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Geology (BA)

About

The Geology (BA) degree from Appalachian State University prepares you to understand diverse topics such as evolution and plate tectonics, sedimentation and sea-level change, water resources and groundwater contamination, and much more. Appalachian Geology graduates have the field skills, core geologic knowledge and credentials to obtain a Professional Geologist license (PG), an essential certification for many jobs in the field of geology, especially those in the environmental industry.

Earth materials are in high demand even as green industries and environmental consulting expand, so there are many jobs available to our graduates. More than one-half of Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences graduates since 1998 are working in the environmental industry, mostly with environmental consultants but also with federal, state and local governments. The balance of our graduates are spread equally in education, both secondary and college, oil and mineral resources, and in graduate school.

Because this is a Bachelor of Arts degree, it requires a minor and a language, which can make your degree more flexible while supporting your ability to work with people in other cultures.

After Graduation

Employment: Graduates of this degree have gone on to work for URS, Golder Associates, N.C. State Government, Active Minerals, CH2M Hill, Exxon-Mobil, Chevron, Halliburton and other companies.

Graduate School: Approximately 30% of geology graduates attend graduate school. Graduates have attended University of Chicago, University of Kansas, Texas A&M, University of Oregon, University of Utah, University of Alaska at Fairbanks and Virginia Tech, among others.

Career Exploration website

Professional Licensure

This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.

If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.

People

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

    A sedimentologist, Dr. Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce incorporates knowledge from her research in the U.S. and Africa into her classroom teaching.

    Meet more faculty

  • Alumnus Profile: Jonathan Gerst ’05
    Alumnus Profile: Jonathan Gerst ’05

    Appalachian has “the perfect geographic/geologic setting… to learn about geology,” says Jonathan Gerst ’05, a hydrogeologist who started his own environmental consulting firm.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide

    Click on the pdf for your major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Geology (BS) - Environmental Geology
  • Geology (BS) - Paleontology
  • Geology (BS) - Earth/Environmental Science, Secondary Education
  • Geology (BS) - Quantitative Geoscience
  • Geology (BA)

Minors

A minor is required. Students often select Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Appalachian Geological Society – a student group devoted to appreciating and preserving earth’s environment, history and natural wonders; is actively involved in community service, university events, and geological excursions.

  • A seminar series every Friday, which attracts an average of 80 students
  • Frequent field trips
  • Summer research with faculty

Global Learning

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

The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences offers study abroad programs and has faculty involved in research on every continent – from the tops of mountains to the bottom of the ocean.

Admission Requirements

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

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Why Appalachian?

  • Appalachian’s location is a perfect setting for studying geology, so you’ll benefit from field trips and local resources.
  • The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences does not offer a graduate program, so faculty members focus entirely on high quality instruction and research opportunities for undergraduates.
  • Many of our students have presented their research at professional meetings and/or published research in peer-reviewed journals. As a student, you will have access to facilities and equipment that other institutions typically reserve for graduate students.
  • There are many opportunities for research/creative projects and internships. All faculty have one or more students working with them on research projects.

Location

On campus

Contacts

Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce
liutkuscm@appstate.edu

  • 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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