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Graduate Certificate

graduate-certificate

The graduate certificate in Appalachian Studies builds on the foundations of our undergraduate interdisciplinary minor.

The certificate serves community college and K-12 teachers, community organizers, and healthcare professionals desiring course work at the graduate level in Appalachian Studies, as well as those with a general interest in the discipline. The Master’s program in English regularly attracts students wishing to focus on Appalachian topics, as do occasionally Master’s programs in Education and other disciplines. The certificate in Appalachian Studies, then, may stand alone as a non-degree curricular unit, or it may become a corollary to a Master’s degree in a related field.

The certificate is based in the Appalachian Studies Program in the College of Education and Human Development. It is supported by the English Department and other departments having graduate-level courses with Appalachian content.

Scope and Sequence

The certificate in Appalachian Studies consists of 18 graduate credit hours chosen from among those courses listed below. Other courses may be added to the list with the approval of the Appalachian Studies Committee. Courses do not have to be taken in a particular sequence because each is a complete entity within itself. Therefore, students may begin the curriculum in any semester.

Courses

  • ENGL 590:  Highland Summer Conference: Appalachian Writing & Culture (3)  -  A two-week summer institute - Students may enroll twice (2 summers), as the course content changes.
  • ENGL 648: Studies in Oral and Written Literature of Appalachia (3)
    Students may enroll twice, as long as the content differs.
  • APST595: Research in Appalachia (3). Students may enroll twice, as long as content differs.
  • APST 560: Seminar in Appalachian Studies (3)
    Students may enroll twice, as long as the content differs.
  • APST 698: Directed Study (3)

Total Credits: 18

Delivery Strategies and Resources

Most of the courses listed above are currently offered in accelerated summer workshops or in evening classes on campus and are therefore accessible to educators and others working full-time.  As the certificate offering develops, alternate delivery strategies will be investigated to accommodate distance learners and other scheduling needs.

Duration and Review Process

The Certificate in Appalachian Studies can typically be completed in two years by students taking courses on a part-time basis. Students who are able to take a larger course load may be able to complete the Certificate requirements in a shorter time frame.

Admissions Criteria

Applicants wishing to pursue the certificate should apply as non-degree seeking students, submitting graduate application including “Appalachian Studies Certificate” in the comment field, the application fee, and official transcripts. Those wishing to take the certificate with a degree program should apply to the graduate program of interest and, when admitted, complete a Certificate Declaration Form. All applicants should notify Theresa Burriss of their intent to pursue the certificate.

Dr. Theresa L. Burriss
Chair of the Appalachian Studies Program and
Director of the Appalachian Rural Regional Studies Center
Phone: 540-831-6857