阿巴拉契亚研究文学硕士是田纳西州唯一的此类学位，也是阿巴拉契亚地区的第二个此类学位。这个硕士学位非常适合ETSU，因为它为阿巴拉契亚州提供了悠久的服务历史，并且秉承了其南部阿巴拉契亚身份和环境的使命。阿巴拉契亚研究系的教师被公认为与阿巴拉契亚有关的研究和社区拓展的领导者。该部门与阿巴拉契亚研究与服务中心以及该中心的组成部门阿巴拉契亚档案馆紧密合作，以提供该研究生课程。
The Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies is an interdisciplinary graduate degree designed to provide a comprehensive study of the Appalachian region, including its history, environment, culture, and current challenges. The program is designed to meet the needs of three types of students: Students for whom a graduate degree in the discipline of Appalachian Studies would improve their qualifications for the job market, Students who are already in the workforce but can profit from and perhaps advance in their careers with deeper knowledge of the region, and Students who are interested in understanding the region from a variety of historical, cultural, and global perspectives, who will profit from concentrated study and research, and who may plan to enter doctoral programs upon the completion of the degree.