Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies

Application Requirements

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Application Requirements

Application Requirements

App State's School of Graduate Studies works in collaboration with graduate programs to manage the application process.

Start by reviewing the two sets of requirements: those set by the graduate school and those set by your program of interest. It's important to know exactly what should be included in your application as you will not be able to complete it without the required documents.

Required Application Materials

  • Graduate School application
  • Application fee (non-refundable $65)
  • Resume or CV
  • Unofficial transcripts from institutions where you have earned a degree(s) (bachelor’s or higher) and/or are currently enrolled in-progress of a degree

Additional Program-Specific Application Materials

Many of App State's graduate programs have specific application requirements in addition to the required materials, such as letters of recommendation and personal statements.

Check below for additional application materials for your program of interest.

Ready to apply? Start your application!

Program-Specific Application Materials

Search by program name or type to learn more about program-specific application requirements. Search results will automatically filter as you type.

Master's Programs

  • Accounting (MS)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1, Summer 2 | April 1
    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements | 3.0
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Test Scores (GRE/GMAT)  

    Test Score Waiver Requirements:

    • Undergraduate Accounting degree with a GPA of 3.3 or higher from a regionally accredited school and at least two of three recommendation letters from professors for upper-level courses in their discipline; OR
    • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher AND five or more years of professional or military work experience; OR
    • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher AND membership in Beta Gamma Sigma; OR
    • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher AND professional certification with a quantitative focus (e.g., CPA, CFA, CMA); OR
    • Earned master's degree

  • Appalachian Studies (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements | 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (2-pages): Explain your academic and professional goals in the chosen concentration and the value of regional studies to the contemporary world.
    • Work Sample: Due to the interdisciplinary and community-based nature of Appalachian Studies, a work sample can include written work such as essays, articles, short stories or scripts; music recordings or documentation of performances; sample films, photography, or websites; or reflections on community engagement projects. Collaborative projects are welcome; however, prospective students must specifically describe their participation in any collaborative work samples submitted with their application.

  • Applied Data Analytics (MS)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements | 3.0 or 2.5 – 2.99 cumulative GPA and GRE/GMAT in the 50th percentile
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (1-2 pages): Explain why you are interested in the MSADA program; your short term/long term goals and any extenuating circumstances (if any) that the admissions committee should know
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirements:

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in your bachelor's degree; OR
    • Completion of a graduate certificate in Business Analytics at App State with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND verified membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND 5+ years of relevant, post-bachelor's work or military experience
    • Earned master’s degree

  • Athletic Training (MS)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1 
    Fall | July 1 (App State Accelerated Masters Only)

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements | 2.75
    • Non-App State Accelerated Master’s applicants will complete their application through ATCAS
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): Must be professional or academic 
    • Personal Statement: Explain your insight into what is involved in becoming and practicing as an Athletic Trainer, your reflection on the observation hours obtained, your professional goals and how the MS-AT degree will help you achieve those goals, and if you are interested in research, also include the faculty member(s) with whom you are most interested in working.
    • Observation Hours: Clinical observation/shadowing under the direct supervision of a Certified Athletic Trainer. You are advised to observe a variety of activities, events, and athletic training settings.
    • Test Scores (GRE)
    • Interview
    • The following prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrollment:
      • Biology (animal-based), 3-4 credits with lab
      • Chemistry, 3-4 credits with lab
      • Physics, 4 credits with lab
      • Human anatomy, 4 credits with lab
      • Human physiology, 4 credits with lab
      • Exercise physiology, 3 credits
      • Biomechanics OR Kinesiology, 3 credits
      • Statistics, 3 credits
      • Psychology, 3 credits

    Test Score Waiver Requirements:

    • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher; OR
    • Earned master's degree

  • Biology (MS)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 (Priority Deadline: October 15)

    Admission Requirements 

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): At least one reference letter must be from a faculty member at the applicant's undergraduate degree-granting institution
    • Personal Statement: Personal Statement: Describe how your academic background prepares you for graduate school and your interest in Biology and conversations you've had with members of the Biology Department with research in your area of interest. Please also provide research and work experience that you've had that will assist in working towards a Master of Science Degree and you see a MS Degree from App State contributing to your career goals?
    • Applicant’s must be accepted by a faculty member who agrees to be the applicant's research mentor/advisor.

