This certificate consciously positions genocide as an ongoing global issue, not a past historical event. This approach encourages discussion about ways to prevent future occurrences. In your courses, you’ll learn about the causes of the Holocaust and explore a comparative approach to other modern genocides. You’ll also gain a variety of transferable skills, including:
- Critical thinking.
- Evidence evaluation.
- Human rights advocacy.
- Knowledge to support lesson planning for educating on genocide and mass violence.
- Writing and communication.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to interview genocide survivors using the USC Shoah Foundation’s IWitness hologram technology. Powered by artificial intelligence, this platform allows you to engage in a virtual conversation with survivors of the Holocaust and other genocides.
Who can benefit from earning a Holocaust and genocide studies certificate?
Those with a variety of backgrounds and interests can benefit from earning a certificate in Holocaust and genocide studies. This program is ideal for teachers, public servants, museum curators, human rights attorneys, nonprofit advocates, lifelong learners and students interested in pursuing graduate work. Teachers, in particular, can use this certificate to become better equipped for meeting state educational guidelines for teaching about the Holocaust and other genocides in K-12 settings.
Additionally, the curriculum intersects with ASU’s online Master of Arts in World War II studies and Master of Arts in history, making it a great addition to these degrees as courses can count toward both the certificate and the programs.
What is genocide studies?
Genocide studies is the comparative study of the cultural, social and political causes and effects of genocides around the globe. Operating from the perspective that we can understand the Holocaust and why genocide occurs, this certificate employs an innovative approach to studying causal factors and drivers of genocide. You’ll also examine the lasting effects of the Holocaust and other genocides, and understand how these events influence the world today.
Arizona State University’s online graduate certificate in Holocaust and genocide studies provides an in-depth examination of the Holocaust and other genocides, as well as their lasting impacts. This certificate moves beyond the pitfalls of creating hierarchies of suffering and focuses on building a theoretical and historical foundation of the evolution of genocide. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to advocate for human rights and educate others about why genocide occurs.
In your courses, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the Holocaust using a comparative approach. You’ll also develop a historical grounding for identifying, defining and preventing genocide. To obtain this certificate, you must complete one core course and five elective courses. You also have the option to complete an internship within a public history site related to the Holocaust or other genocides.
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
students enrolled as of fall 2024
in research expenditures in FY23
interdisciplinary schools and departments
undergraduate degrees
graduate degrees
for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation
Applicants to the graduate certificate in Holocaust and genocide studies must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master's program.
Note: The committee reviews applications holistically. You may still apply with a GPA below 3.00, but please address this in your personal statement.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
- Up-to-date resume.
- Additional questions.
Your personal statement (about 500 words) should explain your academic background and training, interest in studying the Holocaust and other genocides and motivation for pursuing graduate study at ASU.
In addition to your personal statement, you’re required to submit a response to additional questions (500–1000 words). This essay will be used to assess your writing skills, so please include a thesis with supporting evidence in your response. Please answer the following prompt:
- One of the goals of this certificate is to provide a comparative perspective about the Holocaust and other genocides. However, comparing acts of genocide must be done with great care. Why is the study of genocide more than creating a hierarchy of suffering? What significance does the comparative study of the Holocaust and other genocides have on our understanding of the world today?
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
No, Arizona State University’s certificates and diplomas don’t specify whether you earn them online or in person. All certificates, diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”