School Details
Appalachian State University offers strong disciplinary knowledge to students through a wealth of undergraduate, master’s and doctorate programs. Interested in the transformation of students into creative and competent global citizens, App State provides holistic and rigorous academic standard in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Online programs feature degree-completion and transfer programs as ASU. Earn your bachelor’s degree in communication or education. Work towards your master’s or doctoral degree online. Students also have the opportunity to seek certification in technology, education, public health, and more.
Four C’s of ASU online learning:
- Comparable to the same courses and workload as on-campus
- Convenient and flexible scheduling
- Cutting-edge technology
- Community of learners accessible, meeting the needs of the student
Accreditation & Licensing
Appalachian State University is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
All Programs
Business
Full-time or part-time, complete your bachelor’s degree and upgrade your career with the online BSBA in Management from Appalachian State University. Students in this program gain the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage organizations in rapidly changing and competitive environments.
This flexible online business management degree is offered through App State Online, designed to allow busy working professionals to complete their undergraduate degree on their own schedule. Courses prepare students to attract and retain talented employees and ensure that their activities align with strategic objectives. Knowledge of group dynamics, leadership, and interpersonal skills give graduates a competitive edge.
Careers open to graduates of this Business Administration degree online include:
- Business manager
- Corporate investment banker
- Data analyst
- Project consultant
Enhanced communication skills prepare you for leadership roles in a wide range of industries including business, healthcare, nonprofit, legal, and education. The Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies from App State Online gives students a solid foundation in the core principles and practices of communications to improve their career opportunities.
Designed for experienced students looking to complete their undergraduate degree, this online communication degree allows students to customize the curriculum to meet the career interests, including areas such as political communication or organizational communication. Students will also learn skills in:
- Interpersonal communication
- Small group communication
- Public speaking
- Nonverbal communication
- Persuasion
With the BS in Communication, Advertising offered through App State Online, students explore topics in sales management, international retailing, media ethics, brand communication, advertising copy and design, and media planning. Graduates will have the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to impact customers and create engaging brand experiences.
Students learn how to create compelling and measurable social media campaigns. Courses in this online Communication degree cover both business-to-business and business-to-consumer channels. Hands-on experience includes creating and managing Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts with advertising focused content.
Graduates of this digital marketing degree online can pursue careers as:
- Media planners and buyers
- Media content specialists
- Social media strategists
- SEO specialists
An online MBA can help enhance your marketability, increase your business skills and knowledge, and prepare you for enhanced employment opportunities. Stand out in the business world with a Master of Business Administration online from Appalachian State University.
The curriculum prepares students with core competencies in areas including functional business knowledge, leadership and teamwork skills, analytical and critical thinking skills, and communication skills. Students also gain an understanding and appreciation of global business environments, diversity, and multiculturalism, as well as ethical and legal responsibilities.
Classes explore a range of subjects essential in Business Administration, including:
- Economics for decision-making
- Operations and supply chain management
- Managerial accounting
- Marketing strategy and applications
- Executive skills
Education
The online BS in Career & Technical Education is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills required to teach highly relevant subjects to students at both the middle and high school levels, showing today’s youth how to use the latest technologies and compete in business and industry. In addition, graduates of the CTE undergraduate degree program may choose to enter the industry as trainers, community colleges and career centers as instructors, and cooperative extension agencies. Five tracks are offered so that students may specialize in their degree:
- Business, Finance, and Information Technology Education
- Business, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship Education
- Technology, Engineering, and Design Education
- Trade and Industry Education
- Family & Consumer Sciences Education
The online BS in Child Development – Birth through Kindergarten degree program is designed to give students the knowledge and skills required to become successful preschool educators and special educators. The curriculum explores the roles and responsibilities of the birth through kindergarten professional, including ways to foster and engage learning. Students of this program can keep their jobs and life events, while still earning the degree to further their career.
The Graduate Certificate in Birth through Kindergarten from App State provides foundational knowledge for those working with infants through kindergarten-aged children. The online early childhood education program meets the requirements for the NC Birth through Kindergarten licensure.
Based on the pedagogical practices and constructivist theory of Reggio Emilia, you learn how to provide engaging support and instruction to young children. You leave with such expertise in early childhood education as:
- In-depth knowledge of how children learn
- Understanding of child development
- Perceptions of how children learn across various settings
- Development of collaborative and inclusive teaching practices
App State provides teaching expertise at higher education institutions with its Graduate Certificate in College & University Teaching. This online higher education graduate certificate builds on your existing content discipline expertise, regardless of the field of your knowledge.
