About
Geography is the science of place and space – the earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. 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. This is a discipline that bridges the social sciences and natural sciences and that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites as a growing career field.
The Geography (BA) degree provides you with a broad understanding of geography in a strong liberal arts context. You will be required to complete a language requirement and a minor. This degree appeals to students who are already proficient in a language or have study abroad aspirations.
You will be especially marketable in the field of geography when you also complete Appalachian’s undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems with just four additional courses. Many students choose to double major by pairing this degree with Community and Regional Planning.
After Graduation
Employment: Students graduate career-ready, and most go straight into the demanding job market. Employers include Disney, Lowe’s Hardware, and local and state governments throughout North Carolina.
Graduate Schools: Students who wish to pursue a graduate education may stay at Appalachian for an extra year and receive a Master of Arts in Geography.
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is required. Popular minors include:
- GIS Certificate
- Community and Regional Planning
- History
- A foreign language
- Geology
- Biology
Engagement Outside the Classroom
- The Student Planners Association (SPA) and Appalachian Geographical Society are student-run, university-recognized organizations consisting of major and non-major members who are interested in fellowship, outings, fun and learning more about planning and geography.
- Gamma Theta Upsilon Honor Society is an international honorary academic society for geographers founded in 1928. To join, you must be enrolled in any of the geography majors and meet one of two GPA requirements.
- North Carolina ArcGIS Users Group is a non-profit organization that creates a forum for the exchange and distribution of knowledge, techniques, and data for people across North Carolina using associated with ESRI and GIS software.
- North Carolina Geographic Alliance - Since 1987, the North Carolina Geographic Alliance has sought to enhance geographic education in North Carolina Schools. Over the years the NCGA has produced teaching materials, provided professional development, and advocated for geography as an integral part of the curriculum.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. There are currently faculty-led trips to study planning and community development in Ecuador and Peru. Dr. Baker Perry also takes 15 students to study climate change in the Andean region each summer.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.
Why Appalachian?
- The Department of Geography and Planning has a strong sense of community – faculty and students work closely together and alumni remain networked with the department for interns and new hires.
- Undergraduate students have many opportunities to work with faculty on research projects including: dating of log cabin construction. See more research
- Students have the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate GIS certificate, which makes them even more employable in a high-demand job market.
- The Department of Geography and Planning offers a graduate certificate in planning and a Master of Arts in Geography.
- Students can pursue Appalachian’s accelerated master’s program and receive their graduate certificate in planning or Master of Arts in Geography in one year as opposed to two years by taking graduate coursework during their senior year.
Location
Boone campus
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.
Contacts
Dr. Saskia L. van de Gevel
Department Chair
gevelsv@appstate.edu
828-434-0924