ASU offers new World War II studies degree

Next year, students at Arizona State University will be able to get a master’s degree in World War II studies.

The new online Master of Arts in World War II Studies program will start in spring 2019, though enrollment is open now.

It’s the first program of its kind — a graduate study of World War II — offered in the United States, the school said.

ASU partnered with the National World War II Museum in New Orleans for the 30-credit-hour program. It will utilize the museum’s collections and artifacts, along with personal stories from people who served, according to the university.

Classes will cover preserving oral histories, how the war was shown in film and books, the war’s lasting impact, military campaigns, effects on civilians, and the Holocaust, ASU said in a news release about the program.

Penelope Moon, director of online programs for ASU’s School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, said the program came to be after ASU President Michael Crow chatted with a member of the New Orleans museum’s board a couple years ago. Both thought it would be cool if a program existed.

Most of the program’s courses have been codeveloped by ASU scholars and the museum, she said.

The use of the museum’s resources is one of the most exciting aspects of the program, Moon said.

“Students, no matter where they live on the planet, will be able to engage the rich resource collection the museum has,” Moon said.

The school and museum also plan to offer some online, not-for-credit courses on World War II, aiming to reach history buffs and lifelong learners.

Moon said the program, like many humanities degrees, teaches transferable skills employers prize, like the ability to find and analyze information, communicate effectively and understand cultural differences.

She said the degree could benefit people who work in education, politics, the military, government, non-profits and diplomacy.

Volker Benkert, an ASU history professor who focuses on Germany and Europe, said the war is highly relevant today and shaped the world. Along with teaching transferable skills, the coursework will show how World War II connects to contemporary events and the modern world.

Starting a new degree program at ASU requires approval from the university provost’s office and a complete proposal from the department planning to offer the degree, according to ASU’s website.

The proposal needs to address any needed university funding or program fees, whether the market needs a degree offering in the desired area, and how to assess whether students in the program are learning.

If the new degree or program requires students to pay a fee, the Arizona Board of Regents must approve it.

The University Senate, a group made up of university faculty, also weighs in on the proposed program, then sends the proposal back to the provost for final approval.

The World War II program isn’t the only new option for Arizona public university students.

This fall, students at ASU, the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University will see a number of new degree options available.

ASU Online is offering its first online degree in an arts practice this fall, a bachelor of fine arts in digital photography.