by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Appalachian Studies explores A Program Of Study That Focuses On The History, Sociology, Culture, And Economics Of The Appalachian Region Of The United States. Includes Instruction In Contemporary Issues In Appalachia, Political Economy Of Appalachia, Community-Based Research, Ethnomusicology, And Oral And Written Languages Of Appalachia. Continue reading for the key facts every appalachian studies major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering appalachian studies programs.
Across the country, appalachian studies is a popular field of study, with 6 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Appalachian Studies Schools ranking analyzes these 2 schools to determine the best overall colleges for appalachian studies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of appalachian studies programs later in this article.
Coursework for Appalachian Studies build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations appalachian studies graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a appalachian studies program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a appalachian studies major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several appalachian studies degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 6 |
People currently working in careers related to appalachian studies tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 60.5% |
| Master’s degree | 31.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 4.0% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 3.2% |
| First professional degree | 1.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.2% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in appalachian studies careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in appalachian studies prepares you for numerous career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to appalachian studies.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to appalachian studies.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | 718,152 | 6.5% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of appalachian studies graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $37,815 |
| 4 years | $54,317 |
| 5 years | $64,382 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for appalachian studies graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers appalachian studies grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | $47,517 |
With 2 different appalachian studies programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased appalachian studies school rankings to help you.
Those considering appalachian studies, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| American/United States Studies/Civilization | 1,156 |
| Asian Studies/Civilization | 705 |
| Regional Studies (U.S., Canadian, Foreign) | 680 |
| Area Studies, Other | 630 |
| East Asian Studies | 581 |
| Latin American Studies | 498 |
| Near and Middle Eastern Studies | 317 |
| African Studies | 209 |
| French Studies | 143 |
| Russian Studies | 124 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
