Department of Social & Health Sciences  

This page is updated for the academic year 2023-2024.
Information for the academic year 2024-2025 will be updated in the coming days.
 

Master's Degree  

Tracks  

Two tracks are available:  

Track A – includes conducting a research project and submitting a final written thesis.   

Track B – does not include a final written thesis. 
    

Programs  

Two programs are available: 

1. The Gerontology Program: The Science of Aging 

This program includes the Caring for Older Adults Track  

1. Human Resources Program 
    

The Gerontology Program: The Science of Aging  

This two-year program includes theoretical and professional coursework with a clinical practicum in the second year of study. Students who pass program requirements are eligible for a master’s degree in gerontology and may submit a request to be listed in the official registry of gerontologists. The program is recognized by the Association of Social Workers as a program that trains social workers to be experts in the field of aging and is recognized by The National Social Security Agency (Bituah Leumi) as a program that trains professional workers in companies that provide nursing services to older adults. A degree in the program is also recognized by relevant health professions as continuing education that may be eligible for rank benefits.  

All graduates of the program are granted the following degree:  
Master’s of Gerontology: Science of Aging (M.A.). 

The program is also available through the Faculty of Life Sciences.  

Credit and seminar requirements  

Track A – research-based track  

16 AC (annual-based credits) (32 SC – semester-based credits) as specified below:  

Required courses – 12 AC (24 SC)   

Elective courses – 2 AC (4 SC)   

Seminar – 2 AC (4 SC)    

Track B – non-research track  

20 AC (40 SC) as specified below:  

Required courses – 14 AC (28 SC) [including an external practicum of 2 AC (4 SC)]  

Elective courses – 2 AC (4 SC)  

Seminar – 4 AC (8 SC) 

These courses do not include requirements for Jewish studies, English and general courses.  

An introduction to life sciences course of 2 AC (4 SC) is included in the required courses for those with an undergraduate degree in social sciences.  

Admission criteria  

• A bachelor's degree from a recognized academic institution in one of the following disciplines:  

Interdisciplinary studies in social sciences, psychology, behavioral sciences, social work, sociology and anthropology, criminology, education, business administration, economics, political science, law, health professions such as medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, communication disorders, physiotherapy, pharmacology, and health systems management. Master’s degree in art therapy.  

• A minimum weighted undergraduate average of 80 (from all bachelor’s degree coursework; for students with a double major, the average is calculated from final average of each department).  
• Preference will be given to students with bachelor’s degree eligibility (over students in their last undergraduate year).  
• Students applying in their last year of undergraduate study must submit an authorization of degree completion to the master’s degree by the end of December of that same year.  

Completion of prerequisite courses  

Completion of prerequisite courses according to academic background and as necessary, for a total of 7 AC (14 SC) from the relevant introductory courses in the social sciences and life sciences.  

Additional criteria for applying to Track A (research-based track)  

Applicants to the thesis-based Track A require a minimum grade of 85 in a 2 AC (4 SC) year-long course in statistics and data processing and in a year-long course in research methods. Such applicants must also have a minimum of 85 in an English course or have an English exemption from the bachelor's degree.  

Gerontology: The Science of Aging – Caring for Older Adults Track  

The track will provide students with basic tools for the diagnosis and clinical treatment of older adults. Students in this track take courses related to psychopathology, cognitive behavioral therapy, identification and treatment of elder abuse, and more. In addition, students will complete an extended practicum. 

Graduates of the track will receive a master’s degree (MA) in Gerontology: Gerontological Sciences in the “Caring for Older Adults” track (the name of the track will appear on the degree certificate). 

Clarification: studies in this track do not grant certification or a license to work as therapists in the field.   

Credit and seminar requirements   

Track A – research-based track  

16.5 AC (annual-based credits) (32 SC – semester-based credits) as specified below:  

Required courses – 13.5 AC (27 SC)   

Elective courses – 1 AC (2 SC)   

Seminar – 2 AC (4 SC)    

External Practicum (this is part of the required coursework*) – 2.5 AC (5 SC) 

Track B – non-research track  

20.5 AC (41 SC) as specified below:  

Required courses – 16.5 AC (33 SC)   

Seminar – 4 AC (8 SC) 

External Practicum (this is part of the required coursework*) – 2.5 AC (5 SC) 

These courses do not include requirements for Jewish studies, English and general courses.  

Students in the program are also required to take an English course during their master’s degree. Exemptions from this course will be granted in accordance with the regulations of the English as a Foreign Language Unit and the School of Graduate Studies. 

An introduction to life sciences course of 2 AC (4 SC) is included in the required courses for those with an undergraduate degree in social sciences.  

Admission criteria  

• A bachelor's degree from a recognized academic institution in one of the following disciplines:  

Interdisciplinary studies in social sciences, psychology, behavioral sciences, social work, criminology, educational consulting, communication disorders, Master’s degree in art therapy.  

