Academics
Our baccalaureate curriculum and majors are structured to foster intellectual curiosity and cultural fluency, while preparing students for careers or advanced study in their chosen field. Our academic programs, dedicated faculty and intentionally small classes, all work together to offer an exceptional opportunity to educate the whole person, with both a secular and Judaic education.
At TCLA, we have organized our curriculum around three components:
Jewish Studies
As part of our mission to perpetuate and enrich the Jewish heritage, we require all students to complete 24 credits in Jewish Studies courses. Time spent in seminary or yeshiva may be counted towards the fulfillment of these required credits.
The General Education Core
The general education core helps students develop critical thinking and writing skills while giving them in-depth exposure to the art, culture, and history of western civilization.
The Major
Students may choose one of three majors, each with built-in career preparation and a capstone requirement.
Our aim is to provide students with a well-rounded education that will prepare them – mind, body, and spirit – to pursue meaningful careers or graduate study while sustaining and strengthening their Jewish values.
Requirements
In order to earn the bachelor’s degree, all students must complete:
- 120 total credits of college level work
Students must attain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. At least 45 credits must be completed in residency at TCLA. - All major requirements and assessments
Students must attain at least a 2.3 GPA in their major, and complete at least 50% of their major courses at the College. - Jewish Studies requirements (24 credits)
Students may earn credit for previous study at yeshiva or seminary. Study in Israel also counts toward this requirement. - General Education Core curriculum requirements
The general education core provides a strong liberal arts foundation for all majors, and includes courses in English composition, modern history, math and economics, and natural sciences. All students must satisfy the General Education requirements of the College. For the English composition requirement, all students complete a placement test upon enrollment. Students who place out of these courses still must complete 120 total credits to graduate.
