Supplemental Information for Application

In addition to the application form, resume, and transcripts, many programs require materials such as statements of intent, writing samples, and licensure documentation. Check the list below to see what is needed for each program. Please read carefully. You will be provided an area in the application to upload each supplemental item separately. If not otherwise indicated in the Prompts/Details section, items should be limited to 2 pages (500 words) in length.

Master's Programs

Program Supplemental Information
Accounting: Master of Science Degree

No additional supplemental material uploads needed beyond the requirements for a complete application.

Appalachian Studies: Master of Arts Degree

Personal Statement

How would an MA degree in Appalachian Studies support your career and life goals?

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: Master of Science Degree

Personal Statement

Personal Statement (min 1 page and not more than 2 pages) should cover 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.

Athletic Training: Master of Science Degree

Personal Statement

Please upload a personal statement that includes the following: 1) your insight into what is involved in becoming and practicing as an Athletic Trainer, 2) your reflection on the observation hours obtained, 3) your professional goals and how the MS-AT degree will help you achieve those goals, 4) if you are interested in research, also include the faculty member(s) with whom you are most interested in working.

Observation Hours Documentation

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.

Biology: Master of Science Degree

Letter of Intent

Your Letter of Intent for Biology should fully develop the following points (no page limit):

  • Describe how your academic background prepares you for graduate school
  • Describe your interest in Biology and conversations you've had with members of the Biology Department with research in your area of interest
  • Provide research and work experience that you've had that will assist in working towards a Master of Science Degree
  • How do you see a MS Degree from Appalachian State University contributing to your career goals?

Letters of Recommendation

At least one reference letter must be from a faculty member at the applicant's undergraduate degree-granting institution.

Additional Admission Requirement

Commitment from a Biology faculty member to chair the applicant's thesis committee.

Business Administration: MBA Degree Program

Statement of Purpose

Please upload a 1-2 page (500/750 words), single-spaced Personal Statement on what has prompted your interest in obtaining an MBA in Business Administration degree, and what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian 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 in this statement.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Master of Arts Degree

Questionnaire

You will be prompted to submit responses to a questionnaire as part of the online application.  

The HPC admissions questionnaire provides the department with important information regarding your goals and reasons for applying to an HPC program.

Computer Science: Master of Science Degree

No additional supplemental material uploads needed beyond the requirements for a complete application.

Curriculum Specialist: Master of Arts Degree

Proof of Teaching Licensure

Provide a scanned copy of your current teaching license

Elementary Education: Master of Arts Degree (currently inactive)

No additional supplemental material uploads needed beyond the requirements for a complete application.

Engineering Physics: Master of Science Degree

No additional supplemental material uploads needed beyond the requirements for a complete application.

English: Master of Arts Degree

Personal Statement

Please explain the reasons for your interest in pursuing a Master's in English and your preparation for such study in 2-3 pages (500-750 words).

Writing Sample

Please provide a writing sample of at least 10 pages (double-spaced) demonstrating an ability to analyze texts and present critical research.

Exercise Science: Master of Science Degree

Personal Statement

How will a graduate degree in Exercise Science from Appalachian State 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.

Writing Sample

(Only required for those students who request a GRE waiver.) Please explain the role of research in evidence-based practice within the field of exercise science. Your response should be clear, concise, and demonstrate your ability to convey abstract reasons skills in written communication.

Geography: Master of Arts Degree

Letter of Intent

Please provide and address specific reasons for your interest in the program.

Health Administration: Master of Health Administration Degree

Personal Statement

Please describe how the MHA at Appalachian State University 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 Appalachian State University MHA program learning environment?

Higher Education: Master of Arts Degree

Personal Statement

Why do you wish to pursue an MA in Higher Education, and where do you hope it will take you? Limit: 2-3 pages (500/750 words)

Essay

In 750 words or less, describe what you believe to be the most important issue facing higher education right now and why.

History: Master of Arts Degree

Cover Letter

Cover letter stating reasons that the applicant wishes to enter the program in history

Writing Sample

Submit an example of a research paper in which you make an argument using evidence of primary and secondary sources. (Minimum 6 pages/1500 words)

Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management: Master of Arts Degree

Questionnaire

You will be prompted to submit responses to a questionnaire as part of the online application.

