Program Spotlights

The School of the Arts is breaking new ground by integrating artistic disciplines and culture. At the University, the study of the arts occurs in a multicultural meeting space that nurtures artistic expression and offers a springboard for academic excellence while inspiring new perspectives and building mutual respect. The School of the Arts currently offers both undergraduate and graduate academic degree programs in fine arts, theater and music, with opportunities for students to explore and extend the natural interconnections found among these departments.

The Hecht Museum at University of Haifa was inaugurated in 1984 as the initiative of the late Dr. Reuben He​cht, a founding member of University of Haifa’s Board of Governors. Dr. Hecht, who was known for his Zionist activities, believed that archaeology was an important expression of Zionism and that the discovery of ancient artifacts was proof of the link between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. The Hecht Museum now serves as a venue for enrichment studies in the fields of archaeology, art, history, and the Bible for school students, soldiers, teachers, and other members of the community.

The Clinics for Law and Social Change at the Faculty of Law are part of an innovative academic program that engages law students in promoting positive social change through the establishment of legal precedents, legislative change, and advocacy with public authorities. More than 100 students participate in the clinics each year, reviewing 500 cases. The University operates at least seven clinics a year, rotating from among the following: Arab-Palestinian Minority Rights; Dispute Resolution; Human Rights in Society; Law & Education Policy; Law, Technology & Cyber; Marine Environment; Public Defense; Rights of the Elderly; and Women’s Rights.

Comprised of our renowned departments in Biology & Medical Sciences, Evolutionary & Environmental Biology, and Neuroscience, the study of life sciences at University of Haifa is distinguished by its interdisciplinary research approach that breeds excellence in specialized areas of  activity. We have made the development and advancement of the next generation of young researchers a primary aim of the programs. With many high-profile international collaborations, prestigious grants and patented discoveries, our dynamic faculty have quickly established these relatively young departments as global leaders in their fields.

The Leon Charney School of Marine Sciences trains the next generation of marine researchers in various disciplines. The School studies and teaches various aspects of the marine environment to ensure the sustainable development of its resources for the welfare of society as a whole. The school includes four departments that use applied science to teach graduate students with an emphasis on practical research and teaching at sea: Department of Marine Civilizations, the Strauss Department of Marine Geosciences, Department of Marine Biology, and the Hatter Institute of Marine Technology. The School’s diversified and multidisciplinary approach has led to a more comprehensive understanding of the eastern Mediterranean Sea and positively positions University of Haifa’s program to address modern marine challenges.

The Maritime Policy and Research Strategy Center, located at University of Haifa, is the leading academic multidisciplinary research center focusing on the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The Center is headed by Professor Rear Admiral (Ret.) Shaul Chorev and was established in response to the rising significance of the maritime domain both globally and regionally; the emerging strategic maritime competition between the United State and China; the expansion of exclusive economic zones; and the crucial role of the seas in the international economic system both as a source of economic activity and as the world’s main trade route. The Mediterranean plays a critical role in Israel’s future due to the gas discoveries, the evolution of the Israeli navy into a strategic security arm, Israel’s total dependence on sea trade, and the growing reality that future infrastructure development may be sea-based as land becomes more scarce.

Israel’s Ministry of Defense has chosen University of Haifa to establish and lead the prestigious Military Academic Complex, marking the first-time that Israel’s three military colleges will offer degree programs under one roof. Three colleges form the backbone of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as their elite training programs. They provide IDF commanders and senior Israeli security officials with the academic background and analytical tools necessary to supplement their military training. This program joins a long history of security related programs at University of Haifa, including the longstanding relationship with the navy and the Israeli Naval Academy. All navy cadets graduate with a BA from University of Haifa. In addition, University of Haifa has an international graduate program in political science with a specialization in National Security that is designed for students and professionals who are seriously interested in the field of national security. Security professionals and students from all over the world come to the University to examine the complex interrelationships among the social, political, ethical, diplomatic, economic, and military dimensions of national security.

The Charney Forum on New Diplomacy was established to provide one-of-a-kind training and practical tools in the emerging practice of New Diplomacy. The mission is to educate participants about the impact of technology on diplomacy and geo-politics and provide them with practical tools in the field of New Diplomacy to enrich and adapt the current diplomatic conversation to the ever-changing new realities of the age of information. This will be achieved through the exploration, study, and teaching of cutting-edge methodologies in New Diplomacy, Public Diplomacy, Place Branding, Social and Behavioral Studies, Ethics, and Digital Literacy.

The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing is the leading academic institution for nursing education in Israel. Offering BA, MA and PhD degrees, the department’s vision and mission are inspired by the legacy of Cheryl Spencer, her compassion for people and her passion for the art of nursing. The Spencer Department of Nursing offers a model for excellence and leadership in nursing through innovative curricula, cutting-edge teaching methods, and community involvement. Graduates are prepared to provide holistic and comprehensive care while meeting the clinical, technological, managerial, and psychological challenges of the nursing profession.

Carmel-Haifa University Economic Corporation Ltd. is the commercialization and business arm of University of Haifa and is responsible for protecting and commercializing its intellectual property. Carmel-Haifa collaborates with various partners and establishes ventures, companies, and funds with the goal of maximizing the business potential of commercializing research and knowledge developed at the University. They work with University-based researchers who are developing innovative technologies across evolutionary and environmental biology, information systems, nursing, physical therapy, marine biology, maritime civilizations, and social welfare, to name a few. With a dozen spin off companies, the fund also acts as an incubator, providing financial, legal and business development support to advance research and attract global strategic partners. 

The Younes and Soraya Nazarian Library serves the research and teaching needs of all faculties and programs. It is the largest academic library in Israel and one of the largest in the region. Staffed by a team of motivated professionals, the Nazarian Library offers services supported by advanced technology and information systems. Anyone from age 16 has access to the library’s services and in-house collections. University faculty, staff, and students can also access electronic and digital resources remotely.