Nov 10, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

About Austin Peay State University



APSU Today

Austin Peay State University is one of the fastest growing universities in Tennessee that offers high quality undergraduate and graduate programs to a student body of varied ethnicities, ages, and interests. As of April 2017, APSU has a governing Board of Trustees. All public higher education in the state is coordinated by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). The University’s urban campus is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, the state’s fifth largest city, just 50 miles from Nashville, the state capitol. Austin Peay State University also has multiple off-campus instructional sites including the Fort Campbell military installation site. While the majority of students live in the northwest and middle areas of Tennessee and in southern Kentucky, a number of students attend from throughout the state and the nation. APSU’s vision is to create a collaborative, integrative learning community, instilling in students habits of critical inquiry as they gain knowledge, skills and values for life and work in a global society.

As one of the state’s most diverse public universities, APSU has much to offer through quality programs, convenient locations and excellent technology-supported facilities. To meet the needs of today’s students, APSU offers day, evening and weekend classes on its Clarksville campus, as well as the Fort Campbell campus. In addition, online classes have become increasingly popular as students seek more options for scheduling classes. Therefore, both traditional and non-traditional students will find that APSU offers programs that match their interests and class scheduling that suits their lifestyle.

APSU supports the goal of a quality learning environment that encourages men and women to equip themselves to use their abilities productively and wisely. Leading the efforts of a committed faculty and staff in fulfilling this mission is President Alisa White, the tenth president since Austin Peay opened it doors in 1927 as a normal school for preparing teachers. The school is named in honor of Gov. Austin Peay of Clarksville, who was serving his third term of office when the school was established.

Accreditation

Austin Peay State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Austin Peay State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

In addition, specific programs of the University are accredited by:

  • Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology
  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
  • American Chemistry Society (Chemistry)
  • American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA-CVTEA)
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (undergraduate and graduate teacher education)
  • Council on Social Work Education (Social Work)
  • Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
  • National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (Medical Technology)
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design (Art)
  • National Association of Schools of Music (accredited institutional member)

Off-Campus Instructional Site Information

The information below explains programs and locations where students are eligible to earn at least 50% of a degree. While many of these instructional sites are Dual Enrollment sites where high school students participate in completing general education requirements, other sites are available to all students.

By allowing our students to complete coursework at these locations, it opens yet another avenue for APSU to reach out to the community and students in a format which may allow students easier access to needed courses.

Off-Campus Instructional Sites

Austin Peay State University offers courses at multiple locations and in multiple formats to all for ease of educational access to all who seek a higher education credential. The below listing identifies locations and services available for those locations students may earn 50% or greater of a credential. 

  • The Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell
  • Bibb-White Bluff Civic Center
  • Cheatham Central High School
  • Clarksville Academy
  • Clarksville High School
  • Creek Wood High School
  • East Hickman County High School
  • Fairview High School
  • Hickman County High School
  • Highland Crest 
  • Montgomery Central High School
  • Northeast High School
  • Rossview High School
  • Soto Cano Air Base
  • Stewart County High School
  • Sycamore High School
  • West Creek High School
  • Workforce Essentials Cheatham County

In addition to the locations above, some courses are also taught at locations where students earn less than 50% of a credential.  In accordance with the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, Section 107, the additional locations are listed below.

  • Clarksville Regional Airport
  • APSU Farm and Environmental Education Center
  • Dickson County High School
  • Kenwood High School
  • Northwest High School
  • Pellissippi State Community College
  • Springfield Middle School

Institutional Mission

Austin Peay State University is a comprehensive university committed to raising the educational attainment of the citizenry, developing programs and services that address regional needs, and providing collaborative opportunities that connect university expertise with private and public resources. Collectively, these endeavors contribute significantly to the intellectual, economic, social, physical, and cultural development of the region. APSU prepares students to be engaged and productive citizens, while recognizing that society and the marketplace require global awareness and continuous learning. This mission will be accomplished by:

  • Offering undergraduate, graduate, and student support programs designed to promote critical thinking, communication skills, creativity, and leadership;
  • Expanding access opportunities and services to traditional and nontraditional students, including the use of multiple delivery systems, flexible scheduling, and satellite locations;
  • Promoting equal access, diversity, an appreciation of all cultures, and respect for all persons;
  • Serving the military community at Fort Campbell through complete academic programs;
  • Providing academic services that support student persistence to graduation;
  • Fostering a positive campus environment that encourages active participation in university life; and
  • Developing programs (credit and noncredit), conducting research, and providing services that contribute significantly to the quality of life, learning, and workforce development needs of the region.

The Felix G. Woodward Library

Website: library.apsu.edu/

The APSU library offers a print collection of more than 360,000 volumes and an electronic collection that includes 33,000 full-text periodicals, 55,000 e-books, 6,000 audio-visuals, and 670,000 microforms. Onsite and remote access to numerous Internet and other electronic resources and databases is readily available to students.

The University’s Chairs of Excellence

Website: apsu.edu/about-apsu/chairs-excellence.php

This includes the Roy Acuff Chair in the Creative Arts, APSU Foundation Chair in Free Enterprise, Harper-Bourne Chair in Business, and Lenora C. Reuther Chair in Nursing.

