About the shorstein center
Over 50 years of thought-provoking education as Florida’s top Jewish Studies program.
About the Center
Established in 1973, the Bud Shorstein Center for Jewish Studies promotes academic study of Jewish culture, history, and politics for all students at the University of Florida. In its 50th year, the Center was renamed to recognize the generous contributions made by our esteemed alumnus, Bud Shorstein. Mr. Shorstein has a profound impact on our programs, people, and the vital work undertaken by the Center.
Why Jewish Studies?
Even in the age of AI, employers are looking to hire graduates with key core skills:
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Effective Communication
The Shorstein Center is interdisciplinary and builds on a tradition of intellectual curiosity and analysis that has been going on for thousands of year.
What Our Students Say
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Jewish Studies is open to all students regardless of background or religion. The subject matter—Holocaust history, Middle East studies, Jewish legal tradition, ethnography, film—is relevant to anyone studying history, political science, religion, pre-law, literature, or social science.
Yes, and many of our students do. The 30-credit major is designed to work alongside most other UF majors.
Our alumni have gone on to law school, PhD programs in history and anthropology, careers in journalism, government, nonprofit leadership, Jewish organizational work, education and consulting. The degree builds transferable analytical, research and writing skills that serve almost any professional context.
Yes, we offer scholarships for individual research travel, academic merit awards and study abroad opportunities. Contact our Undergraduate Coordinator or visit the scholarships page for current opportunities.
Your Degree Opens Endless Doors
Corporate Lawyer
Nonprofit & Religious Organizations Lawyer
Human Rights Advocate
Environmental Lawyer
Teaching
Research
Admissions Counselor
Financial Aid
Administrator
Policy Researcher
International Specialist
Politician
Legislative Analyst
Lobbyist
Public Administration
Political Consultant
Campaign Manager
Diplomat
Market Research Analyst
Brand Manager
Digital Marketing Strategist
Public Relations Specialist
Entrepreneur/Startup Founder
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Management Consultant