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College of Behavioral
and Health Sciences

Nursing students looking at a laptop

The mission of the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences is to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that prepares students to excel in their chosen disciplines. Through innovative education, research, and community engagement, we are committed to preparing graduates to meet the needs of a global society.

The mission of the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences is to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that prepares students to excel in their chosen disciplines. Through innovative education, research, and community engagement, we are committed to preparing graduates to meet the needs of a global society.

The mission of the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences is to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that prepares students to excel in their chosen disciplines. Through innovative education, research, and community engagement, we are committed to preparing graduates to meet the needs of a global society.

Behavioral and Health Sciences students make the world a better place every day.

We seek students who possess a strong willingness to learn and are committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Degree offerings and programs within the CoBHS are designed to provide students with skills necessary to build and sustain a healthy society. We prepare students to enter their communities ready to engage and lead. With appreciation for inclusion, global awareness, and lifelong learning.

 

9
Areas of study under CoBHS
50+
APSU scholarships offered to students in CoBHS disciplines
20
Undergraduate program offerings

 


 

Why choose a Behavioral and Health Sciences degree at Austin Peay? 

Austin Peay State University offers many options allowing students to customize their education and develop specific skills. We offer several areas of focus from Social Work and Sociology to Military Science and Leadership.

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Department of Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice Department educates students in a broad coverage of the field, including courts and law, crime and deviance, and institutions and processes. Criminal Justice is a growing department that provides students opportunities to examine the field from an academic perspective coupled with practical applications.

HHP students stretch during lab
Department of Health and Human Performance

The APSU Department of Health and Human Performance offers two Bachelor degrees and four Master degrees. The Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance has concentrations in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Health Care Management, K-12 Teaching, Public Health, and Sport and Wellness Specialist. The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology has concentrations in Exercise Science and Pre-professional.  The Master degrees offered are in Performance Enhancement and Coaching; Public Health; Speech-Language Pathology; and Healthcare Administration.

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Department of Leadership

This department prepares students for work in professional fields in the U.S. Military, higher education, government agencies, non-profit organizations and more. Our courses give students the opportunity to explore new leadership and communication methods.

Military science and University generals pose for photo
Department of Military Science and Leadership

The Program’s close proximity to the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky allows Cadets to take advantage of exceptional training opportunities. These opportunities include the use of multi-million dollar simulation facilities, hands-on training with helicopters and other Army equipment, and attendance at Air Assault School. Additionally, approximately 20% of Cadets are former Soldiers and NCOs who bring a wealth of professional, tactical, and technical knowledge and experience to Military Science Leadership classes and labs.

Justin Cross poses for photo
Department of Political Science and Public Management

From providing individualized instruction to keeping students abreast of internship and career opportunities, our political science and public management faculty members make your success a given. In addition, all of our doctoral-trained faculty members provide valuable work experience to help their students succeed. 

Psychology student poses for photo
Department of Psychological Science and Counseling

Psychological Science is the study of human behavior - how people grow and develop, how they think and learn. Students in our department will learn to use scientific methods to understand learning, motivation, life-span development, personality, normal and abnormal behavior, group and social behavior, sensation and perception, the treatment and prevention of psychological disorders, and the application of psychological science in the workplace.

Nursing student poses for photo
School of Nursing

The Austin Peay State University School of Nursing is designed to prepare the nurse generalist and nurses in advanced roles to meet regional healthcare needs while cultivating an appreciation of diversity and an understanding of the national and global healthcare environments.

Christopher Trice poses for photo
Department of Social Work

APSU's Department of Social Work offers an experience that will open your mind to social betterment, peace and social justice. Our professors work with small class sizes that encourage professional and personal growth. Our goal is to develop you as a compassionate, ethical and knowledgeable social worker who is committed to helping vulnerable and repressed groups.

Vanessa Paniagua poses for photo
Department of Sociology and Community Development

If you are pursuing a career in social services, social science research, human resources, community advocacy, or wish to work with diverse populations to address relevant social issues then a degree in sociology is the right place to start. The Department of Sociology and Community Development has experienced faculty who hold doctoral degrees and are nationally recognized in the field. The sociology faculty at APSU are deeply committed to teaching and mentoring sociology majors at Austin Peay.

David Denton
David Denton
Professor of Leadership

I welcome the opportunity to connect with students to help them develop a more sophisticated understanding of leadership and to put them on a path to develop and refine their potential to lead over the course of their careers.
Misty Ring-Ramirez
Dr. Misty Ring-Ramirez
Assistant Professor of Sociology and Community Development

Sociology and Community Development are exciting fields because they open doors to all kinds of careers, many of which appeal to students who are passionate about helping people and communities thrive. Sociology and Community Development majors study the fascinating social world we inhabit, while gaining skills that employers value.
Shani Collins Woods
Dr. Shani Collins Woods
Assistant Professor of Social Work

Social work is an exciting field because employment opportunities are limitless. Graduates of social work departments have a passion for the communities they help. They work in various domestic and international sectors as activists, scholars, leaders, and change-makers. Social workers empower the communities they serve with the knowledge, skills, and resources to succeed.
march-2024-apsu-week-winter-school
APSU Week elevates international collaboration at IIPE Winter School

Austin Peay State University's Institute for National Security and Military Studies took center stage at the Institute of International Politics and Economics' annual Winter School in Belgrade, Serbia, from March 3-9 with a series of lectures presented by APSU faculty.

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Honoring sacrifice: APSU launches first-ever Gold Star Family scholarship endowment
Honoring sacrifice: APSU launches first-ever Gold Star Family scholarship endowment

Austin Peay State University honors military sacrifice with the establishment of the first Gold Star Family scholarship endowment, made possible by alumni Johnny and Janet Rudolph, in tribute to Janet's parents and their enduring military legacy.

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Austin Peay partners with Belgrade’s Institute for International Politics and Economics, expanding global security engagement
Austin Peay partners with Belgrade's Institute of International Politics and Economics, expanding global security engagement

Austin Peay State University partners with Belgrade's Institute of International Politics and Economics to enhance global security and academic exchange, marking the first formal collaboration between an American higher education institution and the Serbian research body.

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How Do I Get Started?

Begin the application process now by visiting the link below.

Sierra Salandy
Sierra Salandy

"I’m a huge advocate for women empowerment, and I want to be a role model for young women, especially young black women, because I love inspiring others, and I’m very passionate about community service, diversity and sisterhood."

Derrick Tims
Derrick Tims

“I knew I needed to advance myself after leaving the military, and my best friend received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from APSU and spoke very highly of the institution and its psychology department. Since I’ve been here, I’ve found I like the friendly and accepting environment the most; the faculty and staff that I have worked with have been very approachable and caring.”

Hunter Burkhart
HunterBurkhart

“I recommend anyone that’s looking into healthcare and more specifically nursing, to give it a shot and follow your dreams. Everything’s going to work out in the end.”