Holocaust and Related Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the profound historical, ethical, and societal dimensions of genocide through a rigorous academic lens, with a primary focus on 20th-century atrocities including the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust. This interdisciplinary program equips students with critical analytical tools to understand the causes, consequences, and long-term impacts of mass violence, while fostering a deep engagement with memory, justice, and human rights.
- Genocide Studies: Examine the definition, historical development, and legal frameworks surrounding genocide, with in-depth analysis of pivotal cases from the 20th century.
- Survivor Studies and Trauma Counseling: Investigate the psychological, social, and emotional experiences of survivors, including therapeutic approaches and support systems.
- War Crimes Research and Prevention: Study the mechanisms of accountability, international legal responses, and strategies for preventing future atrocities.
- Reconciliation and Restorative Justice: Analyze processes of societal healing, compensation mechanisms, and the role of truth commissions in post-conflict societies.
- Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions: Engage with moral questions raised by mass violence, including responsibility, conscience, and the role of religion and philosophy in responding to evil.
- Genocide in Art and Literature: Explore how creative expression preserves memory, conveys trauma, and shapes public understanding of historical events.
- Intergenerational Legacy and Memory: Study how historical trauma is transmitted across generations and influences identity, culture, and civic engagement.
Holocaust and Related Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Holocaust and Related Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Holocaust and Related Studies degrees, including Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, History Teachers, Postsecondary and Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 77,510 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
| History Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1125 | $81,500 | $47,730 - $158,140 | 19,860 | N/A |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other 25-1069 | $75,040 | $45,280 - $176,350 | 17,540 | N/A |
| Historians 19-3093 | $74,050 | $38,630 - $128,500 | 3,140 | $35.60 |
Holocaust and Related Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $62,947 in Arkansas to $107,103 in Virginia—a 70% difference. The highest-paying states include Virginia, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 77,510 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Holocaust and Related Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 11 institutions offering Holocaust and Related Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Holocaust and Related Studies is found at Gratz College (18 graduates), Keene State College (KSC) (11 graduates), George Mason University (5 graduates), Stockton University (4 graduates), and Yeshiva University (YU) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 51 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gratz College |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
18 | Melrose Park, Pennsylvania | Private | gratz.edu |
| Keene State College (KSC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11 | Keene, New Hampshire | Public | keene.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Stockton University |
Master's
|
4 | Galloway, New Jersey | Public | stockton.edu |
| Yeshiva University (YU) |
Master's
|
4 | New York, New York | Private | yu.edu |
| Rowan University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
3 | Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| Kean University |
Master's
|
2 | Union, New Jersey | Public | kean.edu |
| Southern Arkansas University (SAU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Magnolia, Arkansas | Public | saumag.edu |
| Salem State University (SSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Salem, Massachusetts | Public | salemstate.edu |
| Seton Hill University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Greensburg, Pennsylvania | Private | setonhill.edu |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | West Chester, Pennsylvania | Public | wcupa.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Holocaust and Related Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Holocaust and Related Studies degree?
Salaries for Holocaust and Related Studies graduates vary by role and location. Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other earn a median of $100,340 annually, while History Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $81,500. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Virginia average $107,103 compared to $62,947 in Arkansas. Approximately 77,510 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Holocaust and Related Studies programs?
Currently 11 accredited institutions offer Holocaust and Related Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Gratz College (18 graduates), Keene State College (KSC) (11 graduates), and George Mason University (5 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Holocaust and Related Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 12 in 2010 to a peak of 61 in 2020, before declining slightly to 51 in 2023-24. This represents a 325% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Holocaust and Related Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, History Teachers, Postsecondary, and Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 77,510 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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