Degree Programs
Master of Arts Degree
M.A. Degree in Appalachian Studies, Culture concentration
M.A. Degree in Appalachian Studies, Sustainable Development concentration
M.A. Degree in Appalachian Studies, Appalachian Music: Roots and Influences concentration
Graduate Certificate in Appalachian Studies
Graduate Minor in Appalachian Studies
B.A. Degree in Appalachian Studies
Undergraduate Minor in Appalachian Studies
Undergraduate Minor in Appalachian Music: Roots and Influences
The Center for Appalachian Studies offers the following degree options:
Master of Arts degree in Appalachian Studies:
The Master of Arts Degree in Appalachian Studies offers three interdisciplinary concentrations:
A. The Appalachian Culture Area concentration focuses on scholarship and research in the social sciences, humanities, and fine and applied arts, seeking to deepen understanding of the Appalachian socio-cultural and historical experience.
B. The Sustainable Development concentration is based on applied research and interdisciplinary course work spanning the social and natural sciences as well as the humanities. It provides a foundation for those students who seek to develop the means for meeting the legitimate needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. For students interested in Appalachian and other highland and rural peoples, as well as other peoples threatened by the results of unsustainable practices and patterns, this course of study provides the background in the search for sustainable solutions.
C. The Appalachian Music: Roots and Influences concentration provides instruction and opportunities for scholarship on the varieties of traditional music traditions that intersect in the southern Appalachian region.
Prerequisites for all concentrations:
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Additional courses (up to 15 hours maximum) may be required if so indicated by the student's deficiencies.
Basic Criteria for Consideration:
Cumulative GPA: 3.0
GRE Verbal Score: 500 or higher
GRE Writing Score: 3.5 or higher
Other Criteria for All Applicants
3 letters of reference addressing applicant's academic potential
2-page statement of intent explaining applicant's academic and professional goals in chosen concentration (Appalachian Culture Area, Sustainable Development, Appalachian Music or all) and the value of regional studies to the contemporary world.
Deadline
1 July for Fall/ 1 November for Spring/ 1 April for Summer 1/ 1 May for Summer 2
Requirements:
A. Appalachian Culture Area (Code: 204B)
Hours: 36 semester hours
Required Courses:
1. Core Courses:
AS 5000 Bibliography & Research (3)
AS 5020 Colloquium in Appalachian Studies (3)
ANT 5410 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
OR
SOC 5110 Research Problems I (Quantitative Methods) (3)
OR an appropriate research methods substitution (with approval of student's advisor)
SUBTOTAL HOURS 9
2. Regional Courses: Choose four courses, from 4 different disciplines (12 hours):
ANT 5120 Appalachian Culture & Social Organization (3)
BIO 5508 Biogeography (3)
ENG 5710 Advanced Folklore (3)
ENG 5720 Appalachian Literature (3)
HIS 5208 Readings Seminar in Appalachian History (3)
HIS 5209 Research Seminar in Appalachian History (3)
REL 5400 Religion in Appalachia (3)
PS 5130 Appalachian Political Perspectives (3)
SOC 5300 Appalachia in Social Context (3)
SUBTOTAL HOURS 12
3. Electives: Choose 3-4 courses (9-12 hours) from Regional courses above or list below (with approval of student's advisor). No more than 25% of the student's degree program may be taken in a combination of selected topics and independent studies.
ANT 5200 Sustainable Development: Theory, Method and Case (3)
ANT 5530-5549 Selected Topics: Appalachian Prehistory (3)
ANT 5565 Agrarian Studies and Rural Development (3)
ANT 5600 Medical Anthropology (3)
ANT 5610 Ethnographic Field School (2-6)
AS 5110 Ethnographic Field Study (1-6)
AS 5500 Independent Study (3)
AS 5530-5549 Selected Topics (3)
ENG 5100 Composition Theory, Practice, and Pedagogy (3)
ENG 5640 Cultural Studies (3)
ENG 5650 Gender Studies (3)
GHY/PLN 5400 Planning Theory and Process (3)
HIS 5002 Seminar in Public History (3)
HIS 5206 Studies in American History (when content is appropriate) (3)
HIS 5575 Introduction to Public History (3)
HIS 5610 Management of Museums (3)
HIS 5640 Interpretation in Museums (3)
HIS 5660 Topics in Public and Applied History (3)
PLN 5450 Planning Sustainable Communities (3)
PLN 5700 Project Management (3)
PS 5060 Seminar in Public Administration (3)
PS 5330 Problems in State and Local government (3)
SD 5050 Foundations of Sustainable Development (3)
SD 5300 Issues in Global Systems Science (3)
SOC 5750 Social Stratification (3)
TEC 5638 Contemporary Problems in Appropriate Technology (3)
SUBTOTAL HOURS 9-12
NOTE: Other electives may be selected upon approval of student's academic advisor.
