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Appalachian State University

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Geology (BS) - Earth/Environmental Science, Secondary Education

About

North Carolina has a shortage of earth science teachers as well as a shortage of comprehensive science teachers. Since geology is an earth science, the teaching job prospects with the Geology (BS) - Earth/Environmental Science, Secondary Education degree are high. Based on the reputation of the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences and Appalachian’s Reich College of Education teacher preparation program, students majoring in often find they can work at the school of their choice.

As with other Geology degrees from Appalachian, study in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences 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.

After Graduation

Employment: Most graduates go straight into teaching at schools in North Carolina and beyond.

View career information

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

  • Alumna Profile: Hannah Griffin ’15
    Alumna Profile: Hannah Griffin ’15

    Griffin teaches high school earth and environmental science in Monroe. She makes earth and environmental science a hands-on experience for her students — using methods and techniques she learned in her studies at App State.

  • Faculty Profile: Laura Mallard
    Faculty Profile: Laura Mallard

    “Our students never have a problem getting a job. It’s usually in a region where they want to be.”

    – Laura Mallard, senior lecturer and advisor for students in the Geology (BS) - Earth/Environmental Science, Secondary Education degree program

    Meet more faculty

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) – Quantitative Geoscience
  • Geology (BA)

Minors

A minor is optional.

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

Admission to Appalachian’s Teacher Education Program is required.

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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.
  • Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Contacts

http://earth.appstate.edu/

Laura Mallard
mallardl@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 admissions 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
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    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
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    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

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