Overview of the Department
The history department offers both a history major and a broad field social studies (BFSS) major. The BFSS major is an interdisciplinary degree with an emphasis in history and support courses drawn from the social sciences.
Goal of the BFSS program:
- Provide a broad education in history and the social sciences, preparing students to teach history and social studies at middle and secondary levels
- Succeed in graduate studies or law school
- Pursue career paths in government service, politics, business, or history.
A BFSS B.S. degree with secondary teaching preparation and a history emphasis prepares students for teaching positions, the majority of which include content in American or world history. Students who major in broad field social studies for teaching at the secondary level complete a concentration in history of thirty-two (32) credit hours plus additional courses from the social sciences.
There are, however, B.S. and B.A. degree options for those students with an interest in history and social studies, but who do not want teacher certification. Students who major in broad field social studies for a B.S. or B.A. degree without certification complete a concentration in history of thirty-one (31) credit hours plus additional courses from the social sciences.
With or without teacher certification, the BFSS degree provides a broad knowledge base that enriches one’s life intellectually, a characteristic of a liberally educated person.
For more information, contact:
Michael Smuksta, Ph.D.
Chair, History and Interdisciplinary Studies
608.796.3497
mjsmuksta@viterbo.edu