Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Overview

These programs often focus on the genocide of World Wars I and II. Students learn about survivor studies and counseling. They also study Holocaust art and literature.

Holocaust and genocide studies programs include topics such as:

• Literature
• Sociology
• History
• Psychology
• Political science
• Survivor studies and counseling
• Historical clashes between ethnic groups
• World religions
• Economic problems
• Peace studies

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in Holocaust and genocide studies. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Very few schools offer Holocaust and genocide studies as an undergraduate major or minor. Some schools offer concentrations in Holocaust and genocide studies as part of an interdisciplinary program. Interdisciplinary programs combine courses from several college departments. In Holocaust and genocide studies it may be history, psychology, and political science. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

A small number of schools offer graduate programs in Holocaust and genocide studies. In many cases, Holocaust and genocide studies are offered as a concentration in history graduate programs. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• English Language and Literature
• History
• Humanities
• International Relations
• Jewish Studies
• Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
• Political Science and Government
• Psychology, General
• Public History
• Public Policy Studies
• Social Sciences, General
• Sociology

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

• Historians
• University and College Teachers

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

• Archivists
• Political Scientists
• Sociologists

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Remember, there is no distinct major in this field. Admission requirements listed here are meant as a guide before studying Holocaust and genocide studies as a minor.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Advanced English Composition courses
• Advanced U.S. History courses
• Advanced World History courses
• Economics
• Geography
• Political Science
• Sociology

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Communist Ideology
• Comparative Genocide
• Comparative Politics
• Ethics
• Ethnic and Race Relations
• History of International Human Rights
• History of the Holocaust
• Literature and Film of the Holocaust
• Modern European History
• Modern Jewish History
• Nazi Germany
• Perspectives on Terrorism
• Science, Medicine, and Race

Graduate Program Courses

While some schools offer graduate degrees in Holocaust and genocide studies, most offer certificates that you combine with graduate study in another area.

Graduate certificates in Holocaust and genocide studies typically include:

• Required courses
• Completion of a paper

Things to Know

Although most programs focus on the murder of European Jews during World War II, you also study other incidents of genocide.

Many schools offer off-campus and study abroad programs. You may visit memorials, museums, concentration camps, and other historical places in the US and internationally.

Internships allow students to develop skills at companies or organizations. Some Holocaust and genocide studies programs offer internship programs where you work at museums or memorials.

Schools

No information available.