Holocaust and Genocide Studies Program

College of Arts and Humanities

409 Main Hall
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2789
610-436-2345
Holocaust and Genocide Studies Program
Dr. Friedman, Director and Graduate Coordinator

Programs of Study

Holocaust and Genocide Studies offers a master of arts degree for students who complete the necessary 30 hours in the degree program. For the master's degree, field studies and a thesis are options. A graduate certificate is also offered for students who complete an 18-hour program of study.

Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies

The purpose of this program is to provide its graduates with the background and intellectual skills needed to either pursue careers as teachers or as history professionals for work in museums, archives, libraries, and other institutions.

All applicants to one of West Chester University’s graduate programs will be held to the graduate admissions requirements. When applicable, additional requirements for admission into specific department program(s) may be listed below.

Admission Requirements for the M.A. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies

In addition to satisfying the University's general graduate admission requirements, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation and a statement of personal goals.

All graduate students are held to the academic policies and procedures outlined in the graduate catalog. Students are encouraged to review departmental handbooks for program tips, suggested course sequences, and explanations of procedures. When applicable, additional policies for specific department programs may be listed below.

Graduation Requirements for the M.A. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies Program

  • Any history course with a grade of less than 3.0 GPA will not be accepted for credit toward the degree.
  • In order to complete the program, students must pass a written comprehensive examination.

Professors

Mary P. Brewster (1993)

Chairperson, Criminal Justice

Graduate Coordinator, Criminal Justice

B.A., St. Joseph's College; M.A., Fordham University; Ph.D., Rutgers University

Kevin W. Dean (1990)

Director, Honors College

Chairperson, Honors College

B.S., Bowling Green University; M.A., Miami University of Ohio; Ph.D., University of Maryland - College Park

Jonathan Friedman (2002)

Director, Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Graduate Coordinator, Holocaust and Genocide Studies

B.A., Kent State University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Maryland - College Park

Brenda L. Gaydosh (2013)

Graduate Coordinator, History

B.S., Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales; M.A., West Chester University; Ph.D., American University

Paul D. Green (1971)

A.B., Temple University; A.M., Ph.D., Harvard University

Lisa A. Kirschenbaum (1996)

A.B., Brown University; M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley

Margarete J. Landwehr (1992)

B.S., Georgetown University; M.A., Ph.D., Harvard University

David G. Levasseur (1997)

B.A., M.A., University of Maryland-College Park; Ph.D., University of Kansas

Jasmin Tahmaseb-McConatha (1990)

B.A., University of Utah; M.S., Jacksonville State University; Ph.D., University of Georgia

Joan Woolfrey (2000)

Chairperson, Women's and Gender Studies

B.S., North Dakota State University; M.A., The New School for Social Research; Ph.D., University of Oregon

Associate Professor

Brian F. O'neill (1998)

B.A., University of Pittsburgh; M.S.W., Marywood College; Ph.D., City University of New York

Course titles and descriptions for Holocaust and Genocide Studies are listed under the relevant departments.