  • Business Administration (MBA)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0 or 2.5-2.99 cumulative GPA and GRE/GMAT in the 50th percentile
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (1-2 pages, single-spaced): Explain what has prompted your interest in obtaining an MBA in Business Administration degree and what appeals to you about the program at App State in particular. What professional plans or ambitions do you have once you have completed your master's degree? If there are any extenuating circumstances in your record that you would like to share with the admissions committee, please add to this statement.
    • Test Scores (GRE/GMAT) 

    Test Score Waiver Requirements:

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in your bachelor's degree; OR
    • Earned master's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher or completion of a graduate certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.3 or higher; OR
    • Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND 5+ years of full-time work or military experience with one recommendation letter from a direct supervisor; OR
    • At least 3 semester hours of non-degree MBA coursework taken at App State with a cumulative GPA of a 'B' or better.

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | December 1

     Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): Must be professional or academic
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application)
    • Interview

  • Computer Science (MS)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Test Scores (GRE) 

    Test Score Waiver Requirements:

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher in a STEM major; or
    • Earned master's degree.

  • Curriculum Specialist (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | June 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Proof of Teaching Licensure: Provide a scanned copy of your current teaching license.

  • Engineering Physics (MS)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendations (3)
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirements:

    • Cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's degree; OR
    • Earned master's degree

  • English (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | April 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): Must be professional or academic
    • Personal Statement (2-3 pages): Explain the reasons for your interest in pursuing a Master's in English and your preparation for such study.
    • Writing Sample (10-pages, double-spaced): Provide a writing sample demonstrating an ability to analyze texts and present critical research.

  • Exercise Science (MS)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | April 1 (Priority Deadline: February 1)
    Spring | November 1

     

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement: Explain how a graduate degree in Exercise Science from App State will fit into your career aspirations? Please indicate 1-2 faculty members you would be interested in working with as a graduate student and explain why.

  • Geography (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | April 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (1-2 pages): Describe the reasons that you want to pursue a graduate degree in Geography at App State.

  • Health Administration (MHA)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | August 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (2)  if recently graduated, one recommendation should be academic; One must be professional/supervisor
    • Personal Statement: Describe how the MHA program at App State will help you achieve your career goals. Describe your career and experiences to this point. How will they contribute to what you hope to gain, and how can your skills and experiences contribute to the program's learning environment?
    • Questionnaire
    • Full-time work experience, preferably in a health care setting as evidenced in current resume

  • Higher Education (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | April 1 (Priority Deadline: February 1)

     Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): One recommendation must be from a recent faculty member or supervisor
    • Personal Statement (2-3 pages): Describe why you wish to pursue an MA in Higher Education, and where do you hope it will take you? Your personal statement gives us a window into your motivation for pursuing the MA in Higher Education, as well as your aspirations for your career. It must be original work, written in your own words.  As a part of our application review process, the personal statement serves as a sample of your writing ability.
    • Essay (750 words max): Describe what you believe to be the most important issue facing higher education right now and why. You may use primary sources (such as news articles, books, research articles) to support your position. The essay must be original work, written in your own words.  As a part of our application review process, the essay serves as a sample of your writing ability.

  • History (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | May 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (2-pages max): State the reasons you wish to attend Appalachian State's History program. 
    • Writing Sample (6-page minimum): Provide an example of a research paper in which you make an argument using evidence of primary and secondary sources.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirements:

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's degree; OR
    • Earned master's degree

  • Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | February 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendations (3)
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application)
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirements:

    • The standardized exam (GRE) requirement may be waived for applicants who have taken four or more quantitative credit-earning courses at an accredited college or university (this does not include AP or dual-enrollment courses). Applicants must provide their letter grades in all quantitative courses (supported by transcript) in their request for a waiver. Quantitative courses include (but are not limited to) courses with a math or statistics prefix or courses that include math, statistics, research methods, or measurement/metrics in the course name. A course that does not have one of these prefixes or course names may also be submitted as a quantitative course along with the course catalog description or syllabus to show its quantitative nature.

  • Library Science (MLS)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | August 1
    Spring | November 1

     

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): Must be professional or academic
    • Personal Statement: A 300-500 word statement of purpose in which you discuss what interests you about library science, what your career goals are, and why you would like to pursue an MLS at Appalachian State University.

