First Jewish University Established in America; Authorized to Confer Fifteen Degrees

The expansion of the Yeshiva and Yeshiva College in New York into a university – the first Jewish university outside of Palestine – with the right to confer fifteen degrees, was announced here today. The action was authorized by the New York State Board of Regents.

In order not to duplicate courses already in existence at local universities, Yeshiva has worked out bases for cooperation with metropolitan colleges and universities, and professional schools, whereby students attending the graduate schools of Yeshiva will be able to take courses at these institutions and vice-versa, Dr. Samuel Belkin, president of the Yeshiva University, stated. “In the development of the University,” he said,”we shall be guided by the same philosophy which has piloted our institution for more than fifty years, that is, not merely to duplicate any of the existing educational facilities of the great seats of higher learning.”

The action by the state board permits Yeshiva to carry out its planned program of expansion, which is on the graduate level primarily. This plan includes the opening of graduate schools of Community Administration and Social Reserch, Education, Adult Education, and a Graduate Department of Mathematics. Initial steps have already been taken to insure the operation of these schools through a $5,000,000 endownment and expansion drive underway.

Yeshiva University will confer the following degrees: High school diploma, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Hebrew Literature, Bachelor of Religious Education, Master of Science, Master of Religious Literature, Master of Religious Education, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Hebrew Literature, Doctor of Divinity (honorary), Doctor of Humans Letters (honorary), Doctor of Laws (honorary), the traditional “Smicha” (ordination of Rabbi) and the Hebrew teacher’s diploma.