The admissions questionnaire provides the program with important information regarding your goals and reasons for applying.

Library Science: Master of Library Science Degree

No additional supplemental material uploads needed beyond the requirements for a complete application.

Marriage and Family Therapy: Master of Arts Degree

Questionnaire

You will be prompted to submit responses to a questionnaire as part of the online application. 

The HPC admissions questionnaire provides the department with important information regarding your goals and reasons for applying to an HPC program.

Mathematics: Master of Arts Degree

Personal Statement

Please provide a personal statement (1-2 pages/250/500 words) explaining your interest in the MA program in mathematics and how the program relates to your career goals.

Proof of Teaching Licensure

Secondary Teaching Concentration Applicants: Provide a scanned copy of your current teaching license

Media, Technology, & Learning Design: Master of Arts Degree

Proof of Teaching Licensure

Instructional Technology K-12 Facilitation Concentration Applicants: Provide a scanned copy of your current teaching license

Middle Grades Education: Master of Arts Degree

Proof of Teaching Licensure

Provide a scanned copy of your current teaching license.

Music Performance: Master of Music Degree

No additional supplemental material uploads needed beyond the requirements for a complete application.

Music Therapy: Master of Music Therapy Degree

Questionnaire

You will be prompted to submit responses to a questionnaire as part of the online application.

This questionnaire is designed to help the admissions committee better understand your professional goals and reasons for applying to this degree program.

Nursing: Master of Science in Nursing Degree

Personal Statement

Submit a personal statement including career goals and philosophy of nursing. (no page limit)

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

Nutrition (Dietetics): Master of Science Degree

No additional supplemental material uploads needed beyond the requirements for a complete application.

Nutrition (Public Health Nutrition Practice): Master of Science Degree

Personal Statement

Public Health Nutrition Concentration Applicants: In 500 - 750 words (the equivalent of 2 - 3 double-spaced pages), 1) describe your educational/career background, 2) tell us specifically why you have chosen to apply to this program, and 3) tell us how this program will help you address your career goals.

Political Science: Master of Arts Degree

Personal Statement

Submit a two-page statement of intent explaining applicant's academic and professional goals in chosen concentration.

Professional School Counseling: Master of Arts Degree

Questionnaire

You will be prompted to submit responses to a questionnaire as part of the online application.

The HPC admissions questionnaire provides the department with important information regarding your goals and reasons for applying to an HPC program.

Psychology: Master of Arts Degree

Personal Statement

Experimental Concentration Applicants: Submit a personal statement, not exceeding two pages, describing the applicant's academic and professional goals,including research interests and identify a potential mentor from the Psychology faculty.

Public Administration: Master of Public Administration Degree

Personal Statement

Please upload a 2-3 page, double-spaced Personal Statement on what has prompted your interest in obtaining an MPA degree, and what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian 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.

Reading Education: Master of Arts

Proof of Teaching Licensure

Classroom/Clinical Concentration Applicants: Provide a scanned copy of your current teaching license

Romance Languages: Master of Arts Degree

Writing Sample

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.

Proof of Teaching Licensure

French K-12 Teaching Concentration Applicants: Provide a scanned copy of your current teaching license. 
Spanish K-12 Teaching Concentration Applicants: Provide a scanned copy of your current teaching license

School Administration: Master of School Administration Degree

Personal Statement

In not more than two pages, describe your leadership philosophy as an educator. What are your career goals for the next five years?

Social Work: Master of Social Work Degree

Personal Statement

  • Reviewed to evaluate suitability for the MSW Program and the social work profession, writing skills, and English proficiency
  • Required format: 12 point font, double-spaced, one inch margins, 3-4 pages maximum
  • Required content:
    • Discuss the development of your interest in and commitment to a career in social work. Include the particular aspects of social work that most interest you. Describe the personal and professional experiences you have had that influenced your choice to pursue the profession of social work.
    • Discuss your commitment to social justice and diversity, both personally and professionally, and how you see these issues related to your future practice in social work.
    • Explain what makes Appalachian State University's MSW Program stand apart from other programs and how it will help you to achieve your personal and professional goals.
  • NOTE: If you are interested in the Advanced Standing program you should indicate this by including a statement of readiness for entry into the advanced standing program within your personal statement. The statement of readiness should include information about how your BSW studies and field experience prepared you for the Advanced Standing Program.
Special Education: Master of Arts Degree

Proof of Teaching Licensure

Provide a scanned copy of your current teaching license

Speech-Language Pathology: Master of Science Degree

Questionnaire

You will be prompted to submit responses to a questionnaire as part of the online application. You can find the questions on the SLP admissions page under Personal Statement.