  • Literacy Education (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 and 2 | April 1
    Fall | August 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Proof of teaching licensure is required to qualify for ‘M’ level licensure: (classroom/clinical concentration applicants only)

  • Marriage and Family Therapy (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | February 1

     Admission Requirements

    • Letters of Recommendation (3): If you are a recent graduate, one reference must be a professor
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application)
    • Interview


  • Mathematics (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer | April 1 (Priority Deadline March 15)
    Fall | July 1 (Priority Deadline March 15)
    Spring | November 1 (Priority Deadline September 15) 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (2)
    • Personal Statement (1-2 pages): describe your interest in our program, highlight your professional goals and explain how our program can help you achieve them.
    • Test Scores (GRE) 

    Test Score Waiver Requirements:

    • Bachelor's degree with a major in mathematics, statistics or mathematics education; AND
    • GPA 3.2 or higher in undergraduate mathematics and statistics courses (calculus, linear algebra, proof-writing, analysis, probability, and statistical analysis

  • Media, Technology, & Learning Design (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer | April 1
    Fall | August 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): Must be professional or academic
    • Proof of Teaching Licensure: (instructional technology K-12 facilitation concentration applicants only)

  • Music Performance (MM)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer | April 1
    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): Must be professional or academic
    • Audition

  • Music Therapy (MMT)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | February 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
    • Letters of Recommendations (2): recommendations must be from professors and/or supervisors
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application)
    • Audition video upload
    • Must have earned or be in-progress of a Bachelor’s in Music Therapy

  • Nursing (MSN)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | July 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): one must be academic and the other professional 
    • Personal Statement: 

      • Introduction (highlight recognition, leadership, and clinical experience)

      • Why you selected Appalachian State’s Graduate Program 

      • Educational, career, and growth goals 

      • Personal strengths and skills related to goals 

      • One or more nursing value(s) of personal importance 

      • Conclusion

    • Proof of Licensure: provide a copy of your current, unrestricted RN license for North Carolina or a state participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) with North Carolina
    • Earned or be in-progress of a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited (ACEN or CCNE) college or university OR an accredited associate degree or diploma in nursing with a bachelor's degree in another field
    • Completed an undergraduate statistics and research course (descriptive and inferential statistics) with a grade of C or higher
    • One year of nursing experience prior to enrollment

  • Nutrition - Dietetics (MS)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | January 31 

    Admission Requirements

    • Applicants will complete their application through DICAS
    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
      • Letters of Recommendation (3)
      • Personal Statement (1,000 words or less) Discuss why you want to enter the dietetics profession, experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career, strengths and areas of growth, why you are interested in App State, any other information you consider important for the selection decision.
      • Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics 
      • Verification Statement of Program Completion from an Accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
      • Video Submission: Prepare a video introducing yourself. Share about your background and experiences in nutrition and dietetics, goals and aspirations, and why App State is a good fit for you. Keep your video concise, preferably under two (2) minutes, and ensure good lighting and clear audio. Once the video is ready, upload it to a google drive (or another easily accessible file-sharing platform) and provide the download / access link within a PDF document.

  • Nutrition - Public Health Nutrition Practice (MS)

    Nutrition - Public Health Nutrition Practice, Dietetics

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | January 31 

    Admission Requirements

    • Applicants will complete their application through DICAS
    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
      • Applicants will complete their application through DICAS
      • Letters of Recommendation (3)
      • Personal Statement (1,000 words or less) Discuss why you want to enter the dietetics profession, experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career, strengths and areas of growth, why you are interested in App State, any other information you consider important for the selection decision.
      • Video Submission: Prepare a video introducing yourself. Share about your background and experiences in nutrition and dietetics, goals and aspirations, and why App State is a good fit for you. Keep your video concise, preferably under two (2) minutes, and ensure good lighting and clear audio. Once the video is ready, upload it to a google drive (or another easily accessible file-sharing platform) and provide the download / access link within a PDF document.
    • The following prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrollment:
      • Introduction to Psychology 
      • Basic Food Science (i.e. Principles of Foods)
      • Nutrition and Health
      • Chemistry I with Lab
      • Statistics 
      • Human Anatomy and Physiology
      • Biological Concepts I 
      • Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
      • Medical Terminology 
      • Food Safety course or ServSafe / Food Manager Certification