• A minimum weighted undergraduate average of 80 (from all bachelor’s degree coursework; for students with a double major, the average is calculated from final average of each department).  
• Preference will be given to students with bachelor’s degree eligibility (over students in their last undergraduate year).  

• Students applying in their last year of undergraduate study must submit an authorization of degree completion to the master’s degree by the end of December of that same year.  
• An acceptance interview will be conducted to assess the fit of applicants to the track. 

Completion of prerequisite courses  

Completion of prerequisite courses according to academic background and as necessary, for a total of 7 AC (14 SC) that include at least personality theories and developmental psychology.  

Notes:  

1. Prerequisite courses to be completed before applying may be taken at any institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education, on condition that the courses have the same number of credits and meet the specified criteria.  

1. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee exemption from program courses. An exemption will be granted for courses that meet the criteria of the Department of Social & Health Sciences and the Faculty of Life Sciences. A decision will be made after examining the course syllabi and the transcripts.  

1. In exceptional cases admission will be considered for applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in disciplines that do not fully meet the specified criteria.  

1. Applicant screening is based on all components of the applicant’s personal record and is relative to other applicants of the particular year.  

Application process  

Application to the master’s degree in gerontology is via the Bar-Ilan University website; follow the instructions specified on the website.  

Program duration  

Program duration is two years. The School of Graduate Studies may grant an extension for a third year to students in the research track when such a case is deemed justified, with the recommendation of the department head and the advisor, for completion of the thesis only and not for coursework. Further details on the program can be found on the website of the Department of Social & Health Sciences.  

Language proficiency (English)  

English at the master’s degree level (for details on placement tests, course levels and exemption eligibility criteria – see introductory chapter).  

Jewish studies  

As per general requirements for the master's degree (see introductory chapter).  
 

   

For further details contact the office of the Department of Social & Health Sciences by phone at 03-5317010,
by email or visit the Department of Social & Health Sciences website.  
 

 

Human Resources Program 

The program combines unique and up-to-date courses that cover management challenges faced by human resource managers. During the studies students will be exposed to advanced theoretical courses (e.g., a course about the new post-Corona working environment, or a course in the strategic management of human resources), participate in applied workshops (e.g., developing skills in management and leadership; human resources as a motivation for innovation; or utilization of various developments of Excel software, through which the human capital in the organization can be managed), and will be exposed to topics relevant to the current working environment (e.g., human resources management of older employees; or marketing to human resources managers). Additionally, interested students will be able to participate in a practicum, which will guide and train them in the performance of organizational development processes. The courses are taught by a diverse and professional senior teaching staff that includes leading academics in their respective fields, some of whom serve as senior directors in the fields of consulting and HR. 

The program is recognized by the Israeli Human Resources Society. 

Track A – research-based track  

14 AC (annual-based credits) (28 SC – semester-based credits) as specified below:  

Required courses – 9 AC (18 SC)   

Elective courses – 1 AC (2 SC)   

Seminar – 4 AC (8 SC)    

Track B – non-research track  

18 AC (36 SC) as specified below:  

Required courses – 7.5 AC (15 SC)   

Elective courses – 2 AC (4 SC)   

Seminar – 4 AC (8 SC) 

Workshops – 4.5 AC (9 SC) 

These courses do not include requirements for Jewish studies.  

Admission criteria  

• A bachelor's degree from a recognized academic institution with a minimum weighted undergraduate average of 80 (from all bachelor’s degree coursework; for students with a double major, the average is calculated from final average of each department).  

Thesis Track: grade of 85 or higher in Research Methods and Statistics courses taken during the bachelor’s degree. 

• Preference will be given to students with bachelor’s degree eligibility (over students in their last undergraduate year).  
• Students applying in their last year of undergraduate study must submit an authorization of degree completion to the master’s degree by the end of December of that same year.  

• Two recommendations: from academic faculty and/or from a manager (in this link). 
• Admission committee will review each candidacy based on all documents submitted by the candidate to the university and to the Department of Social & Health Sciences. The admission committee may invite candidates for an interview.  
• Applicant screening is based on all components of the applicant’s personal record and is relative to other applicants of the particular year. The number of places in the program is limited. 
• The candidacy of candidates who do not meet the admission conditions and chose to submit their candidacy, will be discussed at late stages of the registration process at the discretion of the admission committee. 
• The department does not undertake to accept all candidates who meet the admission conditions stated above. 

Completion of prerequisite courses  

• Bachelor's degree graduates in human resources are not required for prerequisite studies. 
• Graduates of another bachelor's degree in social sciences are required to complete the course "Introduction to Human Resources" in the scope of 2 AC (4 SC). 
• Graduates without a suitable background in the social sciences are required to take the following prerequisite studies: "Organizational Behavior" in the scope of 1 AC (2 SC), "Introduction to Human Resources” in the scope of 2 AC (4 SC), and "Research Methods: Completion" in the scope of 1.5 AC (3 SC). 
• For graduates who do not have a suitable background in the social sciences, there may be additional prerequisites depending on their academic background and as needed. 
• The prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of 78 or higher. 

