Why Study History at Appalachian State?

The study of history is an essential part of a liberal arts education and offers valuable preparation for careers in law, journalism, and public history; in local, state, and national public service; in business, where knowledge of domestic and foreign affairs is desirable, as well as in history/social studies teaching and the advanced discipline of history.


two merged images. Left: students present research to a classroom audience. Right: Students on research trip to Washington, DC.

Pictured Left: Student presentation of research gathered in Dr. Deathridge's graduate Historic Preservation class.

Pictured Right: Students on a research trip to Washington, DC with Dr. Pegelow Kaplan and Professor Amy Hudnall


By exposing students to a variety of cultures and human experiences and by training them in the interpretation of conflicting evidence, the History Department prepares students for the responsibilities of citizenship and for dealing with the ambiguities of human existence. Finally, the discipline of history provides an intellectual challenge as well as a stimulus to the imagination and to analytical thinking.

The Department of History at Appalachian State provides students with knowledge of their own cultural tradition and an appreciation of other cultures and societies of the past. It promotes an appreciation of the complexity of human affairs and the difficulties involved in interpreting them. The Department offers a broad curriculum in local, national, regional, and world history which encourages history majors to develop a comparative approach to human problems.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

The study of history is more than the study of the past. It requires students and practitioners to be critical about the construction of ideas, narratives, and memory. It challenges us to question what we know, and how we know it. As we do that, we can begin building a more inclusive picture of the past.

The Department of History is committed to supporting a more inclusive history, as well as more inclusive classrooms. We work to provide inclusive and equal access to instruction, services, programs, advising, and spaces that support a diversity of backgrounds, cultures, values, perspectives, learning experiences, and needs. We support and foster a tolerant, respectful, and inclusive educational and social environment for students, staff, community members, teachers, and colleagues.

The Department of History does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

Adopted October 28, 2020