Gratz College

Gratz College is a general college of Jewish studies founded in 1895 offering a broad array of credentials and programs in virtually every area of higher Judaic learning to aspiring Jewish educators, communal professionals, lay people and others seeking to become more knowledgeable of Judaism. Located in Melrose Park, Pennsylvania, Gratz College traces its origins back to 1856 when banker, philanthropist and communal leader Hyman Gratz, and the Hebrew Education Society of Philadelphia (established in 1849 by Rebecca Gratz and Isaac Leeser) joined together to establish a trust to create a Hebrew teachers college. It now offers an undergraduate college program leading to a B.A. degree, and a graduate program, leading to master's and doctorates in Jewish education, a master's in Jewish Studies and Jewish Communal Service with a dual master's (M.S.W.) option with The University of Pennsylvania. In 2012, Gratz began the only online program leading to a M.A. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Gratz College also offers graduate certificates in Jewish Nonprofit Management and Jewish-Christian Studies. In addition it offers courses in adult education, runs the Jewish Community High School, and operates the Tuttleman Library for Jewish studies. It is a small, co-ed, 4-year, private liberal arts college located in a suburban setting and is primarily a commuter campus. Gratz college was accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in January 1967. As of 2015, Gratz is regionally accredited through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.