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Appalachian Studies Degree Programs

Programs of Study

Interdisciplinary Appalachian Studies BA/BS Degree

This creative and flexible interdisciplinary Appalachian Studies degree focuses on the culture, environment, leisure industries, and business entrepreneurship of the region for those students who wish to remain, work, teach, serve in, or write about the state or region after graduation.  While the B.A. in Appalachian Studies is ideally suited for students who may choose to continue graduate studies, pursue a law degree or MAT teaching certification, the B.S. in Appalachian Studies, with its second minor and no language requirement, is appropriate for students moving directly into positions of leadership or professions in the community.  Both  degree tracks have the flexibility to prepare students for problem solving, innovation, understanding the region and the ever-changing and evolving working world of today.  Both tracks also have Global Appalachia components where a semester of study abroad waives required electives. Apply online.

Undergraduate Options

7 Reasons to Major in Interdisciplinary Appalachian Studies B.A./B.S. Degree

Graduate Options

Graduate Studies Apply Online

7 Reasons to Pursue the Appalachian Studies Graduate Certificate or Master’s Degree

 Innovative Programs and Points of Excellence

Appalachia and the Appalachian Studies Program at Shepherd University

Parts of twelve states lie within the region known as Appalachia, some 200,000 square miles which rest within the contour of the Appalachian Mountains, stretching from New York and Pennsylvania to Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. While there is surprising diversity among the people of Appalachia (German, Italian, African American, Native American, and others in addition to Scots Irish), defying traditional Appalachian stereotypes, the 23 million people who live in Appalachia are dependent upon an economy that has traditionally been limited in diversity. The area is rich in natural resources that principally feed the economy: coal, timber, gas, manufacturing and tourism. The Appalchian Studies Program, which includes undergraduate and graduate degrees, the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence Project, the WV Fiction Competition, a fall Appalachian Heritage Festival, an annual Anthology of Appalachian Writers (ISSN 1946-3103), and an annual NEH Summer Seminar for Teachers, is committed to an understanding of the region, and its historical, environmental, social, and literary richness.