History & War Studies Read about the newly transformed HWS History & War Studies Read about the newly transformed HWS Breadcrumb academics departments history and war studies About the Department The mission of the Department of History & War Studies (HWS) is to provide cadets with 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 History & War Studies 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. Explore History Major at USMA Explore War Studies Major at USMA Contact HWS academic counselors 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 enable cadets to choose a minor that either complements their major or adds another potential career path after graduation. Explore General History Minor at USMA Explore American Foundations (co-sponsored with the Department of Social Sciences) at USMA 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. Explore Resnick Center for Holocaust & Genocide Studies at USMA Explore Center for Oral History at USMA Explore Digital History Center at USMA Internships Cadets have the opportunity to participate in a range of immersive activities through the Department of History and War Studies. The department offers summer internships through the U.S. Army War College and with the Joint Staff History Office. It also provides 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. Explore HWS Staff Rides and Internships Clubs & Programs The Department of History & War Studies sponsors a local Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society chapter. It typically meets monthly. Explore Phi Alpha Theta - Honor Society at USMA COL Gail Yoshitani Department Head Professor, U.S. Military Academy COL Gail E. S. Yoshitani is the professor and head of the Department of History and War Studies (HWS) 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 History and War Studies faculty and staff 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 Email History & War Studies Contact HWS DACs 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 Explore non-commissioned officer opportunities Explore civilian opportunities Report: Undergraduate Historical Review Cadets and recent graduates are invited to submit articles featuring the Dean's academic theme; however, papers on all history topics and fields are welcome. Submissions are open year-round. Learn more about the Report review