MSU's Program of Distinction...

The Institute for Regional Analysis and Public Policy (IRAPP) is a unique program at Morehead State University. As MSU's Program of Distinction, IRAPP brings together students, faculty, staff, citizens, and policy makers to study and develop action plans that will affect the lives of people in our service region.  IRAPP combines well-established programs (Environmental Science, Geography, Government, Social Work, and Sociology) with a specified general education core and Regional Analysis courses that allow students and faculty to make a difference in their communities.

With outstanding people and facilities...

 As an IRAPP student you will have access to state-of-the-art computer, laboratory, and field technology and equipment.  Better yet, you will have the opportunity to work closely with a team of distinguished natural and social scientists.

Focusing on real world concerns...

Classes, research, and service projects may take you to lakes and wetlands. You might explore rural housing and transportation issues; you could examine hazardous material flow across Kentucky's interstate highways; you might study and prepare a plan to develop and extend the timber industry in Appalachia.

And an appeal to service...

You might find yourself working on a multi-disciplinary team that assists a local community with an economic development plan.  Other opportunities for study might include working with governmental planning units, family resource centers, private industry, or health care organizations to solve problems and determine directions. Regional Analysis examines real-world issues and potentials with an awareness that multi-level systems and location affect people's social, economic, political, and ecological lives.

In addition, IRAPP has broader goals to provide research, public service, and academic study for the larger Appalachian region. Specifically, IRAPP's regions of focus include:

• MSU's 22-county service region (PDF) (JPG)
• The 51 Kentucky counties of Appalachia
• The 410 federally defined Appalachian counties (PDF) (JPG)
• Similar rural regions of national and global scope

Goals...

The overall goal of IRAPP is to integrate University resources (e.g. faculty specialization, student energy, and technical assistance) with regional resources (e.g. human capital, businesses, public agencies, and rich natural resources) to develop the region's many potentials. Specifically, academic programs, research initiatives, and service activities will connect MSU faculty and students in partnerships with citizens, educators, political leaders, and policymakers to develop action plans that promote the sustainable economic development of the region.