Graduate Certificate in Appalachian Studies
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A graduate certificate in Appalachian Studies is ideal for individuals passionate about the culture, history, and socio-economic challenges of the Appalachian region, and who wish to deepen their understanding of rural communities and regional identity. Graduates often pursue careers in community development, heritage tourism, public policy, or education, working with non-profit organizations, government agencies, or cultural institutions to support sustainable development, preservation, and advocacy for Appalachian communities.
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Appalachian Studies may be earned concurrently with graduate degrees across Colleges at the University of Kentucky or independently, with enrollment through the Graduate School and acceptance by the Appalachian Studies Program Director. This is a transdisciplinary certificate, providing training in multiple colleges and disciplinary perspectives to complement graduate students’ disciplinary research, engagement, and career goals with a focus on the Appalachian region. The curricular strengths of the Graduate Certificate in Appalachian Studies are in social, economic, environmental, and health justice as the diverse histories, experiences, voices, environments, and possible futures of the 13-state Appalachian region of the U.S. are considered.
Related Careers
The Appalachian Studies Graduate Certificate complements career training in any field by providing students with further analytical skills in providing historical, social, and environmental context for students’ everyday work in their chosen career. Examples of careers that can be benefited through the transdisciplinary Appalachian Studies Graduate Certificate include jobs in education, health care, NGO administration, state or local government, those related to environmental work, the arts, and more.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Deadlines
Domestic
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Fall
- 07/25/2025
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Spring
- 12/12/2025
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Summer
- 04/18/2026
International
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Fall
- 04/15/2025
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Spring
- 09/15/2025
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Throughout my academic career I've taken relevant Appalachian courses when I could because, as a native of Eastern Kentucky, I'm always interested in learning how academics across disciplines view us. When the Appalachian Studies Graduate Certificate became possible, I jumped at the opportunity. The ability to work the certificate into my work/life schedule without undue burden made my success in the program possible. The other certificate students and I bonded over our shared love of Appalachia, and the program facilitated an incredible learning experience.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Program Specific Funding Opportunities
Students involved with the Appalachian Studies Program may be eligible for teaching assistantships. Applicants for these positions need to be graduate students in the College of Arts & Sciences (any department) with at least 18 hours of graduate coursework completed in good standing. Preference will be given to the applications of those who have demonstrated research and teaching interests in Appalachian Studies and some teaching experience (not necessarily in Appalachian Studies). Information about these positions is typically available early in the Spring semester for both academic year and Summer opportunities.
Expand Your Learning
Graduate students who want to become more involved in the Appalachian Center and the Appalachian Studies Program should consider joining the Graduate Appalachian Research Community (GARC).
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
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