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Geography (BS) - Geographic Information Systems

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 (BS) - Geographic Information Systems degree develops basic geographic principles as well as specific knowledge related to Geographic Information Systems, which is an exceedingly employable skill in the growing geography job market. GIS allow geographers to use data to interpret different data sets and their relation to geography. For example, GIS can be used to map water runoff to better understand water quality in a geographic area.

After Graduation

Employment:  Students graduate career-ready, and over 90% are hired into the GIS or planning job markets. Employers include ESRI, the U.S. Government, State of North Carolina, the Nature Conservancy, National Geographic Society and local governments throughout North Carolina.

Graduate School: 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

  • Alumnus Profile: Garret Shields ’09
    Alumnus Profile: Garret Shields ’09

    A GIS production manager for Amec Foster Wheeler, Shields says the Department of Geography and Planning did a wonderful job preparing him with skills he uses in his job, as well as helping with résumé building and job interviewing skills.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Derek J. Martin
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Derek J. Martin

    Dr. Derek J. Martin has been working with a team of students on a monitoring project on the Watauga River. In this video, he and the students talk about the research and how they have adapted their fieldwork during COVID-19.

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

  • Geography (BS) - General Geography
  • Geography (BA)
  • Community and Regional Planning (BS)

Minors

A minor is not required. Popular minors include:

  • GIS Certificate
  • Planning
  • History
  • A foreign language
  • Geology
  • Biology

View all minors

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.

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Why Appalachian?

  • Appalachian GIS students are required to complete an internship to gain practical experience.
  • 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 graduate with a 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 and Hickory*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

Careers

  • GIS Technician
  • GIS Analyst
  • GIS and Planning
  • Technician with the National Park Service or the US Forest Service
  • Community Organization / Nonprofit Analyst
  • Analyst with the FBI or CIA
  • Analyst in Public Health
  • U.S. Census

View more career possibilities

Contacts

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Geography and Planning

Dr. Saskia L. van de Gevel
Professor and Chair
gevelsv@appstate.edu
828-434-0924

  • Department of Geography and Planning

    The Department of Geography and Planning promotes the understanding of the spatial dimensions of human behavior within the physical and cultural systems of the earth and the role of planning in achieving improvement in those systems. It offers degrees in geography and in community and regional planning.

  • 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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