    Nutrition - Public Health Nutrition Practice, General

     Application Deadlines

     Summer | April 1
    Fall | August 1
    Spring | November 1 

     Admission Requirements 

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (3-double-spaced pages max): Describe your educational/career background, why you have chosen to apply to the program and how the program will help you address your career goals.
    • Video Submission: Prepare a video introducing yourself. Share about your background and experiences in nutrition and dietetics, goals and aspirations, and why App State is a good fit for you. Keep your video concise, preferably under two (2) minutes, and ensure good lighting and clear audio. Once the video is ready, upload it to a google drive (or another easily accessible file-sharing platform) and provide the download / access link within a PDF document.
    • The following prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrollment:
      • Introduction to Psychology 
      • Basic Food Science (i.e. Principles of Foods)
      • Nutrition and Health
      • Chemistry I with Lab
      • Statistics 
      • Human Anatomy and Physiology
      • Biological Concepts I 
      • Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
      • Medical Terminology 
      • Food Safety course or ServSafe / Food Manager Certification


  • Occupational Therapy (MS)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | January 1 (Applications must be complete by January 15) 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): Must be professional or academic
    • Observation Hours (form for observation hours can be found in the application)
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application)
    • Interview
    • The following prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrollment, additional information can be found here:
      • Two semesters of coursework in Anatomy, Physiology with Labs
      • Human Development
      • Statistics
      • Abnormal Psychology/Psychopathology
      • Social Sciences or Public Health

  • Political Science (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer | April 1
    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.2
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): Must be professional or academic
    • Personal Statement (2-pages): Describe your academic and professional goals in your chosen concentration.

  • Professional School Counseling (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | May 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendations (2)
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application): Provide your goals and reasons for applying to the program.
    • Interview

  • Psychology - Psychological Science Concentration (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | April 1 (Priority Deadline February 1) 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (2-pages max): Describe your academic and professional goals, including research interests, and identify a potential mentor from the Psychology faculty.

  • Public Administration (MPA)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
    • Personal Statement (3-page, double-spaced max): Explain what has prompted your interest in obtaining an MPA degree, and what appeals to you about the program at App State in particular. What professional plans or ambitions do you have once you have completed your Master's degree? What skills and competencies would you like to gain while in the MPA program? Please be as specific as possible.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirements:

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher in your bachelor's or master's degree; OR
    • five or more years of relevant work experience in government or nonprofit agency; OR
    • Completed 9 credit hours of graduate coursework at an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.4 or higher within the last 5 years


  • Public Health (MPH)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | June 1 (Priority Deadline March 1) 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (2-page, double-spaced max): Describe your educational/career background, why you have applied to the program and how the program will help you address your career goals.
    • The following prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrollment:
      • Statistics or other math course (intro to statistics/psych. statistics)
      • English writing course (WID)
    • Experience working or volunteering in a public health-related organization/agency or other service experience indicated on your resume.

  • Romance Languages (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (2)
    • Writing Sample (4-7 pages, double-spaced): Please provide a writing sample in the target language. It should be analytical and demonstrate nuanced thinking and expository skills. 
    • Proof of Teaching Licensure: (French / Spanish K-12 teaching concentrations applicants only)

  • School Administration (MSA)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | August 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
    • Letters of Recommendation (3): one reference letter must be from your current school principal or immediate supervisor
    • Personal Statement (2-pages max): Describe your leadership philosophy as an educator and include your career goals for the next five years.
    • Proof of Teaching Licensure: Please provide a scanned copy of your current North Carolina "A” license or its equivalent from another state
    • Have at least three years of public-school teaching experience in a K-12 setting
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirements:

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.1 or higher in your bachelor's degree; OR
    • Earned master's degree; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 AND 5+ years of professional experience in K-12 education

  • Social Work (MSW)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 2 | February 1 
    Fall | February 1

     Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
      • If Advanced Standing, additionally must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 in Social Work courses
    • Letters of Recommendation (3): All letters of recommendation must come from a collegiate or professional work contact; at least 1 reference must speak to your academics and at least 1 reference must speak to your paid or volunteer human service agency experiences.
    • Personal Statement (4 pages): To evaluate suitability for the MSW Program and the social work profession, writing skills, and English proficiency. Required format: 12 point font, double-spaces, one inch margins:
      • Discuss the personal and professional experiences that led to the development of your interest in and commitment to a career in social work. Include the particular aspects of social work that you would like to pursue as a professional and why.
      • The National Association of Social Worker’s (NASW) Code of Ethics is based on six ethical principles, also referred to as the core values.  Please discuss how all of these core values will inform your practice.
      • Our MSW Program has two concentrations (Individuals and Families, and Community and Organizational Practice) and a crossover design.  Which concentration are you leaning toward, and why?  How will the concentration you did not choose inform your social work practice?
    • For Advanced Standing applications, an earned or be in-progress of a Bachelors of Social Work with the past seven years.

