Education is about more than job skills (though we teach those too).
In the College of Arts & Letters we believe in the humanities. We believe that the college experience is about educating the whole person, not just the future employee. We believe that life is about art and music and dance and reading and critical thinking and the rich histories that inform life. By engaging with the humanities students learn the importance of practice, that difficulties often lead to the greatest rewards, and to expect uncertainty. Here, students learn to live responsibly and imaginatively, embracing diversity and collaboration as they strive to elucidate the larger human condition and shape intentional, ethical, socially just lives.
Even if you are not majoring in one of the many College of Arts & Letter programs you can still benefit from the tangible and intangible skills our classes teach. From international relations to advertising and marketing, biology to information technology, industry partners agree that the arts and humanities are necessary components to a thriving, successful society.
Our college teaches skills in critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and communication, the cornerstones to success across all disciplines.
In the College of Arts and Letters, we foster creators and doers, who create and study significant works.
Why choose a humanities degree at Austin Peay?
We believe that to be human is to engage with and understand culture. As majors in
the College of Arts & Letters students are able to customize their education, develop
mentoring relationships with faculty, and learn cornerstone skills that extend beyond
the classroom.
The First Step is the Hardest
The study of the humanities can seem intangible, like there’s no clear path to employment. Rest assured that the skills you learn in your classes are more than applicable to the “real world.” By providing students with hands-on learning opportunities including internships, study abroad classes, study-away courses, and service learning classes, we empower students to develop these seemingly intangible skills into real-life applications.
APSU's Department of Art + Design offers programs of study in drawing, digital media, graphic design, illustration, painting, photography, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, and art education.
APSU's Department of Communication offers unique and exciting options for students
who select our program. Students may engage in real-world experience, as well as hands-on
opportunities, from the moment they enter our program as freshmen.
APSU's Department of History and Philosophy courses and programs are designed to help
students learn about past events and ideas but also to help students develop skills
in analytical thinking and expression. Together these help prepare students for success
along a variety of academic and professional career paths. These may include education,
public service, or postgraduate study in the humanities or social studies, or in such
applied fields as law, religion, and business.
APSU's Department of Languages and Literature offers students small classes and a diverse, experienced faculty. Fields of study include Creative Writing, Professional Writing, English Education, French, German, Spanish, Classic Languages, and Classic Cultures.
APSU's Department of Music is an active and highly-visible component of the Clarksville Community. Composed of approximately 180 music majors and 32 full-time and adjunct faculty, the Department of Music is the largest producer of cultural events in the Clarksville area.
APSU's Department of Theatre and Dance offers a world-renowned department, in a state-of-the-art facility, fostering artists, scholars and professionals who positively impact our world.
The African American Studies program examines the history and culture of African Americans in the United States and the connections to the peoples of Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
The minor is designed to enable students to be better prepared for positions with government, business, or industry with international connections. It strives to develop foreign language skills; helps to provide an opportunity for students to study abroad; and seeks to promote international understanding.
This minor offers training for examining the complex questions and practice related to women and gender. Our Women and Gender Studies educators provide a wide range of courses focusing on gender, race, class, sexual orientation, sexual identity and disabilities. Students develop knowledge, skills and resources to contribute to the area of social justice locally, nationally and internationally.
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From the sidelines of Clarksville High School's football field to the broadcast booth at Austin Peay State University, Ethan Schmidt has always had a gift for public speaking. This semester, he's returning to his roots as a visiting professor in Austin Peay's Department of Communication after working as an adjunct professor since 2017.
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Oscar-nominated animator Erick Oh, known for "Namoo" and his work at Pixar, will deliver a free public lecture at Austin Peay State University on September 24. The event, part of the CECA Visiting Artist Speaker Series, offers students and the community insights into animation and storytelling.
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The Govs on the Go: Legacy Series podcast has announced the upcoming release of new episodes spotlighting three esteemed retirees from APSU: Solie Fott, Jim Diehr, and Ellen Kanervo.
Read MoreBegin the application process now by visiting the link below.