4. Final Project:
AS 5900 Internship (3-6)
OR
AS 5999 Thesis (3-6)
SUBTOTAL HOURS 3-6
TOTAL HOURS 36
Thesis: Optional
Language Proficiency: A reading knowledge of a foreign language is required. Demonstrated competency in statistics and/or computer science may be substituted upon approval of the student's advisor. The standards by which proficiency is determined are listed in the current Graduate Bulletin (under Degree Requirements, pg. 41).
Comprehensive: A comprehensive examination is required.
Product of Learning: None required.
Capstone/Capstone Experience: Thesis or Internship
Seminar: AS 5020, Colloquium in Appalachian Studies
B. Sustainable Development (Code: 204C)
Hours: 36 semester hours
Required Courses: (12 hours)
1. Core Courses:
ANT 5200 Sustainable Development, Theory, Method, and Case (3)
AS 5000 Bibliography and Research (3)
SD 5050 Foundations of Sustainable Development (3)
SD 5300 Issues in Global Systems Science (3)
SUBTOTAL HOURS 12
2. Regional Courses: Choose three courses from three disciplines (9 hours). (Regional courses can be selected to fulfill list A & B requirements below.)
ANT 5120 Appalachian Culture and Social Organization (3)
BIO 5508 Biogeography (3)
ENG 5710 Advanced Folklore (3)
ENG 5720 Appalachian Literature (3)
HIS 5206 Studies in American History (when applicable) (3)
HIS 5208 Readings Seminar in Appalachian History (3)
HIS 5209 Research Seminar in Appalachian History (3)
REL 5400 Religion in Appalachia (3)
PS 5130 Appalachian Political Perspectives (3)
SOC 5300 Appalachia in Social Context (3)
SUBTOTAL HOURS 9
3. Electives. In consultation with the program director and thesis committee, choose a total of 9 hours from list a and b. A minimum of 3 hours from list a and a minimum of 3 hours from list b is required; courses should be chosen from different disciplines. Other electives may be selected upon approval of the student's academic advisor. No more than twenty-five percent of the student's degree program may be taken in a combination of selected topics and independent studies.
a. Natural Sciences and Technology: Select 3-6 credit hours from this list or the Regional Courses listed above.
BIO 5202 Organismal Ecology (4)
BIO 5212 Population Ecology (4)
BIO 5222 Communities and Ecosystem Ecology (4)
BIO 5250 Topics in Ecology (2)
BIO 5502 Freshwater Ecology (4)
BIO 5504 Taxonomy of Vascular Plants (3)
BIO 5508 Biogeography (3)
GHY 5100 Seminar in Physical Geography (3)
GHY 5110 Seminar in Spatial Analysis (3)
GHY 5530-5549 Selected Topics: GIS for Environmental Sciences (3)
GLY 5630 Hydrogeology (3)
SD 5100 Agroecology Practices, Systems and Philosophies (4)
TEC 5000 Research in Technology (3)
TEC 5119 Industrial Leadership, Organization, and Communication (3)
TEC 5139 Technology and Culture (3)
TEC 5608 Renewable Electricity Technology (3)
TEC 5618 Sustainable Building Design and Construction (3)
TEC 5628 Solar Thermal Energy Technology (3)
TEC 5638 Contemporary Problems in Appropriate Technology (3)
SUBTOTAL HOURS 3-6
b. Social Sciences and Humanities: Select 3-6 credit hours from this list or the Regional Courses listed above.
