Appalachian State University degree
Print Appalachian State University degree. Make a Print Appalachian State University diploma. Deep in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, a Latin motto is widely known: “Esse quam videri,” meaning “to seek truth, not fame.” This is not only the core spirit of Appalachian State University (App State), but also a true reflection of this institution of higher learning that has weathered 125 years of trials and tribulations. From a small school nestled in the mountains in 1899 to an R2-level research university with over 21,000 students today, Appalachian State University has spent over a century demonstrating how a public university rooted in the mountains can uphold its educational mission and continuously strive for excellence.
Historical Development: A Century of Ascent The story of Appalachian State University begins in 1899. The Dougty brothers—Branford Barnard and Dawson Disco—founded Watauga Academy in Boone, driven by the ideal of bringing education to the then-known “Lost Province” of western North Carolina. In its early days, the school had only 53 students and rudimentary facilities.
Over the following decades, the school underwent a transformation, evolving from the Appalachian Training School (1903), to the Appalachian State Normal School (1925), and finally to the Appalachian Teachers College. In 1967, the school officially changed its name to Appalachian State University, marking its transition from a single-function teacher training institution to a comprehensive university. In 1971, the school joined the University of North Carolina System, one of the oldest public university systems in the United States, ushering in a new phase of development.
How long to get a Appalachian State University degree online?
In the fall of 2023, the second campus in Hickory officially opened, becoming the first public university campus in the area. In 2026, the school achieved a landmark recognition—being classified as an R2 (High Research Activity) doctoral university by the Carnegie Institution for Higher Education, officially joining the ranks of top research universities.
Academic Strength and Distinctive Features: Appalachian State University is renowned for its tradition of having 97% of its courses taught by full-time faculty. The university comprises seven colleges, including the Reich School of Education, the Walker School of Business, and the Beaver School of Health Sciences, offering over 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate programs across business, education, health, arts, and natural sciences.
The university is a leading contributor of graduates to North Carolina’s education, business, and healthcare sectors, providing a strong talent pool for local economic development. In addition to its main campus in Boone and its branch campus in Hickory, its well-established Appalachian Online (Appalachian Online) system offers flexible learning pathways for a wide range of non-traditional students.
The student-to-faculty ratio is only 16:1, with an average class size of approximately 24 students. Students receive highly personalized instruction in a close-knit community atmosphere, and the annual Student Research and Creative Achievements Celebration serves as a crucial platform for encouraging deep involvement in research projects among undergraduates.
Furthermore, its athletic team, the Mountaineers, is a key member of the Sun Belt Conference, having won numerous championships. Student-athletes have maintained an average GPA of 3.0 or higher for over 12 consecutive years.
Economic Contribution and Future Vision
As the economic engine of the Appalachian region, this university contributes nearly $2.2 billion annually to the North Carolina economy. Looking ahead, Appalachian State University continues to fulfill its founders’ vision of “making higher education accessible to more people” through advanced online courses and the development of the Hickory campus, constantly reaching new heights in the 21st-century landscape of higher education.
