Graduate Bulletin and Course Catalog

The Cratis D. Williams Graduate School

Edelma D. Huntley, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies

Holly P. Hirst, Associate Dean

Graduate study at Appalachian includes encouraging academic inquiry, providing opportunities and facilities for advanced study and research, developing or extending academic or professional specializations, and facilitating the acquisition of external funds for research, instruction, and service. Accordingly, the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School offers programs leading to master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The Graduate School consists of a Graduate Faculty represented by the Dean, who is the administrative officer, and the Graduate Council. The Dean reports to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and is responsible for research and sponsored programs and for graduate studies.

Through the Graduate Studies area, the Graduate School oversees all graduate work carried out in the departments, schools, and colleges of the University. In addition, through the Research and Sponsored Programs area the Graduate School supports research and facilitates the acquisition of extramural grant and contract funds for the University. Also housed in the Graduate School, the Energy Center, a multidisciplinary applied research group, is committed to research, development, policy analysis, and demonstrations in all areas of energy, with a stated mission to facilitate the work of faculty and students engaged in teaching, research and outreach activities associated with energy technologies, conservation, and policy.

Purpose

The specific purpose of the Graduate School is to seek to promote and encourage the intellectual and professional development of graduate students and faculty. Within the framework of higher education established by the State of North Carolina, the Graduate School accomplishes this purpose through the promotion and administration of quality programs of graduate education and through the support and facilitation of research and grant activities for the university community. The activities that support this purpose include the evaluation and approval of applicants for graduate study, the review of the qualifications of candidates for graduate degrees, the review of graduate curricula and programs, the oversight of graduate assistant training programs, the review of graduate faculty credentials, and the administration of the assistantship, scholarship, and fellowship programs. The Graduate School serves as a major advocate for research by assisting students and faculty in the acquisition of external funding, by providing internal support for research and scholarship, and by insuring a visible profile for University research and grant activities.

The Educational Goals for Graduate Education

Graduate Education at Appalachian State University has the following educational goals for each graduate student:

  • To master a particular discipline or field at a level of complexity and generalization that extends knowledge, creativity, and intellectual maturity.
  • To develop an understanding of research, the manner by which research is conducted, the subject matter, bibliography, theory, and methodology of a particular discipline or field.
  • To develop the ability to utilize discipline-appropriate skills to analyze, explore, question, reconsider, synthesize, and apply traditional and contemporary knowledge and methods.
  • To acquire an understanding and commitment to a profession and the professional ethical standards within a given discipline or field.
  • To develop the skills, knowledge and experience necessary for appropriate professional employment, professional development, and/or further graduate study.
  • To develop direct intellectual/creative association with resident graduate faculty as mentors.
  • To develop the ability to communicate effectively in ways that are appropriate to the discipline.
  • To develop awareness of the world’s diversity of cultural and national experiences, identities, and values.

In support of these goals and with the cooperation of the appropriate colleges, schools, and departments, the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School of Appalachian State University will:

  • Monitor the quality and currency of graduate programs through systematic program reviews and recommend any needed improvements on the basis of those reviews.
  • Maintain admission standards for graduate students.
  • Provide adequate resources consistent with the needs of graduate education through assistantships, scholarships, and research and grants support.
  • Ensure that graduate faculty members possess the necessary scholarly credentials to teach and conduct research with graduate students.