About History
Buffalo State’s history program ensures both knowledge and an understanding of the foundations of the development of humankind. It stimulates thinking about the interaction of ideas, develops facility with written and verbal expression, increases confidence in articulating ideas, and encourages the critical awareness of self so important to an educated individual. Special emphasis is placed on the development of the abilities to analyze, synthesize, and communicate.
Social Studies Education (7-12), B.S.
Social Studies Education (7-12; 5-6 Extension), B.S.
Social Studies Education (7-12), M.S. Ed
Degree Information
History majors are qualified for careers that require a solid liberal arts training with an emphasis in history. History is a great foundation for careers in law, journalism, library science, public relations, nonprofit work, administration, and government service.
Graduates are prepared to work for agencies such as the U.S. State Department, Customs Service, and Immigration and Naturalization Service, and with businesses that conduct international trade.
History is also an excellent background for careers in communication because a knowledge of history lends a depth of understanding to print, broadcast, and web journalists.
Students who choose graduate school after earning their BA in history typically pursue advanced degrees in history, law, or related fields:
- Archaeologist
- Archivist
- Art Museum Curator
- Biographer
- Cultural Resources Manager
- Documentary Researcher/Writer
- Fine Art Restorer
- Gallery Associate
- Genealogist
- Grant Writer
- Historic Preservation Specialist
- Historic Site Manager
- Tour Guide/Docent
- History Teacher 7-12
- Journalist
- Lawyer or Paralegal
- Librarian
- Park Ranger
- Researcher/Research Assistant
- Records Manager
- Tour Guide/Docent
- University Professor
Community projects: History students and faculty have been active preservers of local history, documenting records from African-American churches and forming cooperative projects with the historic Black Rock community.
Phi Alpha Theta: The Buffalo State chapter of the international history honor society, provides honor students with the opportunity to meet other students in social and academic settings
Monroe Fordham Regional History Center: A founding member of the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, Inc. Fordham focused on African-American history and spearheaded the association’s microfilm project.
The Fronczak Collection: This important collection of papers and personal memorabilia belonging to Polish immigrant, Dr. Francis Fronczak, a lawyer, medical doctor, and health commissioner active during World War I and II is available to view in the E.H. Butler Library.
The Harold F. Peterson Collection: This collection Includes textile, ceramic, metal, and stone pieces that were produced by early Indian civilizations of South and Central America. It’s part of a permanent exhibit that is housed in the department's Peterson seminar/conference room.
Buffalo State is located in the Buffalo’s museum district and is near a host of historically important areas, buildings, and associations. Our department offers numerous opportunities for internships and cooperation across historic Buffalo:
- Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society
- Buffalo Museum of Science
- Burchfield-Penney Art Center
- Old Fort Niagara
- The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
- The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Our Strategic Location
Our department is located in the heart of historic Buffalo. History students benefit highly from our close proximity to historically significant buildings, museums, and organizations, some are literally across the street from our campus.
Our Faculty
Our award-winning faculty provide a broad range of historic views and are well-regarded in the field.
Scholarships
The History and Social Studies Department offers many scholarships to majors.
Honors Program
There is an opportunity for undergraduate students recommended for the honors program to work closely with a faculty member for two semesters, exploring a field-related area of interest.
Collaborative Opportunities
Our history students frequently collaborate on projects with the Art Conservation Department, one of the top three graduate art conservation programs of its kind in the nation.
“Seeing the diversity at Buffalo State while learning about different cultural identities made me more aware of people's differences."
