Overview
A Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies will prepare you for an impactful career that promotes peace, human rights, and equality. The program is dedicated to the study and prevention of genocide and mass atrocities through a combination of interdisciplinary research, policy analysis, and advocacy.
This transformative learning experience centers on the well-being of individuals and collectives. It analyzes the causes of identity-based violence and leverages long-term strategies to create resilient societies characterized by positive peace within current and future human rights conflicts.
Students work closely with renowned faculty on both a local and international level to develop the skills necessary for a career in the scholarship of genocide studies and the hands-on practice of atrocity prevention.
If you aspire to gain and apply a deep understanding of genocide and the phenomenon of identity-based violence, this highly specialized, world-class course of study will equip you with the skills and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond.
MA Requirements - 32 credits
Core Courses (required):
The Field of Genocide Studies, with Dr. Ashley L. Greene (4 credits)
Gain a deep understanding of the origins and significant developments within the field of genocide studies.
In this course, you will engage with the major thinkers, questions, and debates within the field and investigate areas of cutting-edge thought and research.
Together, we will study the writings of influential scholars, examine the establishment of international associations for genocide research, and grapple with unresolved questions about the Genocide Convention, core vs. periphery case studies, and the relationship between genocide and other atrocity crimes.
Holocaust Historiography, with Dr. Dana Smith (4 credits)
This course traces the history of Holocaust scholarship, beginning during WWII and continuing through to today.
During the semester, students will analyze major trends, debates, and controversies within the field of Holocaust Studies, as well as complete close readings of pivotal scholarship that has helped shape the field.
Students in this interactive seminar will have the opportunity to lead sessions and workshop research on the scholarship and contribution of key thinkers in the field of Holocaust Studies.
The MA Program Offers Two Optional Options
Thesis Option
- Two semesters of thesis (8 credits)
In this course, you will hone the skills needed to engage professionally with scholarly work in their fields of research and develop a written thesis or capstone project. This culminating experience creates the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of your topic and articulate a compelling, well-supported argument.
4 Electives (16 credits) - Electives will be continually updated and have included courses such as:
- Film, Genocide, and Resistance with Lisa DiGiovanni
- Archives and Human Rights with Rodney Obien
- The Intersectionality of Atrocity Crimes with Dr. Kevin Bales CMG
- Working with Communities after Trauma with Dr. Kate DeConinck
- International Human Rights and Security with Dr. Henok Gabisa
- Introduction to Atrocity Prevention with Dr. Ashley L. Greene
- Global Refugee Crises with Mick Hirsch
- Preventing Identity-based Violence through Education with Dr. Edward Kissi
- HGS 690 Holocaust Studies Topics
- HGS 691: Genocide Studies Topics
- HGS 694: Field Work
- HGS 694: Seminar
- HGS 693 Study Tour
Practitioner Option
* HGS 600 Preventing Genocide (4 credits)
- One semester of thesis (4 credits)
5 Electives (16 credits) - Electives will be continually updated and have included courses such as:
- The Intersectionality of Atrocity Crimes with Dr. Kevin Bales CMG
- Working with Communities after Trauma with Dr. Kate DeConinck
- International Human Rights and Security with Dr. Henok Gabisa
- Global Refugee Crises with Mick Hirsch
- Preventing Identity-based Violence through Education with Dr. Edward Kissi
- Archives and Human Rights with Rodney Obien
- Film, Genocide, and Resistance with Lisa DiGiovanni
- HGS 694: Field Work
- HGS 693 Study Tour
Opportunity for Specialized Training
MA students completing the practitioner option can obtain the Certificate in Genocide Prevention and Human Security by taking GPHS 600 and 3 GPHS elective.
Accelerated Masters
120 Baccalaureate credits, 32 graduate credit hours
During senior year, accepted students can take up to two courses from the graduate program offerings.
Students in the accelerated Masters program will be matriculated upon completion of their baccalaureate degree and may enroll in graduate classes immediately, including the summer session.