History has been taught at Clemson University from the institution's opening in 1893, but there was not a baccalaureate degree in the subject offered until 1962. A master's degree program was offered for the first time in 1964, the same year that Clemson College became Clemson University. From the 1960's the department's emphasis has been relatively non-regional. Southern history is taught, but there is not a heavy emphasis on the Civil War or upon individuals from South Carolina. The department also included the philosophy and religion programs from 1972 to 1988, when the Department of Philosophy and Religion was established. Courses in Geography continue to be part of the Department of History. In addition to academic activities, the history department provided programs and services for the public. Beginning in 1975 it produced free weekly book reviews for South Carolina newspapers, later expanded to include nearly 100 papers in 38 states. In the late 70's, the history department worked with radio station WEPR of the South Carolina Educational Radio Network to produce several radio programs. The faculty of the history department has grown from 1 in 1891 to 24 in 2000. They teach only history and geography courses, since religion and philosophy were established as a separate discipline in 1988.
From the description of Department of History records 1956-1987, (bulk 1974-1986). (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 56914888