Graduates of this program can distinguish themselves in the field of post-secondary education. The online coursework imparts skills such as:
- Technology integration
- Assessment
- Inclusive and effective college teaching
In particular, this program explores online learning environments. Students learn equitable strategies to create an inclusive virtual classroom. You can change your future with App State’s tangible credential that demonstrates your skills for teaching in higher education.
App State designed the Graduate Certificate in Digital Media Literacy to help teachers integrate technology for success. The online instructional design certificate program imparts the knowledge and skills to create, integrate, and evaluate digital media in the classroom.
The instructional design coursework focuses on the critical inquiry into changing technologies and content. By enhancing your digital media literacy, you develop the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyze the blending of media and culture
- Foster social awareness and creativity
- Gain a holistic view of media from production to industry practices
- Maximize the impact of images and stories
Graduates achieve a competitive edge in career positions such as educational media programmers or global media specialists. Other employment options can be found in distance education.
For those with a bachelor’s degree seeking to work in education, App State offers a Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education. This online graduate-level program sets you up for your A-level license in Elementary Education.
Students of this online elementary education graduate certificate program study with specialists. Graduates leave prepared to work in today’s diverse, technology-based classrooms.
You can change your future with App State Online’s graduate certificate in elementary education. Not only will you gain content knowledge in this area, but you will also learn pedagogical practices to help you promote student learning in the 21st century.
App State offers a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology Facilitation. The aim of this online instructional design graduate certificate program is twofold:
- Maximize effectiveness in the classroom
- Improve student performance
With the growing use of technology in the classroom and virtual spaces, this certificate program leads teachers in K-12 to develop the use of technology to enhance teaching. Graduates gain the ability to do the following:
- Evaluate and explore e-learning tools
- Build pedagogical skills
- Develop strategies to improve learning with technology
This online certificate program offers flexibility for working professionals. Upon successful completion, graduates can claim either a Technology Facilitation Endorsement or a North Carolina Advanced Licensure in Computers.
You can upgrade your skills for technology leadership positions with App State’s Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology Leadership. This online instructional design program helps those in education refine their knowledge of technology.
Designed to meet the expanding needs within instructional technology, this innovative program integrates theory and practice. Students learn through professional discourse, interdisciplinary studies, reflection, and active scholarship.
Besides teaching about technology for education, this online instructional design program conveys leadership skills. Graduates step into such roles as:
- Information systems manager
- Technology director
- Chief technology officer
The online Graduate Certificate in Middle and Secondary Teaching program is designed to help graduates acquire their initial A-level teaching license and expand upon their undergraduate major with teaching theory, practice, and preparation for today’s culturally-diverse and technology-enhanced classrooms.
The program offers two tracks:
- Middle Grades: Teach English/Language Arts, Science, Math or Social Studies at the middle school level.
- Career & Technical: Teach Business, Marketing, Technology, Family & Consumer Sciences, Health Sciences or Trade & Industry at the middle and high school level.
For those with a master’s degree in education who want to enhance their careers by stepping into teacher leadership, App State offers a Graduate Certificate in School leadership. This online program imparts knowledge and skills at the administrative level to help improve students’ learning outcomes.
Graduates prepare to work in educational leadership roles. This online teacher leadership program meets NC state requirements for principal licensure. It leads to educational leadership positions such as:
- Department chair
- Assistant principal
- Principal
For education professionals seeking to develop advanced behavior interventions, App State offers a Graduate Certificate in Special Education. This online program develops leaders for special education classrooms.
Through evidence-based instructional strategies, you learn to play a crucial role in your school’s community. Students learn current practices to serve students with disabilities. Completing this special education certificate meets the requirements for special education: general curriculum licensure from North Carolina. Some credits can apply towards a Master of Arts in Special Education from App State.
Educators can increase their impact with App State’s Master of Arts in Curriculum Specialist. This online curriculum and instruction master’s degree can help you advance your career.
Graduates find they increase their skills and knowledge in curriculum and instruction. The outcome is twofold—develop a rich and diverse school culture and promote achievement for all.
The online curriculum and instruction coursework prepares you for a position as a curriculum instructional specialist. As such, your primary objectives concern the following:
- Improve learning opportunities
- Develop inclusive curriculum
- Promote staff development
The online MA in Educational Media prepares graduates to make a larger impact in the lives of learners through improved deployment of technology and learning opportunities in the classroom. Graduates may assume leadership roles in both K-12 and higher education, as well as business, health care and nonprofit organizations. Students may customize their education by selecting one of three tracks:
- Instructional Technology Specialist/K-12
- Online Learning and Professional Development
- New Media Literacies and Global Perspectives
You can help to create a better future for your students with App State’s Master of Arts in Higher Education. This online postsecondary program can change your life in such areas as:
- Expand your career opportunities in education
- Create innovate solutions
- Achieve a promotion within educational leadership
This online higher education master’s degree focuses on issues of modern college students. You will learn how educational professionals can support and encourage students.
