Appalachian State University Reviews

"The program is very helpful and the bonds that are forged by the fellow students is great. The staff and advising team for the program do all they to make sure that the entire time spent in the program is thorough, structured, and keeps you on track to graduate in a timely manor."

"The benefits of the program are the clinical placements, and externship opportunities. Also the students chosen for each cohort are very tight knit group that provide support throughout the program. The cons of my graduate program have been that some educators are not as invested in the student's education as others. Many of the professors are wonderful but there a couple who just don't seem to care as much."

"Appalachian State University has one of the best School Psychology programs in the state of North Carolina. All of the professors have Ph.D's in School Psychology, which is important when choosing a program. The work load is extremely intense, but manageable. Our professors are always willing to work with us and want to help us become the best school psychologists in the field. One con about our program is that we are currently undergoing some changes to the curriculum, and one of the classes I was required to take was not very applicable to my future practices. I could not be happier with my choice to attend ASU, and I doubt that I could receive a higher quality education anywhere else!"

"Appalachian has a strong clinical program for Speech-Language Pathology, but the academics are lacking. The town of Boone is great if you like winter and outdoor activities, but not if you like shopping. The best thing about the SLP program is the accessibility of the faculty --- they are available and willing to meet with you and discuss anything."

"Appalachian State has professors that will always do their best to help you and answer your questions. The school is of a great quality and 100% worth attending."

"Coming to Appalachian is seriously the best choice I've ever made in my life!!!! It's a great university and it has amazing students and faculty!!!! I couldn't imagine myself being anywhere else!!!!"

"My college is ranked as one of the highest schools in my degree area, also known as Elementary Education. The hands on experience that we receive throughout our four years at school is uncommon as well extremely helpful when it comes to preparing us to work in our future field. Since I begin attending Appalachian State, I can honestly say that the teachers, administrators and deans have the uttermost respect for our school. each other and most importantly the students. I honestly couldn't ask for a better college experience. You couldn't ask for a better place to live out your college years, meet extremely down to earth people, and participate in all things Yosef ( mascot) so come on down and express Yosef! Become a mountaineer and experience what college life has to offer in the mountains of Boone North Carolina,"

"Great school! I would highly recommend ASU to anyone. It is a great college town as well, shops are well within walking distance. The professors are always willing to help you out. Be ready for the cold!!"

"As a recent graduate of ASU, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the university. The special education department is a loving and nurturing place for blossoming teachers. I feel prepared to begin my first year of teaching due to the excellent education I received. I am a proud graduate of ASU and would recommend this school to any person aspiring to be a teacher."

"My graduate program is undoubtedly esteemed with the university and the state of North Carolina. I am honored and privileged to attend Appalachian State. The biggest con I can come up with is the fact that living expenses are costly for the area."

"I like the idea of having smaller class sizes and more face-to-face interactions with classmates and professors. I do not like the idea of dealing with the weather."

"Good school, good vibe, low in state tuition, book rental program, lots of outdoor activities. Have a career plan going in or soon after starting - I ended up switching careers once decided I didn't want to be a doctor. College is an expensive solution to "finding yourself.""

"I went to Appalachian State University in beautiful Boone, NC for all four years of my undergraduate career. When it came time to apply to graduate school in public history (with a concentration in historic preservation) I applied to the Graduate Program at Appalachian hoping to continue my education there. Then I got in! The Graduate History Program at Appalachian is a smaller program than some, but that allows the student to get to know the faculty, creating friendships and networks that have propelled several of our graduates to internships in places like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Appalachian's public history graduate program is especially strong, and its growing more every year! No masters thesis is required within a public history concentration, it is optional. Instead, the public history graduate program at Appalachian focuses on preparing their students with the skills and expertise for the job market. Each student is required to complete an internship before graduation, and the program offers at least one if not two practicum classes where students work with the university and surrounding area museums to create, build, and market exhibits and educational programs. Everyone in the history graduate program knows one another, and the faculty in the department show us respect and treat us like professionals. Appalachian State University may be a smaller institution, but the faculty and programs here make all the difference! Not to mention, we are 15 minutes away from the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway (yet another area where our public history graduate students have interned) and only a short drive from some of the nation's premier National Parks."

"Appalachian State has grown tremendously over the past years, and become an amazing university. with a helpful and knowledgeable faculty to help you along the way, this university located in the mountains of North Carolina provides not only an educationally stimulating environment, but also a place to be inspired by your surroundings. Some find it difficult to assimilate into the low-key life style, but the chance to explore the outdoors and go to school is hard to pass up."

"The professors are responsive and knowledgeable, and I feel like I'm learning what I came here to learn. More classes offered than I have the time or money to take... if I could I'd stay in grad school longer! Some folks struggle with Boone being a small town somewhat lacking in ethnic diversity and job opportunities, but the mountains are beautiful and there is plenty to do, especially if you enjoy hiking and outdoor activities."

"I think it has conceptual merits yet there needs to be more devoted doctoral faculty if it intends to grow as a program."

"Our IO/HRM program at ASU is the only IO Psychology programs I know of to integrate Management classes into their curriculum to give a very well rounded education. We are constantly being pushed to develop into professionals and to embrace our future roles as leaders. Our workload is very intense though which may detract some people. However, the intense workload also helps serve the intent of the program. Also, living in Boone may not be for everyone. It is more of a close-knit community than a college town."

"The faculty in this program are exceptional. They are leaders in the field, yet are very accessible to and supportive of students. A great deal of emphasis is placed on building a cohort and a community within the department as a whole. It is less competitive in the dog-eat-dog sense & much more constructive/cooperative. However, the academic standards are high and the workload is significant. Students are encouraged to incorporate their research interests and career objectives into the program, which allows students to tailor their program of study to their interests and needs (this is critical in such a diverse, interdisciplinary field). As an out-of-state student, the cost is significant. There are only 3 institutional fellowships available to graduate students. However, most of the students in the program have assistantships, which faculty make a great effort to place them in. Housing in the area is surprisingly expensive, but there is free local bus service (the hours are somewhat limited, though). The Appalachian Collection Archive is an incredible asset to the program. In general, this program takes advantage of the opportunities/resources available in a medium-sized university like this one, while creating a sense of community usually found at small institutions."

"I love how App State nutrition makes you feel at home. The professors are wonderful and very interested in each and every student. However, Boone is not the most happening town. If you enjoy small towns you will love it- but if you are a big city person I would say it's not for you."

"Our program is extremely competitive in regards to the quality of the education received. I know I will be better off after graduation because of it. The biggest con is probably the cost of out of state tuition. Everything else is pretty great at App State."