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Graduate Certificate in Holocaust and Genocide Studies

This innovative certificate program offers an opportunity to explore graduate level scholarship in the growing fields of comparative genocide, conflict studies and human rights. Offered in conjunction with the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the history department, the interdisciplinary academic program explores issues ranging from the cultural, historical, and theoretical impact of the Holocaust to more recent genocides in throughout the world including Latin America, Southeast Asia, East Africa and Southeastern Europe.

Grounded in a deep commitment the research and pedagogy of human rights, the certificate program brings participants face-to-face with the urgent theoretical questions surrounding genocide, including the political, economic, cultural, social, and psychological causes and expanding into recent efforts at national and international efforts at reciprocity, reconciliation, and prevention.

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Program Features

The 15-credit graduate certificate program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies provides the knowledge, theory and practical skills in the growing fields of comparative genocide studies and international human rights advocacy. Working with the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, it will prepare or supplement students for continued study in master’s and doctoral programs in Holocaust and comparative genocide, area studies, conflict and peace studies, security studies, genocide prevention and international policing and human rights, international and immigration law. 

It also prepares educators and administrators to teach and implement mandated human rights and comparative genocide curricula, the knowledge and skills to lead national and state agencies and non-profit organizations, foundations and NGOs. 

“I would highly recommend anyone enroll in this graduate certificate regardless of their professional field. The courses I’ve taken, speaking engagements I’ve attended, and trips I’ve gone on have helped me become more globally minded in an ever-changing world.” 

Meaghan Culkeen, Worcester Public Schools

Program Features

  • Multiple pacing options: This certificate can be completed in 1 year, with students having up to 6-years to complete the program. 

  • Flexible course delivery with courses available in multiple in-person and remote learning modalities, including a completely online track. 

  • Various learning opportunities, including intensive seminars, community-based work with survivors and refugees in the US and abroad, international study and travel institutes, and research and internship opportunities through affiliation with the Salem State Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Graduate scholarships, fellowships and partial funding for study and travel. 

  • Salem State Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies: Priority access to the programs and workshops of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. 

  • Advanced study preparation: After successfully completing the certificate, the credits may be applied towards the MA History program, if all other conditions are fulfilled. 

Salem State Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Students and graduates of the certificate program are encouraged to participate in the programs and utilize the resources of TVƵ’s Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies (CHGS). The center offers online and in-person lectures by leading international scholars, human rights leaders and artists; professional development workshops for middle and high school educators; research and graduate assistantships for certificate students; and a robust faculty-led study and travel courses to western and central Europe, Rwanda, Latin America and the United States. 

Students in the certificate program are given priority on these study and travel experiences and receive scholarships and course credit towards their program.Learn more about the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies

“The HGS Certificate program at Salem State gave me the skills to understand why atrocities unfold, what can be done to prevent them, and a respect for the profound courage of survivors. What I’ve learned has already helped my professional and academic work tremendously.”

Alex Jones, MA, Peace and Conflict Studies, George Mason University 

Program Objectives

This certificate will achieve the following three objectives: 

(1) deepen student’s interdisciplinary knowledge of comparative genocide and conflict studies and human rights and expand their critical thinking skills, 

(2) provide students with opportunities for attending public lectures by international experts, intensive seminars, curriculum workshops and extensive international study and travel courses and institutes; 

(3) prepare students for advanced graduate degrees and careers in schools, public sector agencies, non-profits and NGOs, international security and aid organizations and human rights advocacy.

Curriculum 

The graduate certificate in Holocaust and Genocide Studies requires one foundational course followed by your choice of four electives that meet your intellectual and professional interests and goals. 

Required* 

  • HGS 700 - Introduction to Comparative Genocide Studies 

Elective Examples* 

  • EDG 845 - Teaching About the Holocaust and Genocide 

  • EDU 850 - Community Service-Learning and Social Action 

  • ENG 787 - The Literature of Genocide 

  • HGS 710 - Holocaust Studies 

  • HGS 712 - Modern Jewish History: Between Persecution and Self-Expression 

  • HGS 730 - Post-WWII Genocides 

  • HGS 735 - Human Rights and International Law 

  • HGS 738 - Refugee and Asylum Law, Policies and Programs 

  • HST 991 - History Study and Travel Seminar 

  • HST 887 - Turkey and the Armenian Genocide 

  • PHL 731 - Philosophical Perspectives on Evil and Holocaust 

*Subject to change, accurate for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Learn more about CHGS study and travel institute

“The HGS certificate program has influenced my professional life as an educator. Since starting the program, I have discovered new ways of teaching difficult topics in history through file, literature, art, and travel.” 

EJ Sclafani, Lynn Public Schools

Careers 

The certificate in Holocaust and Genocide Studies prepares you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety of 21st century careers. Our graduates currently work in K-12 education as teachers, administrators and counselors. Others enter government and the non-profit positions in diverse roles including human rights advocacy, social work, youth counseling, courts and immigration law. 

Many choose to continue their academic study and use the certificate to complete their applications to masters and doctoral programs in human rights, peace and conflict studies, security studies, genocide prevention and law. 

Take the Next Step

Apply now!

Contact Us

Want to learn more about the holocaust and genocide studies program? Contact the program coordinator,

For admissions-related questions, please contact graduate admissions. 

Graduate Admissions

978.542.6200
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm
331 Lafayette St.
Second Floor,
Salem, MA 01970
Mailing Address:
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970
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