By addressing the complex issues in the higher education landscape, the coursework covers topics such as student development, diversity, governance, organization, advising, and leadership.
You can define yourself as a leading information professional with App State’s Master of Library Science. This online master’s degree uses a highly interactive curriculum to challenge and engage you.
The flexible, online library science program prepares students for careers in rural or school libraries. App State provides a quality education with practices such as:
- Collaborative learning environment
- Small classes that encourage students to work together
- Supportive and engaged faculty
Graduates can apply for the Public Librarian Certification as well as Media Coordinator licensure from the State of North Carolina.
Just as there is more than one way to “feed” a cat, you can take many paths toward principalship. App State offers one such avenue with its Master of School Administration.
Students gain leadership skills and learn to evaluate the processes and systems for continual improvement within their future school. Through a principal’s lens, you learn to enact your school’s vision.
The online education administration coursework teaches the governance and administration responsibilities of entry-level school administrators. Graduates step into roles of principal or assistant principal through all grade levels. Some primary tasks of principals include those such as:
- Articulating a school’s vision
- Developing steps to improve student learning
- Implement measures that align with district priorities
Healthcare
The online Graduate Certificate in Aging, Health, and Society teaches students skills to help the elderly population stay healthy and active. This online program is perfect for individuals who already have some healthcare experience or people wishing to change careers. Courses are delivered asynchronously.
Classes include, but are not limited to:
- Housing for older adults
- Sociology of adult development and aging
- Programs and services for older adults
Career opportunities for graduates include caregiving, home health, and assisted living facility administration. This online program prepares students for success in one of the fastest-growing fields. Graduates will have the satisfaction of helping older adults access health services and housing.
With the online Graduate Certificate in Public Health Nutrition Practice, students will be a part of the next generation of healthcare professionals to integrate nutrition into different facets of public health. They will understand the role of nutrition in disease prevention. In addition, students will also develop skills to implement programs that promote nutritional benefits.
Classes include, but are not limited to:
- Public health nutrition education
- Effective rural practice for health professionals
- Health and disease
Career opportunities available to graduates include food bank director, public health nutrition specialist, food policy director, and beyond. This program blends synchronous and asynchronous work. The online graduate certificate program in public health nutrition practice allows graduates to make a lasting impact in the lives of others.
The online MHA degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills required to assume leadership roles in health care organizations. The curriculum emphasizes a “theory-to-practice” instructional approach, utilizing simulations and real-life experiences to teach the theoretical concepts essential to meeting the unique needs of health care organizations.
The online Master of Science in Nutrition in Public Health Nutrition is designed for working professionals and adults, helping them develop research skills and stimulating independent thoughts while providing knowledge in food, wellness, and public health. The curriculum helps students develop an understanding of the relationship between nutrition and human health that they can use to start new careers or advance to higher levels in their current positions.
Nursing
The online RN to BSN degree program from Appalachian State University is designed for registered nurses who hold associate degrees or diplomas in Nursing, and wish to acquire a bachelor degree. The BSN program provides the academic knowledge and skills necessary to advance in the nursing field and/or pursue graduate study in nursing. Coursework covers topics such as:
- Nursing Informatics
- Health Assessment
- Care of Older Adults
- Leadership & Management
If you are an RN with a desire to teach, this online Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education from Appalachian State University may be for you! There is a high demand for nurse educators to help produce the registered nurses needed. With this online nurse educator degree, you will have job security while fulfilling your desire to participate in either nurse education or patient safety and education.
In just two semesters of part-time study, students gain the knowledge ands skills to educate and mentor nurses. Graduates are prepared for such careers as:
- Nurse educators
- Nursing faculty
- Administrative nurse faculty
- Staff development managers
The Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education is an online nurse educator degree from Appalachian State University. Preparing RNs for educator roles in practice settings and in nursing programs, this online MSN degree can be completed in as little as 24 months of part-time study. The curriculum integrates core master’s-level courses, nursing education courses, and clinical practicums. Emphasis is placed on educational creativity, nursing practice, leadership, and research.
Students benefit from a faculty that integrates holistic best practices into coursework for those in academic, patient care, and staff development settings. Online students also have the opportunity to teach using simulation and various other methodologies in these settings.
Psychology & Human Services
Applicants who already have a master’s degree will be ready to teach Sociology at most higher education institutions after finishing this graduate certificate. The Sociology degree online includes coursework that combines theory, practice, and teacher instruction.
Appalachian State University’s Graduate Certificate in Sociology covers both modern day social issues and traditional components of sociology. Students will learn about human behavior, social groups, and social change.
Career paths include:
- Sociology instruction
- Guidance counseling
- Management consulting