ANT 5565 Agrarian Studies and Rural Development (3)
ANT 5610 Ethnographic Field School (2-6)
AS 5110 Ethnographic Field Study (1-6)
ECO 5530-5549 Selected Topics: Environmental Economics (3)
ENG 5640 Cultural Studies (3)
ENG 5650 Gender Studies (3)
GHY 5130 Seminar in Human Geography (3)
GHY/PLN 5400 Planning Theory and Process (3)
HIS 5002 Seminar in Public History: CRM (3)
HIS 5306 Studies in Latin American History (3)
HIS 5610 Management of Museums (3)
HIS 5640 Interpretation in Museums (3)
HIS 5660 Topics in Public and Applied History (3)
MBA 5650 Law for Business Managers (3)
MBA 5710 Leadership Skills (1)
MGT 5770 Social Responsibilities of Management (3)
PLN 5450 Planning Sustainable Communities (3)
PLN 5700 Project Management (3)
PS 5060 Seminar in Public Administration (3)
PS 5665 Public Management (3)
PS 5722 U.S. Foreign Policy (3)
PS 5744 Government and Politics of the Middle East (3)
PS 5748 Latin American Politics (3)
SOC 5560 Race and Minority Relations (3)
SOC 5750 Social Stratification (3)
SOC 5950 Population and Globalization (3)
SUBTOTAL HOURS 3-6
4. Final Project
AS 5900 Internship (3-6)
OR
AS 5999 Thesis (3-6)
SUBTOTAL HOURS 3-6
TOTAL HOURS 36
Thesis: Optional
Language Proficiency: A reading knowledge of a foreign language is required. Demonstrated competency in statistics and/or computer science may be substituted upon approval of the student's advisor. The standards by which proficiency is determined are listed in the current Graduate Bulletin (under Degree Requirements, pg. 41).
Comprehensive: A comprehensive examination is required.
Product of Learning: None required.
Capstone/Capstone Experience: Thesis or Internship
Seminar: AS 5020, Colloquium in Appalachian Studies
C. Appalachian Music: Roots and Influences (Code: 204D)
Hours: 36 semester hours
Required Courses:
1. Core Courses:
A S 5000 Bibliography and Research (3)
A S 5020 Colloquium in Appalachian Studies (3)
ANT 5410 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
OR
SOC 5110 Research Problems I (Quantitative Methods) (3)
OR an appropriate research methods substitution (with approval of student's advisor)
SUBTOTAL HOURS 9
2. Regional Courses: Choose 4 courses, from 4 different disciplines (12 hours):
ANT 5120 Appalachian Culture and Social Organization (3)
BIO 5508 Biogeography (3)
ENG 5710 Advanced Folklore (3)
ENG 5720 Appalachian Literature (3)
HIS 5208 Readings Seminar in Appalachian History (3)
HIS 5209 Research Seminar in Appalachian History (3)
REL 5400 Religion in Appalachia (3)
P S 5130 Appalachian Political Perspectives (3)
SOC 5300 Appalachia in Social Context (3)
SUBTOTAL HOURS 12
3. Electives: Choose 3-4 courses (9-12 hours) from elective list below or from Regional Courses listed above (with approval of the student's advisor).. No more than twenty-five percent of the student's degree program may be taken in a combination of selected topics and independent studies.
A S 5015 Old Time Music Traditions (3)
A S 5030 Bluegrass Traditions (3)
HIS 5207 Research Seminar in American History: Country Music & American Culture (3)
MUS 5530-5549 Selected Topics: Writing About Popular and Folk Music (3)
MUS 5530-5549 Selected Topics: History of Country Music (3)
SUBTOTAL HOURS 9-12
4. Final Project
A S 5900 Internship (3-6)
OR
A S 5999 Thesis (3-6)
SUBTOTAL HOURS 3-6
Thesis: Optional
Language Proficiency: A reading knowledge of a foreign language is required. Demonstrated competency in statistics and/or computer science may be substituted upon approval of the student's advisor. The standards by which proficiency is determined are listed in the current Graduate Bulletin (under Degree Requirements, page 41).
Comprehensive: A comprehensive examination is required.
Product of Learning: None required.
