Courses for the Community

At the UMBC Judaic Studies Program, there is a place for every learner. Whether you are a high school student ready to get a head start on earning university credit (which may also satisfy certain high school requirements, subject to school approval), an adult age 60 or older interested in continuing your education through UMBC’s tuition-waived Golden ID Program, or a community member eager to explore a new subject, our courses offer meaningful and flexible pathways to learning.

Our program is here to help you explore courses in Hebrew language, biblical studies, Jewish history, and literature, and to guide you through UMBC’s non-degree enrollment options.

Choosing Your Learning Pathway

To take courses at UMBC without committing to a full degree program, you will need to apply as a Non-Degree Seeking Student. Some applicants may also qualify for special university programs that offer modified registration procedures or other enrollment benefits.

1. High School Concurrent Enrollment

Academically strong high school students may enroll part-time in UMBC courses and earn college credit while still attending high school.

  • Who it’s for: High school students seeking academic enrichment and the opportunity to complete college-level coursework before graduation.
  • How it works: Students should complete the non-degree-seeking application, submit a high school transcript, and request a letter of recommendation and permission to enroll from their high school guidance counselor.
  • Benefits: Credits earned may be applied toward a future degree at UMBC or transferred to another college or university. Courses may also satisfy certain high school requirements, subject to approval by the student’s school.
  • Learn more: UMBC Concurrent Enrollment Information

2. Maryland Golden ID Program (Ages 60+)

Maryland residents aged 60 or older who are retired or working part-time can enroll in undergraduate and graduate courses with tuition and most fees waived.

Eligible Maryland residents age 60 or older may enroll in UMBC undergraduate courses at little cost through the Golden ID Program.

  • Who it’s for: Maryland residents who are age 60 or older, retired, receive their chief income from retirement benefits, and are not employed full-time.
  • How it works: Eligible students may enroll as degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking students. Applications must be submitted by UMBC’s regular semester deadlines, and course registration is available on a space-available basis.
  • Benefits: Tuition and most fees are waived. Students remain responsible for course fees, books, materials, and other costs associated with their education.
  • Learn more: UMBC Golden ID Admissions & Eligibility

3. General Non-Degree Seeking Students

If you do not fall into the above categories but wish to take a course for personal enrichment or professional development, you can simply apply as a standard non-degree student.

  • Who it’s for: Adult learners, visiting students from other universities, or community members looking to take individual classes.
  • Learn more: UMBC Non-Degree & Visiting Students

Step-by-Step Application Guide

  1. Explore Available Courses: View course offerings, schedules, and formats (online, in-person, or asynchronous) on the UMBC Judaic Studies Homepage.

  2. Submit Your Application: Complete the online application on the UMBC Non-Degree Admissions Portal.

    • Concurrent Enrollment students: Include counselor permission and official high school transcripts.

    • Golden ID students: Indicate Golden ID status on your application.

  3. Register for Classes: Once admitted, follow registration instructions based on your student category (note that non-degree and Golden ID registration dates differ from degree-seeking student registration).

Course Formats & Topics

Judaic Studies courses are offered across multiple formats, including live online (synchronous), flexible self-paced (asynchronous), and traditional classroom settings:

  • Hebrew Language: Elementary and Intermediate Modern Hebrew

  • Ancient & Biblical History: Israel and the Ancient Near East, Introduction to the Bible

  • Modern History & Culture: History of the Holocaust, Jewish Writing in World Literature

We Are Here to Help

Navigating university enrollment processes can feel complicated. The Judaic Studies program is happy to help guide prospective non-degree, concurrent, and Golden ID students through the steps to get started.

Contact Us: Dr. Roni Rosenthal, Director of Judaic Studies, arosent1@umbc.edu