ASU to offer graduate degree in World War II studies, other new programs

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. 

MORE:Phoenix synagogue's founding family saved 1,500 people during the Holocaust

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.

MORE:Arizona's connection to iconic flag-raising at Iwo Jima during World War II

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.

Moon said she expects about 100 students to enroll in the program.

How a new degree comes to life

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.

Other new degrees

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.

Here are other new degrees, certificates and programs at ASU:

• Certificate in veterans, service and society.
• Bachelor of arts in religious studies (religion, culture and public life).
• Bachelor of arts in religious studies (religion, politics and global affairs).
• Bachelor of science in speech and hearing science.
• Bachelor of science in tourism and recreation management.
• Certificate in interdisciplinary health humanities.
• Graduate certificate in acute care pediatric nurse practitioner.
• Doctorate of nursing practice in advanced nursing practice (acute care pediatric nurse practitioner).
• Master of science in auditory and language neuroscience.
• Graduate certificate in communication disorders in multilingual/multicultural populations.
• Master of science in digital audience strategy.
• Graduate certificate in digital audiences.
• Master of arts in indigenous education.
• Ph.D. in innovation in global development.
• Master of science in medical nutrition.
• Graduate certificate in Spanish language pedagogy.
• Master of arts in special education (applied behavior analysis).
• Master of science in user experience.

Here are new degree and program options at UA:

• Bachelor’s in applied humanities.
• Bachelor’s in food studies.
• Bachelor’s in statistics and data science.
• Bachelor’s in food safety.
• Bachelor’s in hydrology and atmospheric sciences.
• Bachelor’s in nutrition and food systems.
• Bachelor’s in personal and family financial planning.
• Bachelor’s in Deaf studies.
• Bachelor’s in mild moderate disabilities.
• Bachelor’s in rehabilitation studies and services.
• Master of arts in applied ethnomusicology and intercultural arts research.
• Master in healthcare management.
• Master of science in biosystems engineering.
• Master of science in business analytics.
• Master of science in econometrics and quantitative economics.
• Ph.D. in biosystems engineering.
• Ph.D. in applied ethnomusicology and intercultural arts research.
• Certificate in computational social sciences.
• Certificate in real estate development analysis.
• Certificate in real estate development finance.
• Certificate in real estate development practice.

Here are new degree and program options at NAU:

• Online master of education in international education leadership.
• Master in educational foundations.
• Ph.D. in interdisciplinary health.
• Bachelor of science in education in early childhood, BSED.
• Online master of social work.
• Master of public health with a focus on nutrition science and dietetics.
• Master in informatics.
• Certificate in innovative thinking and problem solving.

Reach reporter Rachel Leingang at rachel.leingang@gannett.com. Find her on Twitter or Facebook. 

READ MORE:

• Arizona State University students move into dorms
• Safe to smoke marijuana at Arizona colleges? Here are the rules
• ASU professor Lawrence Krauss ousted from post after sex misconduct claims
• UA fraternity loses recognition after party, assault and 'slush fund' discovery