Welcome from the Dean

When I reflect on this array of programs in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, I envision a unique tapestry. The tapestry is woven together with a common thread, which is our pursuit of beauty, goodness, truth and justice through which an experience of the magnificence of God’s creation is realized in the following ways:

  • Whether accomplished through the exploration of enriching languages and cultures or striving to analyze, experience or create through art, music, media or literature, the goal is to bring to life that which is beautiful and true. We facilitate the process of seeking the truth through the writings of the great authors, appreciating artistic masterpieces and music, as well as determining the most effective way to spread the message through media.
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  • No doubt history brings to light the ugliness of war, inequality and hatred; however, the stories of history are interspersed with manifestations of justice, fidelity, courage and love of what is beautiful. By studying the imperfect past, a desire forms to right the wrongs and acknowledge thoughts and actions that are truly just. Through history & anthropology, the gradual unfolding of humanity can be experienced.
  • The social sciences thrust us into the reality of society, culture, politics, family and the people who were made in God’s image and likeness, despite being tainted by fallible humanness. One might say that political science, sociology and psychology deal with much of the negative and unhealthiness that exist in the world, but fortunately we prefer not to be stuck in the conundrum; instead, we seek understanding and possible solution through research and theoretical analysis. Delving into the unpleasant reality allots us the opportunity to strive towards building on the world’s strengths and healing the woundedness in order to step closer to the love and goodness that God intended.

Therefore, if you would like to embark on such a journey, I invite you to peruse the web page and investigate the possibilities that are contained in our plethora of majors and minors. The school houses eight departments and multiple programs including: Classics (Latin, Greek , and Great Books Honors Program), Communication Arts (concentrations in Journalism, Multimedia, and Radio/TV), English (concentrations in Writing, British & American Lit, and Western & World Lit), Fine Arts ( Theater, Art, and Sacred Music), History & Anthropology, Modern Languages (French, German, and Spanish), Political Science ( Humanities & Catholic Culture, Sociology, Human Life Studies Minor, Legal Studies Minor, Criminology Minor, and Law School Prep) and Psychology (two tracks: Clinical & Experimental and the newest program, Human Development & Family Studies).
When joining us, you will have the companionship of scholars, researchers, and professors who embrace their personal vocations as they nurture your talents and interests and bring you closer to realizing your God-given potential. The journey will require a willingness to respond to an invitation to grow in knowledge, experience, and your personal, professional and spiritual growth. This opens you to authentic human existence –to holiness–and in the words of St. Bonaventure, to “reflect the Beauty that beautifies the universe.” Let the adventure begin!

God’s peace,
Regina P. Boerio, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Dean, Humanities & Social Sciences

Mission

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Franciscan University of Steubenville provides students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, character, and values needed to become broadly educated. The goal of this education is to facilitate the development of conscientious citizens and informed Catholics who have been given the foundation to thrive in their future careers and carry out their general Christian duty to evangelize the world. The School strives to educate the whole person by leading students to explore the depths of the human condition through studies in the traditional disciplines of the liberal arts and the social sciences. At the same time, the School aims to encourage a comprehensive knowledge of culture, human society, and relationships among people, with a particular focus on the dignity of the human person. Since we believe that God is the ultimate source of that dignity, the study of the humanities and the social sciences fosters a genuine relationship with Him.

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School Departments
School Faculty Achievements

New Study Reveals Potential Harmful Effects of Drug-Induced Abortion

New Study Reveals Potential Harmful Effects of Drug-Induced AbortionUsing animal models, Franciscan University researchers propose potential basis for link between medical abortion and depression and anxiety behaviors.June 14, 2019 STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—After more than three years of research, a team of behavioral neuroscientists at Franciscan University of Steubenville has released the findings of a study that…

Franciscan University Professor Wins Third Place in International Voice Competition

Franciscan University Professor Wins Third Place in International Voice CompetitionApril 09, 2018 STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—Franciscan University of Steubenville sacred music voice professor Dr. Jessica Ewell took third place in the prestigious Concurso Internacional de Canto Lirico voice competition held November 2-10 in Trujillo, Peru. Following preliminary rounds in which more than 150 singers competed from Korea,…

Drama Professor Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Drama Professor Receives Lifetime Achievement AwardDr. Monica Anderson received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Artistic Scholarship and LeadershipJanuary 29, 2014 STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—Dr. Monica Anderson, Franciscan University of Steubenville professor of drama, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Artistic Scholarship and Leadership from the Theatre, Film, and New Media Division of the National Communication Association. Anderson,…

School Faculty
Dr. Joseph Almeida

Dr. Joseph Almeida

Professor
Department Chair

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Dr. Monica Anderson

Dr. Monica Anderson

Professor
Department Chair

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Dr. Sabrina Bierstetel

Dr. Sabrina Bierstetel

Assistant Professor

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Dr. Regina Boerio

Dr. Regina Boerio

Professor
Dean

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Dr. Matthew Breuninger

Dr. Matthew Breuninger

Associate Professor

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Dr. Alexander Burns

Assistant Professor

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Dr. Alberto Descalzo

Dr. Alberto Descalzo

Associate Professor

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Sherri Kurz Descalzo portrait 9-11-2020 -9667

Dr. Sherri Kurz Descalzo

Associate Professor

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Dr. Kasia Dudek

Dr. Katarzyna Dudek

Associate Professor
Austria Program

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Dr. Jessica Ewell

Dr. Jessica Ewell

Associate Professor

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