Department of History and Philosophy
In the Department of History and Philosophy you’ll never be just another face in the crowd. The courses, programs, and extracurricular opportunities that are available revolve around YOU! With offerings on campus and online during the regular academic year and over breaks, the department offers students the flexibility to complete not only general degree requirements but entire programs of study at their own pace and in a way that fits into their schedule. With a faculty made up of scholars recognized not only regionally but nationally as well, students have the chance to learn from and work with experts in their fields. With a variety of opportunities outside the classroom, including award-winning student organizations recognized across campus and around the country, majors and non-majors alike will find plenty to do.
Programs
The study of history focuses on explaining why or how things have changed over time. It also teaches humility and understanding by studying people living in the past as it promotes the importance of civic responsibility and moral understanding in the present. Studying history provides students the opportunity to learn how to research, communicate, and think critically while also preparing them for many careers such as business, law, education, journalism, government, and research.
The Philosophy and Religion program explores the big questions facing humanity. Our classes are designed to encourage students to think critically and creatively about human existence and the nature of reality. The Philosophy and Religion Major and Minors emphasize critical reasoning and logical analysis; an understanding of the many methods of human inquiry; a survey of the history of philosophy and the history of ethics; the analysis and appreciation of values and their application to moral and political issues; a reflective and tolerant exploration of religion; and the growth of a personal philosophy based on the lifelong search for and appreciation of truth, knowledge, goodness, and beauty.
The Philosophy and Religion Major is good background for many different career fields and courses of graduate study. Students can concentrate in Philosophical, Religious, or Ethical Studies, according to their interests and goals.
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The Tennessee Association of Museums (TAM) has honored the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center and Austin Peay State University with a 2026 Award of Excellence in the Community Support category for "Public History: Downtown Walking Tours," a student-led project developed and directed by Dr. Cate LiaBraaten.
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Austin Peay alumnus Nicholas Herrud has been awarded a Fulbright to conduct archival research in Vilnius, Lithuania. Now a doctoral candidate at Notre Dame, Herrud is exploring the history of the Polish and Soviet borderlands between the World Wars. Read his story.
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The Tennessee Holocaust Commission, in partnership with Austin Peay State University, will host "Auschwitz: Investigations and Legacies" from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in APSU's Morgan University Center Room 307.
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