COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (BASS) at Fairleigh Dickinson University is an interdisciplinary program designed to help students understand and analyze social relationships, political systems, historical developments, and cultural issues affecting societies around the world. The program emphasizes critical inquiry, ethical awareness, research skills, and the ability to evaluate information, identify bias, and participate actively in civil society. Students complete 30 credits in the major, including introductory survey courses in disciplines such as history, geography, government, and sociology, along with upper-division coursework in social research methods or qualitative research methods, a senior capstone seminar, and advanced electives. The degree also includes 48 free elective credits, giving students substantial flexibility to personalize their education or pursue internships, study abroad, and interdisciplinary interests. Students can choose from several specialized concentrations. The History and Government concentration focuses on political systems, governance, and historical analysis. The Environmental Studies concentration examines sustainability, environmental policy, geography, and the relationship between human societies and Earth’s systems, preparing students for careers in environmental advocacy, policy, consulting, education, journalism, and green technology. The Health and Society concentration explores how culture, economics, and politics shape health, illness, and healthcare systems, supporting career paths in medicine, nursing, public health, health advocacy, social work, and healthcare policy. The Hispanic Studies concentration emphasizes Latin American history, politics, geography, culture, and Latino communities, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, education, journalism, law, business, nonprofits, and international relations. The Law and Policy concentration explores legal systems and policymaking while preparing students for legal and public service careers. The program also offers a QUEST teacher education pathway that combines social sciences with public-school teacher certification in a 4+1 master’s degree structure. Overall, the BASS degree develops communication, analytical reasoning, research, and leadership skills needed for careers in public service, education, advocacy, research, government, and global organizations.