The Center of Excellence for Field Biology

College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Phone: (931) 221-7019
Website: www.apsu.edu/field-biology/

To identify, study and preserve biodiversity.

The Center of Excellence for Field Biology at Austin Peay State University brings together scholars from various biological disciplines to conduct research on biotic communities in Tennessee-Kentucky and adjacent eco-regions including experimental ecology, general ecological theory, definition of biodiversity, evolution and systematics, applied biological science, and community outreach through focused and regional environmental education programs; field-based observations and methodologies are an integral component of these research endeavors.

The Center provides research assistantships to undergraduate and graduate students that provides them with hands-on experience in various areas of field biology under the mentorship of practicing scholars. For more information visit our website at www.apsu.edu/field-biology/

The Honors Program

Website: apsu.edu/honors/index.php

This program is under the supervision of the College of Arts and Letters, provides individualized studies designed to challenge students and provides opportunities for creative exploration and intellectual development.

Art Galleries and Information

To learn more about the following, visit www.apsu.edu/art-design or call 931-221-7333.  

The New Gallery is Austin Peay State University’s contemporary art gallery operated by the Department of Art + Design. Located in the Art + Design building, the New Gallery features 6 professional exhibitions each year with corresponding guest artist lectures, gallery talks, and other programming. The New Gallery, and all corresponding programming, is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Curator-guided tours of exhibitions are available by request.

The Barbara Beach Student Gallery is located in the Art + Design building and hosts senior exhibits featuring works by graduating art majors. Hours vary with each exhibit.

The Living Gallery is a communal studio space that accommodates ten dedicated student studios for Art + Design majors. It’s a space where selected students can share ideas and visitors can see our students at work.

The Jenkins Gallery, located in the Morgan University Center, showcases the Ned and Jacqueline Crouch Folk Art Collection.

The CECA Visiting Artist Speaker Series, sponsored by CECA, brings as many as 8 top artists, designers, curators, and thinkers to Austin Peay State University and the Clarksville community each year.

The University Art Collection is comprised of approximately 3000 pieces of very diverse art objects: paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, drawings and historical objects. The permanent collection can be viewed throughout campus and includes the Trahern Edmondson Sculptures, the Ned and Jacqueline Crouch Folk Art Collection, and the Robertson Photography Collection.

Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts

College of Arts and Letters
Location: Harned Hall, 128
Phone: (931) 221-7876
Website: www.apsu.edu/ceca/

The Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA or “seek-ah”) offers students, faculty, and the Clarksville community unique experiences in music, theatre, dance, creative writing, and visual arts. Whether you are a participant or an audience member, there are over 100 arts events to choose from each year presented by nationally and internationally-acclaimed guest artists. CECA is symbolic of the University’s commitment to the enrichment of life, which can be realized through an understanding and appreciation of the arts. Most events are free and open to the public.

Established in 1985, CECA is the only program of its kind in the state, offering students rare opportunities to learn from as many as 75 esteemed guest artists from around the world each year in the preparation and study of the arts. CECA’s programs emphasize collaboration between visiting artists and university students, resulting in the highest possible standards of artistic achievement.

CECA coordinates with the departments of Art + Design, Creative Writing, Music, and Theatre & Dance to support the creation of new works and to present works musical productions, recitals, concerts, theatre performances, literary readings, and visual arts exhibitions. Curricular activities sponsored by CECA include classes, lectures, workshops, seminars, master classes, public school outreach, and symposia focusing on the various arts disciplines and interdisciplinary nature of the arts for undergraduates, graduate students, and members of the community. CECA also manages the Roy Acuff Chair of Excellence, which brings exceptionally high-level authors, musicians, artists, actors, and teachers to campus to work with students and the community in a dynamic atmosphere of unrestricted experimentation. CECA also funds undergraduate and graduate scholarships for students in the creative arts.

CECA also took over the management of APSU’s Community School of the Arts (CSA) in 2017. The CSA offers a variety of arts classes for children and adults, from beginning to advanced levels, in the areas of dance, theatre, music, creative writing, and visual art, serving over 300 students per year.

The Division of Student Affairs

The mission of the Division of Student Affairs at Austin Peay State University is to promote student success and personal and professional development through collaborative, holistic, inclusive experiences and environments.  The vision of Student Affairs is to create an individualized student-focused path for success through active engagement.  We set the standard for Student Affairs through excellence, honor and compassion.  We drive optimum utilization of resources through intentional engagement with students and the community.

The Division of Student Affairs is represented in its mission by the following departments: Assessment; Career Services; Child Learning Center; Student Counseling and Health Services; Dean of Students; Student Conduct/Case Management; Disability Services; Fraternity and Sorority Affairs; Housing, Residence Life, and Dining Services; University Recreation; Student Life and Engagement; Student Publications; Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement; African American Cultural Center; Hispanic Cultural Center; Adult and Nontraditional Student Center; Military Student Center and VetSuccess on Campus. Each of these departments incorporates human and student development philosophies in their programs and services.