The past is the best training for the questions of the present. Florida Southern's BA and BS in History develop your research and writing through rare access to on-campus archives and a senior capstone you can present at a regional historians' conference.
Learning about the past to understand the present and influence the future.
When, where, and how did the study of History get its reputation for being boring and stuffy? The question baffles the faculty of our Department. History is the record of all past human activity, ever. Judging by human activity at the present, with its dangers, its discord, and its disease, we might even prefer that it was more dull. But then we are reminded of the present’s inspirations, solidarity, genius, and progress -- all of which are the extensions of the achievements of our predecessors. The human drama swirls all around us: behind us and ahead of us. We think History is absolutely gripping. Every person on Earth is inextricably embedded in History, but its meanings are disputed, as is the meaning of the events of today. These disputes, and the identities that form around them and make their claims on our future, are always at the center of our attention. Our faculty channel the past and make it recognizable and significant to our Majors.
From studying distant cultures to analyzing the events that have shaped our modern world, your journey as a History major will take you across time, across disciplines. And, if you choose, across the globe. Grapple with the complex questions and dilemmas of the past, conduct authentic research, and develop the analytical voice that employers and graduate schools value most.
All freshman applicants to Florida Southern Colleges full-time degree programs must submit the following information:
Applying to Florida Southern as a transfer student is easy. Submit:
If transferring fewer than 24 credits, also include your official high school transcript and SAT/ACT scores.
Learn More about transfer admissionsEach History major works in close consultation with an advisor to select 36 hours (nine courses) distributed across lower and upper-level offerings covering a variety of topics, time periods, and regions. Classroom activities include group projects, discussions, presentations, working with primary sources, and lectures, often enhanced by technology, while informal exchanges with faculty in offices, the departmental lounge, or campus dining spots create a genuine intellectual community outside the classroom.
In their senior year, every History major completes an original research project on a topic of their choice, with individual faculty supervision throughout. These capstone projects are frequently presented at the annual Florida Conference of Historians, and some are published in the Conference's academic journal, The Annals. Senior capstone projects also serve as ideal writing samples for professional and graduate school applications.
The History program also offers an Honors in the Major option for highly motivated students who want to pursue an in-depth investigation of a specific area in consultation with a faculty expert. Students interested in the Honors option should speak with the department chair during the first semester of their junior year.
Students who meet the History major requirements alongside the Social Science education coursework specified by the School of Education are eligible for a Florida Professional Teacher Certificate in Social Science (6-12).
Core areas of study include:
History at FSC is a tight-knit community of students who share a passion for the past and its relevance to the present. The History Club organizes field trips, movie nights, and on-campus activities, and assists in hosting the annual Florida Lecture Series: a forum that brings distinguished speakers to campus to explore Florida life, culture, and history. Past speakers have included Bob Graham, Janet Reno, Douglas Brinkley, Isabel Wilkerson, and Gilbert King.
History students are also eligible to join Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honors Society, through FSC's Alpha Omicron Nu chapter.
FSC's History Department bears the rare distinction of having at its command an entire archive on site. The McKay Archives contain the Congressional Papers of some of Florida’s past Representatives to the national government, the Florida Citrus Archives, and the archives of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. It is also the repository of the institutional records of Florida Southern College itself. Our Majors may delve as deeply as they wish into the holdings of a real archive without leaving campus.
FSC's History Department coordinates for-credit internships at a variety of nearby institutions. While developing their own professional skills and burnishing their resumes, our Majors advance the missions of the Lakeland Public Library, the Polk County History Center, the Plant City Photo Archive, the Southwest Florida Military Museum and Library, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida, the National Park Service's DeSoto National Memorial, and other public and private organizations. If a student is interested in an internship elsewhere, our faculty are eager to expand our list of partners.
Every History Major will compose their own "capstone" during their final year based on their own original research and stemming solely from their own interests. Faculty provide individual supervision to each research project, augmenting each student’s imagination with their own knowledge and expertise. The results are frequently presented at the annual Florida Conference of Historians and some are even published in the Conference’s academic journal, The Annals. Senior capstone projects are also ideal writing samples for professional and postgraduate study applications.
