Graduate Certificate in Holocaust and Genocide Studies

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The 15-credit graduate certificate program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies provides the knowledge, theory and practical skills needed 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 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, international policing, human rights, and international immigration law. 

The Certificate Program also prepares educators and administrators to teach and implement mandated human rights and comparative genocide curricula. In addition, it equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead national and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and NGOs dedicated to human rights, genocide prevention, education, and public policy.

“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 Salem State University’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, 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

This certificate will achieve the following three objectives:

(1) deepen students' 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, participate in intensive seminars, curriculum workshops, and pursue 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, aid organizations, and human rights advocacy.

VIEW THE HGS BROCHURE

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 2026-2027 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. Many of our graduates currently work in K-12 education as teachers, administrators and counselors. Others enter government and non-profit positions in diverse roles including human rights advocacy, social work, youth counseling, courts and immigration law. 

Participants often 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. 