Capstone/Capstone Experience: Thesis or Internship
Seminar: AS 5020, Colloquium in Appalachian Studies
Graduate Certificate in Appalachian Studies (200A/05.0199)
This program is designed for students, scholars, professionals, and newcomers to the area interested in gaining sophisticated knowledge of the region and of the analyses and interpretations of the region by scholars and writers. This certification will be useful to regional citizens and professionals working in community and regional services, including government, business, travel and tourism, and cultural programming. It is designed to enhance the ability to work in a professional and culturally informed way in addressing local and regional issues, deepen understanding of and adjustment to the region in which candidates live and work, and refine skills at conducting research on a wide range of topics. For educators, this program will facilitate the integration of Appalachian Studies components in their curricula (elementary, secondary, and higher education).
Admissions Criteria:
Completion of Graduate Certificate Application.
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited undergraduate institution; 3.0 undergraduate GPA; 500 on the Verbal portion of the GRE; 3.5 on the Writing portion of the GRE.
Applicants who already have earned a graduate degree or who have been accepted into another graduate program at Appalachian are not required to retake the GRE.
Consideration will be given to alternate credentials based on substantial documented work experience in related fields. Applicants may be asked to submit a resume and statement of purpose.
This 18 hour interdisciplinary program is grounded in the social sciences and humanities, and is designed to provide candidates with in-depth exposure to regional scholarship, research resources, and appropriate methods of inquiry. The program allows some flexibility in direction of study.
Hours: 18 semester hours
1. An appropriate research methods course, chosen in consultation with the certificate
program director (3 semester hours)
e.g. AS 5000 Bibliography and Research
ANT 5410
Qualitative Research Methods or equivalent
2. Choose 4 courses from at least 3 departments (12 semester hours)
ANT 5120, Appalachian Culture and Social Organization
BIO 5508: Biogeography
ENG 5710, Advanced Folklore
ENG 5720, Appalachian Literature
HIS 5208, Seminar in Appalachian History
REL 5400, Religion in Appalachia
PS 5130, Appalachian Political Perspectives
SOC 5300, Appalachia in Social Context
3. An elective course chosen in consultation with the certificate program director (3 semester hours)
Graduate minor in Appalachian Studies
Students will elect a total of 9 semester hours from the following:
AS 5000 Bibliography and Research (3 s.h.)
ANT 5120 Appalachian Culture and Social Organization (3 s.h.)
BIO 5508 Biogeography (3 s.h.)
ENG 5XXX Course with Appalachia as the central focus (e.g. ENG 5710 Advanced Folklore; ENG 5720 Appalachian Literature) (3 s.h.)
GHY 5530-5549 Selected Topics: Biogeography of the Southern Appalachians (3 s.h.)
HIS 5208 Readings Seminar in Appalachian History (3 s.h.)
HIS 5209 Research Seminar in Appalachian History (3 s.h.)
REL 5400 Religion in Appalachia (3 s.h.)
PS 5130 Appalachian Political Perspectives (3 s.h.)
SOC 5300 Appalachia in Social Context (3 s.h.)
B.A. degree in Appalachian Studies(2009-10 checksheet) (previous checksheets)
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Appalachian Studies (600A/05.0199) will provide students with the opportunity to study the Appalachian region through the application of interdisciplinary methods. The student will consider perspectives on Appalachia of the social and biological sciences, humanities, and fine and applied arts; experience local or international community; be provided with methods and theoretical grounding appropriate to the student’s focus; and participate in a final capstone seminar.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Appalachian Studies requires a minimum of 122 semester hours for the degree. A minor is required. In addition to the core curriculum, the foreign language requirement, and the major and minor requirements, electives must be taken to meet the total required minimum hours. Two semester hours of free electives OUTSIDE the major discipline are also required. A candidate for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Appalachian Studies may count NOT more than a total of 40 semester hours above the core curriculum requirements in Appalachian Studies.
Students must complete 36 semester hours of major requirements as follows:
A. Required Foundations (3 semester hours)
Choose one of the following:
A S 2410, Appalachia: An Introduction (Humanities) (3 s.h.)
A S 2411, Appalachia: An Introduction (Social Science) (3 s.h.)
A S 2510, Sophomore Honors Colloquium (Humanities) (3 s.h.)
A S 2515, Sophomore Honors Colloquium (Social Sciences) (3 s.h.)