  • Special Education (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | August 1
    Spring | November 1

     Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (3): Must be professional or academic
    • Proof of teaching licensure is required to qualify for ‘M’ level licensure: (classroom/clinical concentration applicants only)

  • Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | February 1

     Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (3): Must be professional or academic
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application)
    • Video Submission: Create a video introducing yourself, tell us your undergraduate major and what university you attend (ed). Then, we would like you to teach us how to do something. Your topic does not have to be related to speech language pathology. It can be something you do everyday, a hobby, related to work experience or just anything you enjoy. We will be evaluating your ability to effectively communicate.

     


  • Student Affairs Administration (MA)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | June 1 (Priority Deadline February 1) 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0 in the last 60 hours of coursework
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): Must be professional or academic

  • Technology (MS)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1

     Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.9 or 2.5 – 2.899 cumulative GPA with GRE in the 25th percentile
    • Letters of Recommendation (2)
    • Personal Statement (2-pages max): Describe your reasons for selecting the MS in Technology program at Appalachian State and the goal(s) you hope to achieve through graduate study.
    • Test Scores (GRE) 

    Test Score Waiver Requirement

    • Cumulative GPA of 2.9 or higher in your bachelor's degree; or
    • Earned master's degree

Certificate Programs

  • Addiction Counseling Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

     Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.5
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application)

  • Autism Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | August 15
    Spring | December 1

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.5
    • No additional supplemental materials required

  • Birth through Kindergarten Graduate Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | August 15
    Spring | December 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.7
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application): To be considered for residency licensure, you must have 24 hours of content related to birth through kindergarten development and education; please indicate how you meet the requirements for residency licensure.

  • Career & Technical Education Graduate Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1, Summer 2 | May 1
    Fall | August 1
    Spring | December 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.7
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application):To be considered for residency licensure, you must either have 24 hours of content or have passed your Praxis II; please indicate how you meet the requirements for residency licensure.

  • Climate Change Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | April 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.5
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): Must be professional or academic
    • Personal Statement (2-pages max): Describe the reasons you wish to pursue a graduate certificate in Geography at Appalachian State University.

  • College and University Teaching Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | May 1

    Admission Requirements 

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.5
    • No additional supplemental materials required.

  • Digital Media Literacy Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | May 1
    Fall | August 15
    Spring | December 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.5
    • No additional supplemental materials required

  • Elementary Education Graduate Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | May 1
    Fall | August 15
    Spring | December 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.7
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application):To be considered for residency licensure, you must either have 24 hours of content or have passed your Praxis II; please indicate how you meet the requirements for residency licensure.

  • Elementary Mathematics Education Certificate

    not offered 

  • Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Graduate Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | August 15
    Spring | December 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.7
    • No additional supplemental materials needed

  • Expressive Arts Therapy Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.5
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application)
    • In-progress or earned master’s degree in a mental health field.

  • French Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.5
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): Must be professional or academic
    • Writing Sample (7-pages max): Provide a writing sample in the target language is required. It should be analytical and demonstrate nuanced thinking and expository skills. The suggested length is 4-7 double-spaced pages.

  • Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies Certificate

    Application Deadlines 

    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1  

    Admission Requirements 

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.5
    • Personal Statement: explain your education and work background, interests, and plans, with an emphasis on how GWS coursework will enhance, complement, or advance your work and/or education.

  • Geographic Information Science Certificate

     Application Deadlines 

    Fall | April 1
    Spring | November 1  

    Admission Requirements 

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.5
    • Letters of Recommendation (2): Must be professional or academic
    • Personal Statement (2-pages max): Describe the reasons you wish to pursue a graduate certificate in Geography at Appalachian State University.

  • Health and Physical Education Graduate Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | May 1
    Fall | August 15

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.7
    • Personal Statement (2-page max): Describe your current teaching situation (school where employed, subject and grade levels taught) and the reason you are seeking teacher licensure in Health and Physical Education.
    • Proof of Employment: Please provide proof of employment in a K-12 health or physical education teaching position at a NC school. This can include a letter from the school administration or human resources department.
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application)
    • To be considered for residency licensure, you must either have 24 hours of content or have passed your Praxis II; please indicate how you meet the requirements for residency licensure.

