Appalachian State University
Appalachian Studies: Master of Arts (MA)
Application Deadlines
Fall Admission
July 1
Spring Admission
November 1
Application Requirements
Entrance exam: Not required
Application requirements vary by program. Learn more
Location
On campus
Completion Time
2 years (full time)
Where better to learn about Appalachia?
The Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies program at App State presents the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of our unique region. Additionally, you will explore the area’s environment, sustainability, leisure industries and business entrepreneurship.
This interdisciplinary program is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Center for Appalachian Studies, a nationally recognized hub for all things Appalachian.
Largest
repository of Appalachian books and journals in the world.
A 2025 Best
The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and the Southeast for 2025.
Top 3
U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top 3 university for innovation for 8 consecutive years.
Concentrations and Courses
Careers and Mountaineers
Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go!
Careers
- Community organizer
- County planner
- Folklife interpreter
- Legal council
- Librarian
- Museum director
- News reporter
- Non-profit executive
- Park ranger
- Professional musician
- Program director
- Sustainable agriculture
- University professor
Employers
- Americorps
- Appalachian Sustainable Development (VA)
- Appalshop Media (KY)
- Berea College
- Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
- Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture
- Center for Rural Strategies (KY)
- Create West Virginia
- Kerr Lake State Park (NC)
- Mars Hill’s Ramsey Center for Regional Studies
- Montana Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- North Carolina Folklife Institute
- Ohio University
- Organic Growers School of Asheville
- Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center (VA)
- Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian
- Swannanoa Valley Museum
- Tennessee 10th Judicial District Court
- The Carter Center (GA)
- University of Illinois
- University of Nebraska
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Career information resource
App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.
More to Explore at App State
International Experience
Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more
Professional Development
Invest in yourself with opportunities designed to stimulate career growth. Learn more
Graduate Assistantships
Earn some money while you earn your degree. Learn more
Accelerated Master’s
Get started on your master’s while you’re an undergrad. Learn more
Dual Degrees
Double up on degrees for less. Learn more
Apply
Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.
Admissions questions? Contact us.
Connect
Program Contact
Dr. Julie Shepherd-Powell
Program Director
[email protected]
828-262-7199
Center for Appalachian Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Visit Campus
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Admissions Events
Want to know more about the people and programs of App State’s School of Graduate Studies? Attend an information session.