Appalachian Studies, M.A.

The Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies, an interdisciplinary masters program with 30-33 required total hours*, is one of three such degrees in the region and is specifically designed for community members who fit into the following categories:

1. Students for whom a graduate degree in an interdisciplinary Appalachian Studies curriculum would improve their qualifications for the job market and in the region;
2. Students who are already in the workforce in education, politics, local and regional planning, economic development, business, recreation and hospitality, service organizations, leisure, or the parks service, cultural and arts organizations, and health related administrative careers, whose careers will profit from a deeper knowledge and understanding of the region; and
3. Students who are interested in understanding the region from a variety of historical, cultural, and global perspectives, and whose knowledge base will be enhanced through study and research of the region.

The Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies and the Graduate Certificate in Appalachian Studies are designed as complementary graduate programs, so that a student who completes the Graduate Certificate in Appalachian Studies may apply all 15 hours toward completion of the Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies.

Admissions Requirements

Successful completion of university Graduate Admissions  requirements.

Service Learning

  Every candidate for the MA in Appalachian Studies must engage in some form of sustained community service; this service learning component can be met through

1. selecting a local or campus community project (Alternative Spring Break, for example);
2. engagement in the university or greater community through the APST 576  - Practicum;
3. working in the community through the APST 580  - Internship (a variety of internships are available including working during the legislative session at the State Capitol as a political intern or through some other approved internship); or
4. participating in the study abroad semester program which is structured to expand experiences and outlook about the region.

The service project or study abroad experience must be approved by the Director of the Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities (hereafter, “the Director”).

For further information:

Dr. S. Bailey Shurbutt, Director
Shepherd University Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities
304-876-3119 (messages)
304-876-5207 (office)
https://www.shepherd.edu/appalachian