World War II Studies, MA
Explore the second world war through a first-of-its-kind online partnership between ASU and the National WWII Museum. Draw on the museum's oral history collection and wartime artifacts alongside the global perspective of ASU faculty for a holistic view of the war and its legacy.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
World War II Studies master's degree description
Through advanced interdisciplinary study in the Master of Arts program in World War II, you explore the causes and effects of World War II; the global nature of the conflict; the evolution of governance and political systems; and human responses to conflict, violence and genocide. Program coursework also helps you contextualize current events through study of the war's historical, political and cultural legacies.
Why study World War II studies at ASU?
In this program, you have the opportunity to learn from ASU faculty as well as the National WWII Museum's historians, curators and educators, drawing on their combined expertise throughout your studies.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (WWS 597)
Required Core (12 credit hours) Electives or Research (9 credit hours) Other Requirements (6 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information For the Other Requirements courses, students must take either HST 454 or WWS 564. If a student chooses to take HST 454 to fulfill the requirement, they may take WWS 564 as an elective. Likewise, if a student chooses to take WWS 564 to fulfill a requirement, they may take HST 454 as an elective. Other coursework may be used with approval of the academic unit.
WWS 561 Decision Points I (3)
WWS 562 Decision Points II (3)
WWS 563 The Lived Experience of World War II (3)
WWS 566 World War II Today (3)
HST 454 History of Genocide (3) or WWS 564 The Global War (3)
WWS 460 World War II (3) or HST 460 World War II (3)
WWS 597 Capstone (3)
Students should refer to the academic unit for the approved electives and research course list.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Able to analyze the decision-making process within the larger context of the Second World War.
- Able to evaluate the global, social, cultural, economic and political legacy of World War II since 1945, with particular attention to differing narratives.
- Analyzing the causes, course and memory of the genocidal nature of World War II, will be able to compose evidence-based arguments grounded in the analysis of sources.
Able to analyze the decision-making process within the larger context of the Second World War.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) or master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Students from any field who demonstrate potential are considered for admission. Competitive applicants typically have a 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 credit hours of their undergraduate coursework. Applicants with a lower GPA might still be accepted and should address lower GPAs in their personal statement. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information An applicant's potential for success is determined by the quality of writing and clarity of thought demonstrated in the letter of intent and responses to the application questions. During the application process, applicants are prompted to write short responses to World War II-related questions. These responses serve to demonstrate to the committee a student's writing ability and potential for thoughtful participation in degree coursework. Letters of recommendation that point to a student's ability to deliver high-quality academic work and persist to an academic goal receive priority. An applicant's GPA and academic performance, particularly in humanities coursework, also indicate potential.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 07/21 | Priority* |
| Session B | Online | 09/14 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 12/10 | Final* |
| Session B | Online | 02/13 | Priority* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this World War II studies master's degree prepares you for
Graduates have the fundamental training needed for careers in research, teaching, public history, government service and a host of other positions in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Graduates serve as first-rate historians, highly qualified teachers at the elementary and secondary levels and at community colleges, researchers and consultants, archivists, foreign service officers, management professionals, community organizers, and public servants.
Other career examples include:
- archivist
- college instructor
- editorial and publishing professional
- museum director and staff
- nonprofit director
- research professional
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies, Sch
|
COOR 4595
SHPRSGradInfo@asu.edu
480-965-5778
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
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ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