The questionnaire provides the Speech Language Pathology program with important information regarding your goals and experiences in the field.

Student Affairs Administration: Master of Arts Degree

Questionnaire

You will be prompted to submit responses to a questionnaire as part of the online application. 

The HPC admissions questionnaire provides the department with important information regarding your goals and reasons for applying to an HPC program.

Technology: Master of Science Degree

Personal Statement

Write a 1-2 page (250/500 words) statement that describes your reasons for selecting the MS in Technology program at Appalachian State, and the goal(s) you hope to achieve through graduate study.

Program Supplemental Information
Addiction Counseling Certificate

Questionnaire

You will be prompted to submit responses to a questionnaire as part of the online application. 

The HPC admissions questionnaire provides the department with important information regarding your goals and reasons for applying to an HPC program.

Dual Degree

Program Supplemental Information
Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Analytics Concentration, MS and Business Administration - Interdisciplinary Business Concentration, MBA

Personal Statement

Personal Statement (min 1 page and not more than 2 pages) should cover why you are interested in the dual degree (MBA and MSADA) program, what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian in particular, your short term/long term goals and any extenuating circumstances (if any) that the admissions committee should know.

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

Personal Statement

Personal Statement (min 1 page and not more than 2 pages) should cover why you are interested in the dual degree (MSADA+IOHRM) program, what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian in particular, your short term/long term goals and any extenuating circumstances (if any) that the admissions committee should know.

Questionnaire

You will be prompted to submit responses to a questionnaire as part of the online application.

The IOHRM questionnaire provides the program with important information regarding your goals and reasons for applying.

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

Personal Statement

Personal Statement (min 1 page and not more than 2 pages) should cover why you are interested in the dual degree (MSADA+MPA) program, what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian in particular, your short term/long term goals and any extenuating circumstances (if any) that the admissions committee should know.

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

Personal Statement

Personal Statement (min 1 page and not more than 2 pages) should cover why you are interested in the dual degree (MSADA+MPA) program, what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian in particular, your short term/long term goals and any extenuating circumstances (if any) that the admissions committee should know.

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

Personal Statement

Personal Statement (min 1 page and not more than 2 pages) should cover why you are interested in the dual degree (MSADA+MPA) program, what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian in particular, your short term/long term goals and any extenuating circumstances (if any) that the admissions committee should know.

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

Statement of Purpose

Please upload a 1-2 page (500/750 words), single-spaced Personal Statement on what has prompted your interest in obtaining a dual degree (MBA and Higher Education), and what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian 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 in this statement.

Essay

In 750 words or less, describe what you believe to be the most important issue facing higher education right now and why.

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

Statement of Purpose

Please upload a 1-2 page (500-750 words), single-spaced Personal Statement on what has prompted your interest in obtaining a dual degree (MBA and MA in IOHRM), and what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian 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 in this statement.

Questionnaire

You will be prompted to submit responses to a questionnaire as part of the online application.

The IOHRM questionnaire provides the program with important information regarding your goals and reasons for applying.

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

Statement of Purpose

Please upload a 1-2 page (500-750 words), single-spaced Personal Statement on what has prompted your interest in obtaining a dual degree (MBA and MPA), and what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian 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 in this statement.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, General Concentration, MA and Music Therapy, MMT

Questionnaires

You will be prompted to submit responses to a questionnaire for each program as part of the online application.  

The admissions questionnaires provide the departments with important information regarding your goals and reasons for applying.

