by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 2 U.S. colleges awarded 8 degrees and certificates in Appalachian Studies. Graduates earn a median $37,815 one year after completing, rising to $62,342 after four years.
A 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.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, appalachian studies is a popular field of study, with 8 degrees awarded annually. 2 colleges award appalachian studies degrees, an average of 4 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 4.
All 8 of the awards are master’s degrees, the only level colleges reported.
Women earned 62% of appalachian studies degrees and certificates in the latest year (5 of 8).
O*NET rates Reading Comprehension the most important skill for jobs related to appalachian studies, at 4.2 out of 5. The key knowledge areas are Education and Training, English Language and Sociology and Anthropology. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Expression and Oral Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long an appalachian studies degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 8 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to appalachian studies, at 60.5%.
| 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% |
Source: O*NET Online.
1 occupations are related to Appalachian Studies, with an average median salary of $47,517; the strongest outlook belongs to Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary, at 6.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include College Professor, Adjunct Professor, College Faculty Member and Ethnology Professor.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to appalachian studies, at 718,152.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | 718,152 | 6.5% |
Appalachian Studies graduates earn a median $37,815 one year after completing their program, $62,342 after four years and $64,509 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $37,815 |
| 4 years | $62,342 |
| 5 years | $64,509 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to appalachian studies, with a median salary of $47,517.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | $47,517 |
Appalachian Studies has 29 similar majors in the Ethnic, Culture & Gender Studies field, which together award 6,095 degrees a year; the largest are American/United States Studies/Civilization (1,217), Regional Studies (U.S., Canadian, Foreign) (785) and Asian Studies/Civilization (693). Browse all Ethnic, Culture & Gender Studies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| American/United States Studies/Civilization | 1,217 |
| Regional Studies (U.S., Canadian, Foreign) | 785 |
| Asian Studies/Civilization | 693 |
| Area Studies, Other | 620 |
| East Asian Studies | 559 |
| Latin American Studies | 502 |
| Near and Middle Eastern Studies | 318 |
| African Studies | 206 |
| European Studies/Civilization | 177 |
| French Studies | 159 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.