Program of Study for the Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies

Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; complete application to the Graduate School ; official general GRE exam scores (unless waived); two-page statement of intent explaining applicant’s academic and professional goals in chosen concentration and the value of regional studies to the contemporary world; sample of work. Due to the interdisciplinary and community-based nature of Appalachian Studies, a work sample can include written work such as essays, articles, short stories or scripts; music recordings or documentation of performances; sample films, photography, or websites; or reflections on community engagement projects. Collaborative projects are welcome; however, prospective students must specifically describe their participation in any collaborative work samples submitted with their application.

Additional courses (up to 15 hours maximum) may be required if so indicated by deficiencies in the student’s prior academic work.

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the criteria for admission to the Graduate School . Meeting this condition does not guarantee admission.

Standardized Exam Waiver Eligibility: The standardized exam requirement may be waived for applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher with a satisfactory review of the submitted work sample.

Location: On Campus

Additional Standardized Exam Waiver Eligibility Information

Standardized exam (GRE, GMAT, MAT) waiver eligibility for graduate degree programs at Appalachian State varies by program, but requires that applicants hold a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in their last earned bachelor’s degree or 3.3 or higher in an earned graduate degree. No exam waiver is automatic but will require review and approval by the program and by the Graduate School upon submission of a complete application. An approved waiver request does not guarantee acceptance into the program. A denied waiver request does not mean that a candidate is denied admission to the program, only that a standardized exam score is needed to more fully evaluate the application.  More complete information about standardized exam waivers can be found in the Admissions Requirements section of this Bulletin .

Accelerated Master’s Program

This program offers an Accelerated Master’s  option for undergraduate students currently enrolled at Appalachian State University.

Course Requirements for the Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies

Concentration Requirements (15 Hours)

Choose 15 Hours of Coursework from the List Below:

• A_S 5015 - Old Time Music Traditions (3) [DL]
• A_S 5030 - Bluegrass Traditions (3)
• A_S 5035 - Local Music Traditions (3)
• ENG 5710 - Advanced Folklore (3) [DL]
• ENG 5720 - Appalachian Literature (3) [DL]
• HIS 5209 - Research Seminar in Appalachian History (3)
• REL 5400 - Religion in Appalachia (3)
• SOC 5300 - Appalachia in Social Context (3)

Electives (9 Hours)

Choose 9 hours of interdisciplinary coursework from the list below or from the courses listed above with the approval of the advisor. Other courses with related topics from other departments, such as those in Anthropology, Appalachian Studies, Business, English, Geography, History, Planning, Public Administration, and Technology may be selected with permission of the advisor.

Other Requirements for the MA in Appalachian Studies

• Thesis: Optional
• Proficiency: Not required
• Candidacy: Required; see the program director for specific timeline and requirements for admission to candidacy
• Comprehensive: A written examination is required
• Product of Learning: Not required