B. Required Core (9 semester hours)
Choose three of the following courses, including at least one from each category:
a) Social Science
ANT 2310, Appalachian Culture (3 s.h.)
ANT 2320, Prehistory of the Southern Appalachians (3 s.h.)
A S 3000, Diversity in Appalachia (3 s.h.)
GHY 3320, Environmental Issues in Appalachia (3 s.h.)
P S 3630, Appalachian Politics (3 s.h.)
b) Humanities and Fine Arts
A S 2016/MUS 2016, Appalachian Music (3 s.h.)
ENG 4720, Appalachian Literature (3 s.h.)
HIS 3726, History of the Appalachian Region (3 s.h.)
REL 3530-3549, Selected Topics: Southern Appalachian Religion (3 s.h.)
C. Community Study/Research (3-6 semester hours)
Choose 3-6 semester hours from the following (subject to approval by the advisor):
- A S 4110, Ethnographic Field Study (1-6 s.h.) (or another ASU-approved study abroad or field research course)
- A S 4900, Field Experience: Internship (1-6 s.h.) (or another departmental internship)
- A service learning course (e.g. an ACT-sponsored course, PSRP
D. Methods and/or Theory (6 semester hours)
Choose two courses. (Each course is 3 s.h. credit unless otherwise noted.)
a) Methods
Professional Writing: ENG 3090, ENG 3100, ENG 3120, ENG 3700, ENG 4100, ENG 4200
Qualitative Research: ANT 3410, ENG 3050, ENG 4810
Quantitative Research: ANT 3405, GHY 3800/PLN 3800, P S 3115/CJ 3115 (4 s.h.), PSY 3100 (4 s.h.), SOC 3885, SOC 3895
Media Production: ART 2026, C I 4840, GRA 1012, GRA 3102, TEC 1022, TEC 1112, TEC 2022
Other Methods courses: GHY 3812 or GHY 3820, HIS 4610, HIS 4640, R M 3630
b) Theory
ANT 3625, ENG 4170, ENG 4760, IDS 3000, P S 3210, SOC 3950, SOC 3960, TEC 3601, TEC 4605, W S 4650
E. Required Senior Capstone Seminar: (3 semester hours)
AS 4550, Senior Seminar (3 s.h.)
F. Electives (9-12 semester hours)
Choose three courses from the following, or from courses listed above. Other courses may be selected with approval of the advisor.
ANT 2420, Gender, Race and Class (3 s.h.)
ANT 3150, Human Ecology of the Southern Appalachians (3 s.h.)
ANT 4570/S D 4570, Sustainable Development in the Modern World System (3 s.h.)
ANT 4565, Agrarian Studies and Rural Development (3 s.h.)
ANT 4600, Medical Anthropology (3 s.h.)
A S 3530-3549, Selected Topics (1-4 s.h.)
A S 4015, Old Time Music Traditions (3 s.h.)
A S 4030, Bluegrass Traditions (3 s.h.)
BIO 3312, Environmental Studies/(3 s.h.)
ENG 3050, Studies in Folklore (3 s.h.)
ENG 4810, Advanced Folklore (3 s.h.)
GHY 3013, North Carolina (3 s.h.)
GHY 3530-3549, Selected Topics: Mountain Geography (3 s.h.)
HIS 3239, Country Music and American Culture (3 s.h.)
HIS 3530-3549, Selected Topics: Environmental History (3 s.h.)
HIS 4575, Introduction to Public History (3 s.h.)
HIS 4660, Topics in Public and Applied History (3 s.h.)
MUS 2014, Jazz Music in American Society (3 s.h.)
MUS 2015, History of Rock Music (3 s.h.)
MUS 2018, Introduction to World Music (3 s.h.)
MUS 3530-3549, Selected Topics: History of Country Music (3 s.h.)
PLN 4450, Planning for Sustainable Communities (3 s.h.)
P S 2130, State and Local Politics
REL 3110, Religion in America (3 s.h.)
S D 2400, Principles of Sustainable Development (3 s.h.)
SOC 3710, Sociology of Appalachian Communities (3 s.h.)
SOC 4750, Social Stratification (3 s.h.)
TEC 2029, Society and Technology (3 s.h.)
TEC 2032, History of Photography
TEC 4604, Sustainable Transportation (3 s s.h.)