  • Instructional Technology Facilitation Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | May 1
    Fall | August 15
    Spring | December 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.5
    • Proof of Licensure: Please provide a scanned copy of your current teaching license.

  • Instructional Technology Leadership Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | August 15

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.5
    • Earned master's degree

  • Literacy Education Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1, Summer 2 | May 1
    Fall | August 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.5
    • Proof of Teaching Licensure: Provide a scanned copy of your current teaching license.

  • Middle and Secondary Teaching Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1, Summer 2 | May 1
    Fall | August 15
    Spring | December 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.7
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application):To be considered for residency licensure, you must either have 24 hours of content or have passed your Praxis II; please indicate how you meet the requirements for residency licensure.

  • Non-profit Administration Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Summer 1 | April 1
    Fall | July 1
    Spring | November 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.5
    • No additional supplemental materials required.

  • Nursing Education Certificate

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | July 1

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements : 2.75
    • Proof of RN License: Provide a scanned copy of your current, unrestricted RN license for North Carolina or a state participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) with North Carolina.

  • Online Design, Communication and Engagement Certificate

    • No additional supplemental materials required.

  • Planning Certificate

    • Letters of Recommendation (2)
    • Personal Statement (2-pages max): Describe the reasons you wish to pursue a graduate certificate in Geography at Appalachian State University.

  • Public Health Nutrition Practice Certificate

    • Personal Statement (3 double-spaced pages max): Explain your educational and/or career background, specifically why you have chosen to apply to this program, and how this program will help you adress your career goals.

  • Rhetoric and Composition Certificate

    • Letters of Recommendation (2)

  • School Leadership Certificate

    • Letters of Recommendation (2): At least one reference must be from your current school principal or immediate supervisor.
    • Personal Statement: Describe your  personal philosophy of leadership, and explain its development, citing readings, resources, and other references that have influenced your thinking to this point. Explain how this program will further your career goals.
    • Proof of Teaching Licensure: Provide a scanned copy of your current teaching license.

  • Sociology Certificate

    • Personal Statement (2-pages max): Describe your relevant academic, work or volunteer experience, and your reasons for applying to the program.

  • Spanish Certificate

    • Letters of Recommendation (2)
    • Writing Sample (7-pages max): Provide a writing sample in the target language is required. It should be analytical and demonstrate nuanced thinking and expository skills. The suggested length is 4-7 double-spaced pages.

  • Special Education Graduate Certificate

    • Personal Statement: Personal Statement (2-pages max): Explain why you are applying for a graduate certificate in special education, what teaching experience you have, and whether or not you are currently employed as a teacher.
    • If you are applying under a residency program, please provide the contact information for your school administration and/or HR representative.
    • If you are not currently employed as a teacher, please include contact information for a professional reference (current employer preferred) with whom the program can discuss your qualifications.

  • Special Education Leadership Graduate Certificate

    • If you are applying under a residency program, please provide the contact information for your school administration and/or HR representative.
    • If you are not currently employed as a teacher, please include contact information for a professional reference (current employer preferred) with whom the program can discuss your qualifications.

  • Teaching Emergent Bilingual Populations in the Content Areas Certificate

    • Proof of Teaching Licensure: Please provide a scanned copy of your current teaching license

Dual Degree

  • Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Analytics Concentration, MS and Business Administration - Interdisciplinary Business Concentration, MBA

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (3-pages max): Discuss what has prompted your interest in obtaining this dual-degree, short/long term goals, and any extenuating circumstances that you would like to share with the admissions committee.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirement

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in your bachelor's or master's degree; OR
    • Completion of a graduate certificate in Business Analytics at App State with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher; OR
    • cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND verified membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND 5+ years of relevant, post-baccalaureate work or military experience

  • Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Concentration, MS and Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management, MA

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (3-pages max): Discuss what has prompted your interest in obtaining this dual-degree, short/long term goals, and any extenuating circumstances that you would like to share with the admissions committee.
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application): provide your goals and reasons for applying to the program.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

  • Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Concentration, MS and Public Administration - Not-for-Profit Management Concentration, MPA

