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banner collage of historical images from ancient Benin to medieval Europe, early modern Japan to modern murals in Mexico, from a portrait photograph from the late nineteenth century to a journalistic photo from the U.S. Civil Rights era.

History matters.

To study history means asking big questions: Why does the world work this way?

To study history means extending empathy towards peoples with very different beliefs, opportunities, choices, and ways of life.

To study history means connecting to the vast reservoir of human experience that came before us, and envisioning our shared futures.

The Department of History at the University of Tennessee features an award-winning faculty that provides a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum. We offer graduate programs in three clusters: 1. Modern Europe, with an emphasis on German history; 2. American history, with special emphasis on African-American history, Atlantic and transnational history, early American history, nineteenth century history, religious history, and southern history; and, 3. Pre-Modern history (ca. 300-1600), with particular strengths in Late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages (ca. 300-1000 CE) and the late Medieval and Reformation period (ca. 1250-1550 CE) as well as religious and inter-religious history, gender studies, and textual studies (manuscripts, transmission, and print culture). The Department houses editorial projects on the presidential papers of Andrew Jackson and James Polk. We also work closely with interdisciplinary institutes and centers on campus, most importantly the Marco Institute and the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War.

This is a stellar place to think and learn about the past, and to find a path to your future. Come join us!

The flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System and partner in the Tennessee Transfer Pathway.