Appalachian State University
Geography (BA)
Application Deadlines
Location
Boone campus
Got credits?
Learn about transferring credits to App State
Be the bridge between place and space.
Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the Earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another and how people interact with the environment.
In App State’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geography degree program, you will be immersed in the Western North Carolina outdoors, where you’ll use the scenic backdrop to study issues such as climate change, urbanization, industrial development, population growth and sustainability, migration, landscape transformation and political cooperation.
You’ll have access to state-of-the-art equipment and labs and work side by side with expert faculty who support and engage you through research and internship opportunities. You will be required to complete a language requirement and a minor.
When you graduate, you’ll have skills based on field experience, research and knowledge gained from an immersion in the real-world nature of geography, preparing you for a field with a median salary of nearly $89,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A ‘Best College’ for 2025
The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and Southeast for 2025.
Top 3 in innovation, undergraduate teaching
U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top three school for innovation and the high quality of its undergraduate instruction for eight consecutive years.
A ‘Best College’ for value
App State’s quality, affordability and student outcomes place it among the nation’s 2024 best schools for value, according to Money.com
Elevate Your Education
Courses
Minors
A minor is required. Popular minors include:
- GIS Certificate
- Community and Regional Planning
- History
- A foreign language
- Geology
- Biology
Transferring Credits
Learn about App State’s credit transfer process, and use our Transfer Equivalency Course Search tool to determine how your courses may transfer to App State.
General Education
With courses in history, natural and social sciences and humanities, App State’s General Education Program will reshape your outlook on learning and provide a foundational skill set that will prepare you for any career.
Accelerated Master’s
You can begin your graduate studies as an undergraduate and earn your master’s degree in as little as one year.
Careers and Mountaineers
Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go! Our passionate and engaged alumni become leaders in their communities and chosen professions.
Careers
- Cartographer
- Cartography Compiler
- Climatologist
- Computer Mapper
- Demographer
- Environmental Impact Analyst
- Forestry Technician
- Geographer
- Geographic Area Specialist
- GIS Analyst
- Geophysics Assistant
- Hydrologist
- Location Expert
- Map Analyst, Curator, editor
- Outdoor Guide
- Park Ranger
- Remote Sensing Analyst
- Site Researcher
- Soil Conservationist
Some of these roles may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Career information resource
App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.
More to Explore at App State
Fund Your Education
Numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to help fund your App State education. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
International Experience
Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more.
State-of-the-art Facilities
Work in state-of-the-art research facilities outfitted with modern equipment. Learn more
Real-world Internships
Gain firsthand experience while earning your degree. Learn more
Find Your Community
Get inspired and get involved by joining App State clubs and organizations, such as the Appalachian Geographical Society. Learn more
Honors College
Develop high-level creative thinking and research skills. Learn more and check out the departmental honors program.
Apply
Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.
Admissions questions? Contact us.
Connect
Visit Campus
Explore App State’s campuses in Boone and Hickory and learn more about what life is like as a Mountaineer.
Attend an information session to get to know App State’s people and programs.
Admissions Counselor
Have questions related to the App State admissions process? Our admissions counselors are here to help.