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (3-pages max): Personal Statement (3-pages max): Discuss what has prompted your interest in obtaining this dual-degree, professional plans or ambitions once you have completed the program, competencies you would like to develop while in the program, short/long term goals, and any extenuating circumstances that you would like to share with the admissions committee.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirement

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in your bachelor's or master's degree; OR
    • Completion of a graduate certificate in Business Analytics at App State with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher; OR
    • cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND verified membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND 5+ years of relevant, post-baccalaureate work or military experience

  • Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Concentration, MS and Public Administration - Public Management Concentration, MPA

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (3-pages max): Personal Statement (3-pages max): Discuss what has prompted your interest in obtaining this dual-degree, professional plans or ambitions once you have completed the program, competencies you would like to develop while in the program, short/long term goals, and any extenuating circumstances that you would like to share with the admissions committee.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirement

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in your bachelor's or master's degree; OR
    • Completion of a graduate certificate in Business Analytics at App State with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher; OR
    • cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND verified membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND 5+ years of relevant, post-baccalaureate work or military experience

  • Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Concentration, MS and Public Administration - Town, City and County Management Concentration, MPA

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (3-pages max): Personal Statement (3-pages max): Discuss what has prompted your interest in obtaining this dual-degree, professional plans or ambitions once you have completed the program, competencies you would like to develop while in the program, short/long term goals, and any extenuating circumstances that you would like to share with the admissions committee.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirement

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in your bachelor's or master's degree; OR
    • Completion of a graduate certificate in Business Analytics at App State with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher; OR
    • cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND verified membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND 5+ years of relevant, post-baccalaureate work or military experience

  • Business Administration - Interdisciplinary Business Concentration, MBA and Higher Education - Community College and University Leadership Concentration, MA

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (3-pages max): Discuss what has prompted your interest in obtaining this dual-degree, short/long term goals, and any extenuating circumstances that you would like to share with the admissions committee. 
    • Essay (2-pages max): describe what you believe to be the most important issue facing higher education right now and why.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirement

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in your bachelor's or master's degree; OR
    • Completion of a graduate certificate in Business Analytics at App State with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher; OR
    • cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND verified membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND 5+ years of relevant, post-baccalaureate work or military experience

  • Business Administration - Interdisciplinary Business Concentration, MBA and Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management, MA

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (3-pages max): Discuss what has prompted your interest in obtaining this dual-degree, short/long term goals, and any extenuating circumstances that you would like to share with the admissions committee.
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application): provide your goals and reasons for applying to the program.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

  • Business Administration - Interdisciplinary Business Concentration, MBA and Public Administration - Public Management Concentration, MPA

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (3-pages max): Discuss what has prompted your interest in obtaining this dual-degree, short/long term goals, and any extenuating circumstances that you would like to share with the admissions committee.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirement

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in your bachelor's or master's degree; OR
    • Completion of a graduate certificate in Business Analytics at App State with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher; OR
    • cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND verified membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND 5+ years of relevant, post-baccalaureate work or military experience

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA and Music Therapy, MMT

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application): Provide your goals and reasons for applying to the program

  • Engineering Physics - Systems and Laboratory Automation Concentration, MS and Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Analytics Concentration, MS

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (2-pages max): Discuss what has prompted your interest in obtaining this dual-degree, short/long term goals, and any extenuating circumstances that you would like to share with the admissions committee.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirement

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in your bachelor's or master's degree; OR
    • Completion of a graduate certificate in Business Analytics at App State with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher; OR
    • cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND verified membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND 5+ years of relevant, post-baccalaureate work or military experience

  • Library Science (MLS) and Media, Technology, and Learning Design - Instructional Technology Specialist/K-12 Concentration (MA)

    • Letters of Recommendations (2)

  • Mathematics - College Teaching Concentration, MA and Engineering Physics - Systems and Laboratory Automation Concentration, MS

    • Letters of Recommendations (3)
    • Personal Statement (1-2 pages): describe your interest in our program, highlight your professional goals and explain how our program can help you achieve them
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirement

    • Baccalaureate degree with a major in mathematics, statistics or mathematics education; AND
    • GPA 3.2 or higher in undergraduate mathematics and statistics courses (calculus, linear algebra, proof-writing, analysis, probability, and statistical analysis; OR
    • Earned master's degree

       