Clinical Psychology, PsyD with en route Clinical Psychology MA

Personal Statement

In your statement, describe your professional interests, expectations from the doctoral program, and career goals (< 2 single-spaced typed pages). 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.
Educational Leadership - Educational Administration, EdD and Educational Administration, EdS

Letter of Intent

Your letter of intent 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, and we will review it carefully as a sample of your writing ability. Please address the following, without exceeding 5 double-spaced pages. You may add an additional page for any references (using APA 7th edition citation style).

  • What energizes you to pursue a doctorate in educational leadership? How would earning a doctorate advance your personal/professional goals?
  • What educational problems are of greatest concern to you, given your context and standpoint as an educator? What experiences or theories have influenced your thinking about those problems?
  • How would you describe your commitment to, and/or experience with, diversity, equity and inclusion in education? How does that experience inform your educational practice?
  • How would doctoral study and dissertation research help you lead educational change, especially toward greater equity and social justice?
Educational Leadership - Higher Education Concentration, EdD and Higher Education - Community College & University Leadership Concentration, EdS

Letter of Intent

Your letter of intent 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, and we will review it carefully as a sample of your writing ability. Please address the following, without exceeding 5 double-spaced pages. You may add an additional page for any references (using APA 7th edition citation style).

  • What energizes you to pursue a doctorate in educational leadership? How would earning a doctorate advance your personal/professional goals?
  • What educational problems are of greatest concern to you, given your context and standpoint as an educator? What experiences or theories have influenced your thinking about those problems?
  • How would you describe your commitment to, and/or experience with, diversity, equity and inclusion in education? How does that experience inform your educational practice?
  • How would doctoral study and dissertation research help you lead educational change, especially toward greater equity and social justice?
Engineering Physics - Systems and Laboratory Automation Concentration, MS and Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Analytics Concentration, MS

Personal Statement

Personal Statement (min 1 page and not more than 2 pages) should cover why you are interested in this dual degree program; your short term/long term goals and any extenuating circumstances (if any) that the admissions committee should know.

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

No additional supplemental material uploads needed beyond the requirements for a complete application.

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

No additional supplemental material uploads needed beyond the requirements for a complete application.

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

Personal Statement

Personal Statement (min 1 page and not more than 2 pages) should cover why you are interested in the dual degree (MAPS+MSADA) program, what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian in particular, your short term/long term goals and any extenuating circumstances (if any) that the admissions committee should know.

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

Personal Statement

Personal Statement (min 1 page and not more than 2 pages) should cover why you are interested in the dual degree (MAPS+MSADA) program, what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian in particular, your short term/long term goals and any extenuating circumstances (if any) that the admissions committee should know.

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

Personal Statement

Personal Statement (min 1 page and not more than 2 pages) should cover why you are interested in the dual degree (MAPS+MSADA) program, what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian in particular, your short term/long term goals and any extenuating circumstances (if any) that the admissions committee should know.

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

No additional supplemental material uploads needed beyond the requirements for a complete application.

Doctoral Programs

Program Supplemental Information
Clinical Psychology: Doctor of Psychology Degree

Personal Statement

In your statement, describe your professional interests, expectations from the doctoral program, and career goals (< 2 single-spaced typed pages). 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.
Educational Leadership: Doctor of Education Degree

Letter of Intent

Your letter of intent 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, and we will review it carefully as a sample of your writing ability. Please address the following, without exceeding 5 double-spaced pages. You may add an additional page for any references (using APA 7th edition citation style).

  • What energizes you to pursue a doctorate in educational leadership? How would earning a doctorate advance your personal/professional goals?
  • What educational problems are of greatest concern to you, given your context and standpoint as an educator? What experiences or theories have influenced your thinking about those problems?
  • How would you describe your commitment to, and/or experience with, diversity, equity and inclusion in education? How does that experience inform your educational practice?
  • How would doctoral study and dissertation research help you lead educational change, especially toward greater equity and social justice?

Proof of Licensure

Educational Administration Concentration Applicants: Provide a scanned copy of your current advanced principal license.

Specialist Programs

Program Supplemental Information
School Psychology: Master of Arts & Specialist in School Psychology Dual Degree Program
  • complete a special admissions questionnaire required by the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling through the online application. 

The HPC admissions questionnaire provides the department with important information regarding your goals and reasons for applying to an HPC program.