Gratz College

HymanGratzPortrait.Phl Club

Rebecca Gratz

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Gratz College front entryway, taken May 2022

Holocaust and Genocide Studies degrees (Doctorate, M.A., and Graduate Certificates) are part of what Gratz College is most well known for

Gratz College is a private Jewish college located in Melrose Park, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for its focus on Jewish studies, education, and leadership. Gratz College holds the distinction of being the oldest independent college for Jewish studies in North America. Founded in 1895, it was originally established to provide teacher training for Jewish schools in the Philadelphia area. Over the years, Gratz College has expanded its academic offerings to include a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in various fields of Jewish studies, education, nonprofit management, and more.

History

Gratz College was founded by Hyman Gratz and the Hebrew Education Society of Philadelphia in response to the growing need for trained Jewish educators in the United States. The college was named after Hyman Gratz, a prominent Jewish philanthropist and the brother of Rebecca Gratz, who is noted for her pioneering work in Jewish education and social service. Since its inception, Gratz College has evolved from a teacher training institute to a comprehensive educational institution offering a variety of academic programs.

Academic Programs

Gratz College offers a range of academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. These programs are designed to cater to the diverse needs of its student body, which includes educators, communal professionals, and those interested in Jewish studies and leadership. The college is particularly renowned for its Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Jewish Studies, and Doctorate in Education Leadership. Additionally, Gratz College provides online learning options, making its programs accessible to students worldwide.

Campus

The Gratz College campus is situated in Melrose Park, Pennsylvania, offering a suburban environment close to the cultural and historical resources of Philadelphia. The campus features academic buildings, a library with an extensive collection of Jewish texts and resources, and spaces for student and community engagement.

Library and Resources

The Tuttleman Library at Gratz College is a vital resource for students, faculty, and researchers. It houses a comprehensive collection of Jewish scholarly works, historical documents, and digital resources. The library supports the academic needs of the Gratz community and serves as a research center for Jewish studies.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

Gratz College has produced a number of distinguished alumni and faculty members who have made significant contributions to Jewish education, scholarship, and leadership. These individuals have served in various capacities, including educators, rabbis, community leaders, and scholars in Jewish studies.

Affiliations and Accreditation

Gratz College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). It is also a member of the Association for Jewish Studies (AJS) and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and Jewish education.

Community Engagement

Gratz College is deeply committed to community engagement and Jewish communal service. It offers a variety of programs, workshops, and events designed to promote Jewish culture, education, and leadership within the broader community. These initiatives reflect the college's mission to extend its educational resources beyond the classroom and to contribute to the vitality of Jewish life and learning.