  • Political Science - American Government Concentration, MA and Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Concentration, MS

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (2-pages max): Discuss what has prompted your interest in obtaining this dual-degree, competencies you would like to develop while in the program,  your professional goals post completion of the program, and any extenuating circumstances that you would like to share with the admissions committee.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirement

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in your bachelor's or master's degree; OR
    • Completion of a graduate certificate in Business Analytics at App State with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher; OR
    • cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND verified membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND 5+ years of relevant, post-baccalaureate work or military experience

  • Political Science - Environmental Politics and Policy Analysis Concentration, MA and Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Concentration, MS

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (2-pages max): Discuss what has prompted your interest in obtaining this dual-degree, competencies you would like to develop while in the program,  your professional goals post completion of the program, and any extenuating circumstances that you would like to share with the admissions committee.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirement

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in your bachelor's or master's degree; OR
    • Completion of a graduate certificate in Business Analytics at App State with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher; OR
    • cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND verified membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's AND 5+ years of relevant, post-baccalaureate work or military experience

  • Political Science - International Relations/Comparative Politics Concentration, MA and Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Concentration, MS

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Personal Statement (2-pages max): Discuss what has prompted your interest in obtaining this dual-degree, competencies you would like to develop while in the program,  your professional goals post completion of the program, and any extenuating circumstances that you would like to share with the admissions committee.
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirement

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in your bachelor's or master's degree; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher AND 5+ years full-time professional work or military experience, with at least one letter of recommendation from the direct supervisor detailing your role while employed; OR
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher AND verified membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society

  • Technology - Appropriate Technology Concentration, MS and Engineering Physics - Systems and Laboratory Automation Concentration, MS

    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Test Scores (GRE)

    Test Score Waiver Requirement

    • Cumulative GPA of 2.9 or higher in your bachelor's
    • Earned master's degree

Doctoral Programs

  • Clinical Psychology: (PsyD)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | December 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
    • Letters of Recommendation (3): Must be professional or academic
    • Personal Statement (2-double spaced pages): Describe your professional interests, expectations from the doctoral program, and career goals. You should consider reflecting on some of the following areas in your statement:
      • What experiences have prepared you for graduate study in clinical psychology
      • How do your professional goals match our program, including our focus on serving clients in rural and/or underserved areas
      • What personal characteristics do you possess that you believe are important to the practice of psychology
      • How does your clinical orientation/philosophy fit with that of our specific faculty members
      • How do your research interests fit with that of our faculty
      • If you believe that any part of your application does not accurately reflect your academic skills or preparation for graduate school in psychology (e.g., GRE, GPA, etc.), please address this in your personal statement.
    • The following prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrollment:
      • Introductory Psychology
      •  Statistics 
      • Research Methods
      • Abnormal psychology
    • Interview

  • Educational Leadership: (EdD)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | February 1 

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
    • Letters of Recommendation (3): Must be professional or academic
    • Personal Statement (6-double spaced pages max): Your personal statement gives us a window into your history, motivation, and goals for doctoral study, as well as your voice as a writer. It must be original work, written in your own words.  In our application review process, we will review it carefully as a sample of your writing ability. 
      • Address the following questions considering how you might respond in an integrated manner, in a way that tells your story, rather than responding to each question separately.  You may add an additional page for any references using APA 7th edition citation style.
        • What motivates you to pursue a doctorate in educational leadership, and why at Appalachian?  At this point in your life/career, why is doctoral study worth the significant investment required
        • What contemporary educational problems/issues do you care most about, given your context and standpoint as an educational leader
        • What concepts or research have influenced your thinking about those problems/issues? How do you envision that your own future dissertation inquiry could make a difference?
        •  What strengths would you bring to doctoral-level study, and what challenges might you face, given the intense reading, thinking, reflection and writing expected? 
        • Given your lived experience and professional background, how would your membership in our academic community support the vision and/or core values of Appalachian State University? 
        • What else would you like to tell us about your unique background, strengths, commitments, and preparation to pursue an EdD
    • A minimum of 5 years of work experience within higher education.

Specialist Programs

  • School Psychology: (MA/SSP)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall | December 1

     Admission Requirements

    • Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
    • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    • Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application): provide your goals and reasons for applying to the program
    • Interview
    • Test Scores (GRE)

     Test Score Waiver Requirement:

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your bachelor's degree; or
    • Earned master's degree