 Additional criteria for applying to Track A (research-based track)  

Applicants to the thesis-based Track A require a minimum grade of 85 in a 2 AC (4 SC) year-long course in statistics and data processing and in a year-long course in research methods. Candidates are also required to take a course that includes a thesis with a grade of 85 or higher in an English course, or an exemption from English in the bachelor's degree. 

Notes:  

1. Prerequisite courses to be completed before applying may be taken at any institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education, on condition that the courses have the same number of credits and meet the specified criteria.  

1. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee exemption from program courses. An exemption will be granted for courses that meet the criteria of the Department of Social & Health Sciences and the Faculty of Life Sciences. A decision will be made after examining the course syllabi and the transcripts.  

1. In exceptional cases admission will be considered for applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in disciplines that do not fully meet the specified criteria.  

1. Applicant screening is based on all components of the applicant’s personal record and is relative to other applicants of the particular year.  

Application process  

Application to the master’s degree in human resources is via the Bar-Ilan University website; follow the instructions specified on the website.  

Program duration  

The duration of the studies is spread over three semesters: first, second and summer. The School of Graduate Studies approves in justified cases and upon the recommendation of the head of the program and the supervisor an extension for another academic year, and this only for students in the thesis track for the purpose of completing the research work and not for taking courses. Full details about the program appear on the website of the Department of social & Health Sciences. 

Jewish studies 

According to the general requirements for a master's degree - see the introductory chapter. 

 

For further details contact the office of the Department of Social & Health Sciences by phone at 03-5317010,
by email or visit the Department of Social & Health Sciences website.  

 

 

PhD  

The objective of the PhD program in the Department of Social & Health Sciences is to prepare its graduates for conducting independent diverse interdisciplinary research, primarily in aging. Doctoral training in the Department of Social & Health Sciences allows students to deepen their knowledge in the research domain they have selected as their focus and to improve their research competencies, and trains them to conduct independent original empirical research. The program spans four years and upon completion, students are awarded a PhD.  

Admission criteria  

1. A master’s degree in one of the following areas: gerontology, human resources, psychology, behavioral science, social work, criminology, sociology and anthropology, education, political science, economics, business administration, law, art therapy, health professions such as nursing, occupational therapy, communication disorders, physiotherapy, pharmacology, and health systems management.  

1. Applicants with a non-thesis master’s degree will need to complete additional requirements. According to the detailed criteria outlined in the rules and regulations of the School of Graduate Studies they will be assigned to a thesis-completion track or to a completion track for the PhD with a thesis-equivalent work; these tracks must be completed in accordance with the standards set by the university.  

1.  Graduates of the master’s degree program are required to have a minimum thesis-based master’s degree grade point average of 85 and a minimum thesis grade of 85.  

1. Relevance of the research topic to a research area of a department faculty advisor (the list of advisors is posted on the department website).  

Admission of students is subject to School of Graduate Studies Rules and Regulations. Applicants should initially contact the committee for graduate degrees at the Department of Social & Health Sciences to verify their suitability; only then should they submit their application to the School of Graduate Studies.  

The School of Graduate Studies Committee does not guarantee admission to all applicants even if they meet the minimum requirements.  

Program details  

1. 6 AC (12 SC): three courses (two required and one elective) and three seminars. Additional requirements may be required. The departmental committee will decide on the final number of required course credits according to the student’s background and individual research plan.  

1. Students conducting quantitative/empirical research are required to take a course in advanced quantitative research methods and in advanced statistics.  

1. Students conducting qualitative/theoretical research are required to take a course in advanced qualitative research methods as well as another advanced course necessary for their research per recommendation of the advisor and by approval of the departmental committee.  

1. Coursework requirements: completing all course assignments/exams and obtaining a passing grade.  

1. Seminars must include: a graduate-level seminar as determined by the advisor. Participation in the departmental colloquium and the seminar for PhD students is also required. Participation in seminars requires active attendance and a presentation of their work in the seminar for PhD students.  

1. If a graduate-level seminar cannot be found, an advanced seminar may be substituted by an advanced course.  

1. Basic Jewish studies and English are compulsory as detailed in the School of Graduate Studies Rules and Regulations.  

1. Dissertation submission is permitted only after completion of all other requirements.  

Application process  

Applications should be submitted together with relevant supporting material to the committee for graduate degrees of the Department of Social & Health Sciences, per instructions on the department website. Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the academic year.  

   

For further details contact the graduate degree coordinator by phone at 03-5317010,  via email 
or visit the Department of Social & Health Sciences website.