TEC 4606, Sustainable Water and Wastewater Technology (3 s.h.)
TEC 4607, Wind and Hydro Power Technology (3 s.h.)
TEC 4608, Photovoltaic Design and Technology (3 s.h.)
TEC 4618, Sustainable Building Design and Construction (3 s.h.)
TEC 4700, Bio-Fuels Technology (3 s.h.)
Additional information and requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Appalachian Studies are included on the degree checksheet, which is available upon request from the University College Academic Advising Center or at the links provided on this page.
Undergraduate minor in Appalachian Studies (current checksheet) (previous checksheet)
Minor in Appalachian Studies (204/05.0199)
A student may earn an undergraduate minor in Appalachian Studies by successful completion of an interdisciplinary program of 18 semester hours as follows:
1. Required: (3 semester hours)
Students must select one of the following courses:
A S 2410, Appalachia, An Introduction, (Humanities) (3 s.h.)
A S 2411, Appalachia, An Introduction, (Social Sciences) (3 s.h.)
A S 2510, Sophomore Honors Colloquium (Humanities) (3 s.h.)
A S 2515, Sophomore Honors Colloquium (Social Sciences) (3 s.h.)
2. Core: (9 semester hours)
Select three courses from the following:
ANT 2310, Appalachian Culture (3 s.h.)
ANT 2320, Prehistory of the Southern Appalachians (3 s.h.)
A S 2016/MUS 2016 Appalachian Music (3 s.h.)
A S 3000, Diversity in Appalachia (3 s.h.)
ENG 4720, Appalachian Literature (3 s.h.)
GHY 3320, Environmental Issues in Appalachia (3 s.h.)
HIS 3726, History of the Appalachian Region (3 s.h.)
P S 3630, Appalachian Politics (3 s.h.)
REL 3530-3549, Selected Topics: Southern Appalachian Religion (3 s.h.)
3. Electives: (6 semester hours)
Complete at least two courses from the following to total a minimum of six semester hours:
Courses listed in “2. Core” above
A S 4110, Ethnographic Field Study (1-6 s.h.)
A S 4900, Field Experience: Internship (1-6 s.h.)
ENG 3050 Studies in Folklore (3 s.h.)
ENG 4810 Advanced Folklore (3 s.h.)
HIS 4575 Introduction to Public History (3 s.h.)
HIS 4660 Topics in Public and Applied History (3 s.h.)
PLN 4450 Planning for Sustainable Communities (3 s.h.)
OR other courses with Appalachia as the subject (with the consent of an Appalachian Studies advisor)
Undergraduate minor in Appalachian Music: Roots and Influences (current checksheet)
(previous checksheet)
Minor in Appalachian Music: Roots and Influences (100/05.0199)
A student may earn an undergraduate minor in Appalachian Music: Roots and Influences by successful completion of an interdisciplinary program of 18 semester hours as follows:
1. Required (3 semester hours)
A S 2016/MUS, 2016 Appalachian Music (3 s.h.)
2. Electives (15 semester hours)
Students may select only one of the following four courses:
A S 2410, Appalachia: An Introduction (Humanities) (3 s.h.)
A S 2411, Appalachia: An Introduction (Social Sciences) (3 s.h.)
A S 2510, Sophomore Honors Colloquium (Humanities) (3 s.h.)
A S 2515, Sophomore Honors Colloquium (Social Sciences)(3 s.h.)
AND/OR
Complete four or five courses from the following list to total 15 s.h. of electives:
A S 2025, Appalachian Strings (3 s.h.)
A S 4015, Old Time Music Traditions (3 s.h.)
A S 4030, Bluegrass Traditions (3 s.h.)
ENG 3050, Studies in Folklore (3 s.h.)
HIS 3239, Country Music & American Culture (3 s.h.)
MUS 2014, Jazz Music in American Society (3 s.h.)
MUS 2015, History of Rock Music (3 s.h.)
MUS 3530-3549, Selected Topics: Writing About Popular and Folk Music (3 s.h.)
MUS 3530-3549, Selected Topics: History of Country Music (3 s.h.)
See the Graduate Bulletin and Undergraduate Bulletin for course descriptions and additional degree requirements.
See Course Schedules for current course offerings.
