OpenFieldAppalachian State Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantship (GTRA)
Comprehensive graduate assistantship package providing full tuition support and monthly stipends for students conducting teaching and laboratory research at App State.
Appalachian State University: Sustainable Technology & Graduate Guide
Appalachian State University (App State), nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina, is a nationally recognized public master's and doctoral research university within the University of North Carolina system. Renowned as a pioneer in sustainable energy technology, environmental science, building science, and mountain ecology, App State fosters deep environmental stewardship.
Verified degree programs and opportunities
Review checked academic pathways and funding options below:
Master of Science in Technology (Appropriate Technology & Renewable Energy)
Pioneering graduate program focusing on photovoltaic systems, wind turbine engineering, micro-hydro power, bioenergy, and net-zero sustainable architecture.
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership & Higher Education Administration
Interdisciplinary doctoral program preparing educational executives, policy researchers, and university leaders to spearhead systemic institutional reform.
Southern Appalachian Mountain Climate & Ecology Research Assistantship
High-altitude environmental research utilizing App State's Blue Ridge research stations to monitor microclimate shifts, cloud immersion, and forest canopy respiration.
North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center Industrial Practicum
Hands-on engineering practicum conducting commercial solar photovoltaic commissioning, energy auditing, and building envelope blower-door testing across North Carolina.
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Alpine Atmospheric Science & Meteorology
Two-year postdoctoral position operating the App State high-elevation weather observation network, analyzing orographic precipitation mechanisms and snowpack hydrology.
Master of Science in Computer Science: Data Science & Cyber-Physical Systems
Advanced computing degree covering distributed cloud systems, real-time sensor networks, machine learning algorithms, and cyber-physical security.
Admissions, language requirements & application process
- Master's admission eligibility
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited US college or university (or recognized international equivalent) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Doctoral admission eligibility
- Master's degree in relevant discipline; competitive evaluation of academic credentials, writing sample, and research proposal.
- Language proficiency
- TOEFL iBT 79 (minimum 18 in each section), IELTS Academic 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all bands), or Duolingo English Test 110+.
- Research statement / Proposal
- Required for thesis-track master's and doctoral programs: 1,500–2,000 word statement of research interests aligned with an App State graduate faculty mentor.
- Application fee
- $65 USD non-refundable graduate application fee.
- Required documentation
- Official post-secondary academic transcripts, three confidential reference letters, curriculum vitae, and personal statement of purpose.
Tuition fees and verified scholarship systems
Tuition and mandatory fees are approximately $7,900 USD per year for North Carolina in-state graduate students and $22,400 USD per year for out-of-state and international students. App State offers Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships (GTRAs) providing stipends from $12,000 to $16,000 USD per year plus full out-of-state tuition remissions.
Verified faculty profiles and research leaders
Distinguished researchers and laboratory heads at Appalachian State University:
Dr. Baker Perry
Professor of Geography & Atmospheric Science & National Geographic Explorer · High-Altitude Meteorology, Tropical Glaciology, Orographic Precipitation, Climate Extreme Events
Dr. Jeremy Ferrell
Associate Professor of Sustainable Technology & Renewable Energy · Bioenergy Systems, Anaerobic Digestion, Solar Thermal Technology, Micro-Hydro Systems
Dr. Rahman Tashakkori
Lowe's Distinguished Professor of Computer Science · Image Processing, Sensor Networks, Scientific Computing, Bioinformatics
Important verification note
Facts reflect official Appalachian State University documentation reviewed 2026-10-15. Degree admissions, scholarship awards, and employment positions are subject to formal university review. OpenField does not charge students application fees.
Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue