Appalachian Studies

Master of Arts

Department of Appalachian Studies

Advance Your Academic Journey

The Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to engage in the comprehensive, interdisciplinary study of one of the most culturally rich and historically significant regions in the United States. As the only graduate program of its kind in Tennessee and the second in the Appalachian region, this degree stands at the forefront of academic research, community engagement, and regional development. With its roots firmly planted in the heart of Appalachia, this program offers a unique opportunity to study the region’s history, culture, and challenges from a global perspective.

The Department of Appalachian Studies is home to world-class faculty recognized as leaders in their field, and you will benefit from a wide range of resources including the Archives of Appalachia, the Institute for Appalachian Music and Culture, and the Reece Museum. Our program is designed to offer students a profound connection to the region’s rich traditions while equipping them with skills to impact communities and industries.

Whether you’re a professional looking to enhance your career, a current graduate student with a passion for the region, or someone preparing for doctoral studies, this program will provide you with the critical tools to succeed. The MA in Appalachian Studies is a powerful credential for careers in education, regional planning, economic development, cultural organizations, health services, and more. You will gain a comprehensive, interdisciplinary understanding of the Appalachian region, enabling you to make an immediate and lasting impact in your community and field.

What sets our program apart?

A Comprehensive, Research-Driven Curriculum

This MA program is meticulously designed to cater to students across a spectrum of academic and professional backgrounds. Whether you seek to advance your scholarly research, enhance your professional qualifications, or prepare for doctoral study, the program provides a structured pathway that combines deep academic inquiry with practical engagement.

Students will have the opportunity to explore a broad array of topics, including Appalachian history, culture, politics, economics, and community engagement. The program encourages students to think critically and engage with the region through a variety of academic lenses, including historical, sociological, geographical, and cultural studies. With faculty who are recognized leaders in their fields, students will be mentored by experts committed to advancing knowledge and fostering critical dialogue on regional and global issues.

A Real-World Focus on Community Engagement

An Appalachian Studies (APST) master’s program provides hands-on community engagement experience by immersing students in the region’s unique cultural, social, and economic landscape. Through fieldwork, service-learning projects, and collaborations with local organizations, students actively contribute to initiatives that address issues such as economic development, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. Whether working with community partners, conducting oral history projects, or supporting local artisans and businesses, students gain practical skills while fostering meaningful relationships within Appalachian communities. This learning approach not only deepens their understanding of the region but also equips them with the tools to drive positive change in Appalachia and beyond.

Access to Premier Research Resources

ETSU’s Department of Appalachian Studies is home to distinguished faculty and numerous research resources, including the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, the Archives of Appalachia, and the Reece Museum. These invaluable resources empower students to conduct advanced research, access primary sources, and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects that address real-world challenges in Appalachia. The opportunity to engage directly with these centers of scholarship provides students with the tools necessary to conduct meaningful research that informs both academic knowledge and community practice.

Career Preparation and Academic Excellence

The Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies is more than just an academic program—it's an academic pathway that equips students with the expertise and experience needed to contribute to a wide range of fields. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in education, cultural institutions, regional planning, economic development, public policy, health services, and the arts. The program emphasizes the application of scholarly research to real-world challenges, preparing students to become leaders and advocates for their communities.

Impact on Communities Beyond the Region

The Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies provides the tools and frameworks necessary to bring about lasting impact—both within and beyond the Appalachian region. The program offers students the opportunity to develop transferable knowledge that can be applied in diverse contexts, ensuring that your research, skills, and insights extend well beyond the borders of Appalachia. Though often thought of as a small rural area the Appalachian region is a Appalachia is a microcosm of the United States that stretches across over 206,000 square miles across 13 states, covering a total area larger than any state other than Texas or Alaska. It is home to almost 8% of the total population of the United States, and includes major cities like Pittsburg, Knoxville, Charleston, and Birmingham.

The Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies provides the tools and frameworks necessary to create a lasting impact—both within and beyond the Appalachian region. Though often perceived as a small rural area, the Appalachian region is actually a microcosm of the United States, spanning over 206,000 square miles across 13 states—an area larger than any state except Texas or Alaska. It is home to nearly 8% of the U.S. population and includes major cities such as Pittsburgh, Knoxville, Charleston, and Birmingham. The program offers students the opportunity to develop transferable knowledge across a variety of social and historical environments that can be applied in diverse contexts, ensuring that their research, skills, and insights extend well beyond the borders of Appalachia.

A Legacy of Scholarship and Service

ETSU’s Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies is a gateway to becoming a leader in the field, offering a rigorous and transformative academic experience that connects you to the heart of the Appalachian region. Whether you aim to pursue advanced research, contribute to community development, or enhance your professional qualifications, this program offers the intellectual depth and resources necessary to shape your academic and professional future.

Fully Funded Education Opportunities

As part of its commitment to community building, the Department of Appalachian Studies has partnered with the Regional Resources Institute, state and federal programs, and private donors to ensure that financial obstacles will never prevent brilliant minds from achieving great things. The majority of graduate students enter our program on a Graduate Assistantship (GA) contract, which provides tuition coverage and a stipend in exchange for 20 hours of work per week. This work serves as an extension of the program's academic training, offering hands-on experience with community engagement projects. Students apply the knowledge gained from their coursework to real-world situations, gaining valuable professional skills while contributing to initiatives that support local communities. The GA role not only helps offset educational costs but also enriches students' academic and career development by enhancing a student's curriculum vitae through practical experience in a collaborative setting.