Benefits of the Program

Developed in association with Seton Hill's National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education, the program in Genocide and Holocaust Studies provides students with:

• access to a vast array of resources, including faculty members who are internationally renowned for their expertise in the field of genocide and Holocaust studies. 

• a deep understanding and appreciation of the subject matter without dedicating themselves to a full 36-credit or more master's program (Seton Hill's program is a 15-credit certificate.)

• the opportunity to study in Poland or Israel.

International and Seton Hill Scholars

International scholars that serve as faculty members in the Genocide and Holocaust Studies program include J. Michael Phayer, Ph.D., and Sheryl Ochayon, J.D. Dr. Phayer, a noted historian and professor emeritus at Marquette University, had done extensive research on the Nazi era in Germany, and on the Catholic Church in relation to the Second World War and the Holocaust.  Ms. Ochayon, an instructor at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Remembrance Authority in Israel since 2005, holds a J.D. from Harvard University.

Seton Hill scholars who serve as faculty members in the program include Sr. Dorothy Jacko, S.C., Th.D, James Paharik, Ph.D., and John Spurlock, Ph.D. Sr. Dorothy, associate professor of religious studies/theology, served as NGO liaison for the Sisters of Charity Federation at the United Nations and has held membership in a number of national justice and peace organizations. Sr. Dorothy has traveled widely to participate in dialogue among the world's religions, and incorporates her global and ecumenical vision into her teaching. Dr. Paharik, associate professor of sociology and faculty coordinator of the Genocide and Holocaust Studies Program, is the author of numerous scholarly works on the sociology of the Holocaust and genocide in comparative perspective. His recent book "The Long Journey," is based on a series of interviews Dr. Paharik conducted with Israelis and Palestinians associated with a variety of peace organizations, both secular and religious. Dr. Spurlock, professor of history, is a world traveler and prolific writer who has published widely on the society and culture of the U.S. Drs. Jacko, Paharik and Spurlock have all participated in the Catholic Institute for Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem in Israel.