Every Spring, the department caravans to the annual Florida Conference of Historians. Coming together with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates from across the state, our Majors share their original research, dine sumptuously, and enjoy the company of hundreds who share similar interests. In fact, we have even been honored to host the Conference ourselves -- twice in the past decade!
The History degree is extremely versatile and tells potential private and government employers that the so-endowed candidate is capable of quickly developing command over a given corpus of information, applying nuanced analysis, and writing adeptly and argumentatively. Many of our Majors become educators in their own right, while others have gone on to pursue law, engage in business, or join the armed services. All professional endeavors stand to benefit from the skills we develop in our discipline.
Teaching history at the secondary level is one of the most direct career paths for History graduates. FSC's program, combined with the School of Education's professional coursework, prepares students for a Florida Professional Teacher Certificate in Social Science (6-12), with the skills and classroom experience to lead from day one.
History is one of the strongest pre-law majors available. The skills developed through historical research, argumentation, and critical writing translate directly to the demands of legal study and practice. FSC's senior capstone project provides an ideal writing sample for law school applications.
The analytical and communication skills developed through a History degree are highly valued in government, policy, diplomacy, and the armed services. FSC graduates are well prepared to enter public service at the local, state, and federal levels.
Employers across industries value the critical thinking, research ability, and clear communication that History majors bring to the table. FSC graduates have successfully translated their historical training into careers in business, consulting, communications, and beyond.
FSC's senior capstone research project, conference presentation experience, and Honors in the Major option make graduates competitive candidates for graduate and professional programs. Recent graduates have pursued advanced study in history, law, public affairs, and related fields.
"My favorite thing about being a history major is the professors. All the history professors are welcoming and approachable."
"My favorite thing about my major is the ability to participate in engaged learning. As a freshman, I was able to submit a paper and present it at a conference, which is something unique to Florida Southern."
"I love the history department for several reasons, but primarily because you can tell the professors have such a passion for their fields and want to help grow that same passion in you. Also, it is not the biggest department on campus in terms of students, so it's a close-knit community of students who all have the same interests."
"I love the feel of community and the uniqueness of the opportunities offered, like internships and getting to explore in-depth topics in Europe, Asia, and American History."
From on-campus archives and conference presentations to study abroad in Europe, Latin America, and Oceania, FSC History students are always learning beyond the textbook. Every research project, internship, and field experience builds the skills and credentials you will carry into your career or graduate program.
The annual Florida Lecture Series brings distinguished speakers to FSC to explore Florida life, culture, and history across a wide range of disciplines, including history, public affairs, law, sociology, criminology, anthropology, literature, and art. Past speakers have included former governors, award-winning historians, celebrated writers, and public officials such as Reubin Askew, Janet Reno, Douglas Brinkley, and Robert V. Remini. For History students, it is a front-row seat to the conversations shaping our understanding of the past and present.
Our historians teach every course themselves, partner with you in your research, and bring their own work on Florida, Europe, and beyond into the classroom.
Professor of History
Associate Professor of History
Visiting Professor of History
Get an inside look into the Florida Southern College experience with on-campus tours and events designed to show you what it will be like to live, study, and play at FSC.
Spend a day and discover what it's like to be a part of our amazing campus community!
Admissions
Meet FSC Mocs before a fun-filled experience at Southern Select! You can enjoy light refreshments...
Admissions
Much more than a traditional campus visit, Southern Select includes team building activities, a...
Admissions
Read the latest from FSC's History department, from student conference presentations and research publications to faculty awards and Florida Lecture Series announcements.
At FSC, you are the focus. Our team loves connecting with prospective students to answer questions about the BA and BS in History and explore how the program can be a fit for your goals.
Professor of History
The past holds the answers to the questions that matter most today. Take your next step toward a BA or BS in History at Florida Southern College.
