Department of History & War Studies Department of History & War Studies About the Department The mission of the Department of History & War Studies is to impart to cadets the historical knowledge, appreciation of history, and critical thinking and communication skills necessary to be successful leaders, able to understand human behavior, ideas, and actions in a global context. Learn more about HWS Majors HWS offers several majors for cadets interested in history or war studies. Majors determine course requirements and academic timelines as well as the type of career or branch that a cadet may choose to pursue after USMA graduation. Cadets may choose from two majors - History or War Studies. The History major offers several tracks, or stems, including American history, military history, and international History. History War Studies Minors Minors offered by the Department of History & War Studies allow cadets to explore other areas of interest while still pursuing their academic major. These options allow cadets to choose a minor that either complements their major or adds another potential career path after graduation. General History American Foundations (co-sponsored with the Department of Social Sciences) Research HWS cadets, faculty and staff participate in the pursuit of knowledge through USMA’s variety of outstanding research-oriented centers, institutes and programs. Cadets may take part in capstone projects, offering hands-on experience in designing solutions for real-world challenges. Resnick Center for Holocaust Studies & Genocide Studies Center for Oral History Digital History Center Internships Cadets have the opportunity to participate in a range of immersive activities through the Department of History & War Studies. We offer summer internships through the U.S. Army War College and with the Joint Staff History Office. We also offer a variety of summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) programs, staff rides, and local trips to bring cadets to places where history happened, at home and abroad. Staff Rides and AIADs Clubs & Programs HWS sponsors a local Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society chapter. It typically meets monthly. Phi Alpha Theta - Honor Society COL Gail Yoshitani Department Head Professor COL Gail E.S. Yoshitani is the professor and head of the Department of History and War Studies at the United States Military Academy. After earning her Ph.D. in military history from Duke University, she became a permanent member of the West Point faculty. Read more about COL Gail Yoshitani Meet the HWS faculty and staff Follow Us Contact Us UPS/ FEDEX Mailing address:United States Military Academy646 Swift RoadThayer Hall, D/History, Rm 151West Point, NY 10996Administrative OfficerDepartment of History & War StudiesKrista HennenPhone: (845) 938-3221 Contact History & War Studies Prospective Staff & Faculty Instructor duty is a hugely enjoyable, rewarding, and developmental experience that prepares officers intellectually for the challenges that lie ahead in the Army. Join the HWS team Helpful Links Visit our Department Online AtlasWest Point Undergraduate Historical Review