The Center for Appalachian Studies was established in 1978 to coordinate and promote academic programs, public programs and research activities on the Appalachian Mountain region. Built on the work of generations of Appalachian scholars, including folklorist Amos Abrams and Cratis Williams, considered the father of Appalachian studies, and Dr. Patricia Beaver, former director of the Center for Appalachian Studies, the Center works to illuminate and sustain the region's rich history, cultures, communities, and ecology.

Appalachian Studies Program

Laura Brookshire, Appalachian Studies alum and Farm Aid program coordinatior

Appalachian State University offers a Master's degree in Appalachian studies with concentrations in (1) sustainability in Appalachia or (2) culture and music. We also offer an on-campus Graduate Certificate, an online Graduate Certificate, a Graduate Minor in Appalachian studies, and undergraduate minors in Appalachian studies and Appalachian music. Learn more at the Appalachian Studies academic program.

Appalachian Journal

Appalachian Journal

Appalachian Journal, founded in 1972, is an interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed quarterly featuring field research, interviews, and other scholarly studies of history, politics, economics, culture, folklore, literature, music, ecology, and a variety of other topics, as well as poetry and reviews of books, films, and recordings dealing with the region of the Appalachian mountains.

W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection

W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection

A repository with more than 44,000 volumes of books, over 200 periodical subscriptions, 8,000 sound recordings, and 1,500 videos and DVDs related to the Southern uplands, with strengths in the social sciences, regional history, folklore, music, religion, genealogy, fiction, and African and Native Appalachia. (Image: “Black Jack Davy” transcribed by I. G. Greer. AC.113: I.G. Greer Papers and Recordings)

Center Highlights

Appalachian Journal (vol. 52, no. 1-2)

Appalachian Journal (vol. 52, no. 1-2) now available

BOONE, N.C. — The new Appalachian Journal (vol. 51, no. 1-2) features a tribute to Marie Cirillo, an exploration of underrated bestselling...

Jesse Barber, an Appalachian State University senior from Sawmills, is pursuing a self-designed B.A. in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in documentary studies in Appalachia and a minor in sustainable development. Photo by Mike Belleme

In the News: North Carolina Photographer Points His Lens Toward Hope Amidst The Devastation Of His Home State [alumni featured]

Jesse Barber focuses his camera with the quiet pensiveness of a mountain man—someone who appreciates the solace of a porch rocker, the depth of a Bl...

Appalachian Journal: A Regional Studies Review

Call for Papers: Appalachian Journal's Special Issue on Appalachian Visual Art

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachia is home to many talented and brilliant visual artists whose work often depicts and engages with the region but is not limit...

Appalachian Journal (vol. 51, no. 3-4)

Appalachian Journal (vol. 51, no. 3-4) now available

BOONE, N.C. — The new Appalachian Journal (vol. 51, no. 3-4) celebrates the life and career of Gurney Norman, Appalachian writer, documentarian, Eng...

Dr. Jessica Cory, editor of Appalachian Journal

Dr. Jessica Cory appointed editor of Appalachian Journal

Appalachian State University’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jessica Cory as the third editor of&...

Professor Alex Hooker playing “Cotton Eyed Joe” on the banjo for his Appalachian Strings class. Feb. 14, 2024. Hooker demonstrates how the song is supposed to sound before guiding his students along. Photo by Devon Richter

Strings of legacy: Alexander Hooker’s 25-year impact on App State

Alexander Hooker’s journey to old-time folk music started gradually, then suddenly. He has been a professor of Appalachian Strings here at...