Appalachian Studies, M.A.

General Program Information

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Ron Roach, Ph.D., Department Chair
222 Nicks Hall
Box 70556
(423) 439-7494
e-mail: roachr@etsu.edu

Jane MacMorran, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator
Nicks Hall 217
Box 70556
(423) 439-7992
e-mail: macmorra@etsu.edu

Faculty: Roy Andrade; Lee Bidgood; Daniel Boner; Rebecca Fletcher; Jane MacMorran; Nate Olson; Ted Olson; Ron Roach; Fred Sauceman; and additional faculty in other academic units who teach Appalachian-related courses.

The Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies is an interdisciplinary graduate degree designed to provide a comprehensive study of the Appalachian region, including its history, environment, culture, and current challenges. The program is designed to meet the needs of three types of students:

1. Students for whom a graduate degree in the discipline of Appalachian Studies would improve their qualifications for the job market;
2. Students who are already in the workforce but can profit from and perhaps advance in their careers with deeper knowledge of the region; and
3. Students who are interested in understanding the region from a variety of historical, cultural, and global perspectives; who will profit from concentrated study and research; and who may plan to enter doctoral programs upon the completion of the degree.

As a broad, interdisciplinary degree, the M.A. in Appalachian Studies is intended to be highly flexible and customizable to fit each student’s educational and career goals. As such, it is a general degree that can prepare students to pursue many paths, whether they lead to the workforce or to further graduate studies. Possible career areas that may be served by this degree include education, local and regional planning, economic development, service organizations, nonprofit organizations, cultural and arts organizations, museums, natural and cultural heritage sites, national and state parks, and health-related fields. 

The department offers financial support in the form of Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Scholarships. Decisions on offers of support are initiated at the end of March for the following academic year. In order to receive full consideration, applicants seeking funding from this department are encouraged to submit all materials by February 15th.

Admission Requirements

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The following requirements are in addition to the general admission, retention, and graduation requirements of the School of Graduate Studies:

• The personal essay (required by the School of Graduate Studies) should address the student’s reasons for choosing an Appalachian Studies program;
• Acceptable GPA (3.0 on a 4.0 scale preferred);
• Three letters of recommendation; and
• A writing sample, such as a paper previously submitted for credit in an undergraduate or graduate course.

Additional Information

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A student who completes the Graduate Certificate in Appalachian Studies may transfer all 18 credits into the Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies, with the approval of the APST graduate coordinator. All transfer credit, however, must meet GPA requirements and must be within the six-year matriculation limit.

Articulation Agreements

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A student who completes the Graduate Certificate in Appalachian Studies and later wishes to pursue the Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies may apply all 18 credits into the master’s program (with the approval of the APST graduate coordinator) and will not be required to take the GRE. All credit, however, must meet GPA requirements and must be within the six-year matriculation limit.

A student who completes the Graduate Certificate in Heritage Interpretation and Museum Studies and later wishes to pursue the MA in Appalachian Studies may apply up to 18 certificate credits into the master’s degree with the approval of the degree graduate coordinator and the School of Graduate Studies. All credit, however, must meet GPA requirements and must be within the six-year matriculation limits.