alumni successfully compete for Fulbright scholarships to continue their studies internationally. Career paths typically include positions in education, journalism, international affairs, and communications. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree also prepares students for success in law, banking, and various artistic professions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Advanced Language Study

Yiddish Literature

Medieval and Modern Jewish History

Exploring Yiddishland: Culture in Time and Space

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Language Studies View 2642 other Bachelors in Language Studies in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Yiddish Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners