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Geology (BS) - Paleontology

About

Paleontology is the study of fossils to determine organisms’ evolution and how they interact with each and the environment. The earth resources industry, particularly the oil industry, needs the skills of these scientists. The Geology (BS) - Paleontology degree at Appalachian State University is ideal for those who want to pursue earth history, evolution research or advanced degrees in paleontology.

The Geology - Paleontology (BS) degree 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 and earth resources industries.

After Graduation

Employment: One graduate currently works for the Bechtel Corporation in Pittsburgh; many are in graduate school.

Graduate School: Approximately 30% of geology graduates attend graduate school. Graduates of this concentration have attended graduate schools such as University of Iowa, Fort Hays State University, Kent State University, and the University of Chicago.

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: Dr. Andy Heckert
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Andy Heckert

    What’s your favorite rock record? Of the planet, that is. Paleontologist Dr. Andy Heckert talks about his passion for earth history and why App State is a great place to study geology.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Steven J. Hageman
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Steven J. Hageman

    “The study of the Earth is inherently interdisciplinary. I greatly enjoy that problem solving in geology requires knowledge and application from all fields of science.”

    – two-time Fulbright award recipient Dr. Steven J. Hageman

  • Alumnus Profile: Jared Voris ’16
    Alumnus Profile: Jared Voris ’16

    While studying skull fragments for his master’s thesis at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, Jared Voris ’16 identified a new species of tyrannosaurid dinosaur. His findings have received worldwide attention from news media.

  • Alumnus Profile: Jonathan Mitchell ’10
    Alumnus Profile: Jonathan Mitchell ’10

    Jonathan Mitchell went straight into a doctoral program at the University of Chicago after finishing his Geology (BS) - Paleontology degree. He now teaches as an assistant professor at the West Virginia University Institute of Technology.

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

Minors

A minor is optional. Many in the paleontology field select Anthropology.

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. Andy Heckert
heckertab@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.

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