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Sustainable Development (BS) - Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture

About

Want to learn how to build a robust and sustainable food system? The Sustainable Development (BS) - Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture provides students with the theoretical and practical skills necessary for careers in food and agriculture. Sustainable agriculture is modeled on nature, relying on nutrient cycling and preservation of the soil and its fertility. You will learn to build food systems that provide healthy food and support local community life. You will study fundamental ecological processes such as nutrient cycling, effective solar capture, efficient use of water, and interactions among plants and animals and their environment. You also will learn to analyze the ecological, economic and cultural dimensions of complex food systems.

This is one of four degree options in the Department of Sustainable Development at Appalachian State University.  The others are Sustainable Development (BA), Sustainable Development (BS) - Community, Regional and Global Development, and Sustainable Development (BS) - Environmental Studies.

After Graduation

Employment: Graduates are qualified for employment in a variety of positions in sustainable food and agriculture, including farm management or operating one’s own farm, wholesale and retail management, environmental and agriculture education, research technician, or in environmental, agricultural or food system nonprofits. See a list of employers in the right column.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Student Profile: Rebecca Brown
    Student Profile: Rebecca Brown

    Honors College student Rebecca Brown, who is minoring in chemistry, is comparing hog manure to two other organic amendments to address the challenge of finding sources of phosphorus for High Country farmers wanting to fertilize their soil.

  • Alumnus Profile: Cory Bryk ’12
    Alumnus Profile: Cory Bryk ’12

    Iraq veteran Cory Bryk used his education to start a first-generation family farm dedicated to “providing people with food that is both beneficial to the people who eat it and the environment in which it is grown.”

  • Alumna Profile: Kathleen Lackey ’14
    Alumna Profile: Kathleen Lackey ’14

    “America needs articulate, well-educated farmers/entrepreneurs/innovators that can make a positive difference… I would encourage any prospective student who is concerned about the precarious state of our food supply to seriously consider studies at Appalachian in Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture.”

    - Kathleen Lackey ’14, garden manager for Planters Inc.

Courses

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

    Click on the pdf for this major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Global Studies (BA)
  • Sustainable Development (BS) - Environmental Studies
  • Sustainable Development (BA) - Environmental Studies
  • Sustainable Development (BS) - Community, Regional, and Global Development

Minors

A minor is optional.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

SDSA (Sustainable Development Student Alliance) - Supports a variety of student-led community-building and sustainability-oriented projects on campus and communitywide.

Sustainable Development Teaching and Research Farm - 35 acres of pasture, 130 acres woodlot and woodlands, a large greenhouse, late-19th century barn, and a student residence where five or six agroecology students live and work.

Blue Ridge Conservancy - Works to permanently protect land and water resources with agricultural, ecological, cultural, recreational and scenic value in the northwest North Carolina.  Activities include trail clean-ups, hikes, guest speakers, and much more.

High Country Local First - a non-profit organization that seeks to strengthen the community and local economy by supporting locally owned, independent businesses and farmers through education, promotion and networking.

Global Learning

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

The Department of Sustainable Department offers occasional faculty-led study abroad programs, through which students learn about rural livelihood strategies and conservation issues related to sustainable development.

Admission Requirements

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

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Why Appalachian?

  • Appalachian’s Sustainable Development program is the oldest program in the country, and its interdisciplinary focus sets it apart from other schools.
  • All students get to study and work on App State’s Teaching and Research Farm, one of the largest sustainable agriculture teaching-research farms in the country.
  • Internships are highly encouraged. Host sites include: Environmental Protection Agency, Blue Ridge Conservancy, organic and sustainable farms, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, Appalachian Voices, and other green organizations across the U.S.
  • The Department of Sustainable Development works with a number of community outreach projects, from the Civic Gardening Project to its Sustainable Farming Resource Center and a farm-to-school support network.

Location

Boone campus only

Careers

  • Agriculture Extension Officer
  • Consumer Researcher
  • Agriculture and Food Education
  • Farmer
  • Farm Manager
  • Farmers’ Market manager
  • Food Policy Analyst
  • Food Systems Advocacy work
  • Health and Nutrition programs
  • Horticulturist
  • Farm Credit Analyst
  • Garden Manager
  • Land Conservation
  • Natural Resources Specialist
  • Non-profit work related to food systems
  • Rural Development Worker
  • International Relief Representative

View more career possibilities

Employers

Recent graduates have been hired by:

  • New River Organic Growers
  • Grass to Greens
  • Organic Growers School
  • Green Opportunities
  • AmeriCorps
  • Planters Garden
  • Mill Village Farms
  • Riverbend Malt House
  • MoM’s Organic Market
  • Foodcorps
  • Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
  • NC State Park System
  • Schoolhouse of Wonder
  • Peace Corps

Contacts

College of Fine and Applied Arts

Department of Sustainable Development

Dr. Jennifer Westerman
Department chair
westermanjh@appstate.edu
828-262-7248

  • Goodnight Family Department of Sustainable Development

    One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Goodnight Family Department of Sustainable Development at Appalachian State University prepares students to thoughtfully analyze human development while focusing on the applied practice of pursuing transformative, community-driven development and social change. It offers a Bachelor of Science degree in sustainable development with concentrations in agroecology and sustainable agriculture; community, regional and global development; and environmental studies; as well as a Bachelor of Arts and minor in sustainable development. Learn more at https://sd.appstate.edu.

  • College of Fine and Applied Arts

    Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of academic departments including Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts is characterized by the educational approach of integrating theory and practice, offering students the knowledge and experience for continued education or employment. Programs within the College feature opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, international experiences and interdisciplinary engagement. The College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while being active in grants and sponsored research. The College of Fine and Applied Arts provides a vibrant educational atmosphere, fostering the very best in teaching and learning.

    We offer:

    • BS, BA, and BFA degrees in 30 academic concentrations or specializations
    • MS degrees in 4 concentrations
    • Army ROTC program

    Community Service:

    Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.

    Industry and Community Involvement:

    All departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.

    International Education:

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts wants all students to have the opportunity for international learning experiences and has offered programs in:

    • Austria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Cuba
    • Dominican Republic
    • England
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Rwanda
    • South Africa
    • Taiwan

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