Welcome to the Department of Appalachian Studies at
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University is the only institution to devote an entire academic
department to Appalachian Studies. The Department includes a range of academic programs
as well as the outstanding resources of the Center of Excellence in Appalachian Studies
and Services, which has existed since 1984. ETSU is the only four-year institution
in the state whose mission is to serve the Appalachian region. ETSU embraces its regional
setting and proudly reflects its traditional roots and Appalachian heritage. Located
in the heart of Appalachia, ETSU is well positioned to capitalize on the region as
a laboratory for research, service learning, active community work, and building collections.
The Department, along with the Center, provides a centralized unit for developing
degrees and certificates, promoting research, and extending the service mission of
ETSU.
The Department, established in 2008, includes the Bachelor of Arts in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies, the leading program in its field and the first four-year degree of its kind in the world. In addition, the Department offers several minors:
- Appalachian Studies
- Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies
- Brewing & Distillation Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Heritage Interpretation and Museum Studies
- Old-Time Music
- Scottish and Irish Traditional Music
The Department is also home to its popular and long-running program in Appalachian, Scottish, and Irish Studies (ASIS), which offers a summer study abroad experience and exchange programs in Scotland and Ireland.
In addition to its undergraduate programs, the Department offers both a Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Appalachian Studies, which are a natural fit for ETSU, with its strong history of service to Appalachia and a mission that embraces its Southern Appalachian identity and setting. Most of the graduate certificate is offered online as well as on-campus, and a number of the courses in the master of arts program are offered online.
Thank you for your interest in Appalachian Studies. Take time to look around and please let us know if you have any questions or if we may be of help.
Ron Roach, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Appalachian Studies
Director, Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services