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Appalachian State University

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Environmental Science (BS) – Life Science

About

Environmental scientists use their knowledge to protect the environment and human health. This may involve advising policy makers, working with industry or spending time in the field to identify and assess potential threats. The Environmental Science (BS) degree at Appalachian State University is a science-intensive, cross-disciplinary experience that develops a strong background in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, statistics, geosciences, environmental policy and planning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

The degree’s Life Science concentration allows students to focus on biology and chemistry classes and complete some of requirements necessary to become a Wetlands Professional in Training (WPiT), the first step in gaining Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification.

With additional coursework in environmental law, policy, planning, economics, communications as well as NEPA certification and report writing, the Life Sciences concentration prepares students for a career in environmental policy, enforcement and/or management.

After Graduation

Employment: Graduates become employed with state and federal government agencies and in industry as physical scientists, hydrologists, biologists, ecologists and environmental specialists. They may also work as project and engineering managers and planners with industry, municipalities and various agencies such as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), and United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Graduate School: Approximately 10% of our graduates pursue advanced degrees in environmental science; environmental engineering; environmental policy and planning; environmental law; natural resources management; and various basic and applied science disciplines.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Cynthia M. Liutkus-Pierce
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Cynthia M. Liutkus-Pierce

    A sedimentologist, Liutkus-Pierce is also an award-winning teacher whose research into reconstructing hominin paleoenvironments in Africa has garnered worldwide attention. She has been named a National Geographic Explorer for her work.

  • Alumna Profile: Rachel Gaines ’19
    Alumna Profile: Rachel Gaines ’19

    Student-athlete Rachel Gaines is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Illinois. She was field hockey’s goalkeeper, earning an Academic All-American award for the 2019-20 season. Read about her Appalachian Experience and why she wants to guard the future of the planet.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Environmental Science (BS) – Earth Systems Science
  • Fermentation Sciences (BS)
  • Chemistry (BS) - Environmental
  • Geology (BS) - Quantitative Geoscience
  • Biology (BS) - Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology

Minors

A minor is optional. However, students must take at least 12 additional semester hours in “concentration” areas: Chemistry, Geophysical Sciences, and/or Biology.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Environmental Sciences Club (ENVClub)  - This student club is for people who are environmentally conscious. It engages students of all disciplines in environmental awareness and to promote interdisciplinary research opportunities.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.

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Why Appalachian?

  • Students are encouraged to seek research experiences on campus with faculty mentors, as well as off campus through programs such as the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program.
  • Internships are encouraged. Host sites include: U.S. Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.
  • Appalachian’s mountain location is ideal for providing opportunities in sustainable development, stream systems, hazards and risk assessment, forest ecology, air quality and climate issues, and the cumulative effects of agricultural, forestry, and recreational practices on soil and water resources.

Location

Boone campus only

Careers

Some of these jobs may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.

  • Air Pollution Analyst
  • Air Quality Technician
  • Botanist
  • Conservation Land Manager
  • Ecologist
  • EPA Inspector
  • Fisheries Conservationist
  • Forester
  • Ground Water Manager
  • Habitat Manager
  • Hydrologist
  • Land Use Planner
  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Naturalist
  • Nature Conservationist
  • NEPA-certified Environmental Professional
  • Park Ranger
  • Park Resource Ecologist
  • Public Health Worker
  • Reforestation Specialist
  • Research Assistant
  • Resource Economist
  • Soil Conservationist
  • State Parks & Recreation Worker
  • Various Positions with US and State Government
  • Waste Management Technician
  • Water Quality Technician
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Wildlife Resources Worker

View more career possibilities

Contacts

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences

Dr. Bob Swarthout
Director, Environmental Science Program
swarthoutrf@appstate.edu
828-262-4083

  • Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences

    Located in Western North Carolina, Appalachian State University provides the perfect setting to study geological and environmental sciences. The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences provides students with a solid foundation on which to prepare for graduate school or build successful careers as scientists, consultants and secondary education teachers. The department offers six degree options in geology and two degree options in environmental science. Learn more at http://earth.appstate.edu

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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