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Sustainable Development (BS) - Community, Regional, and Global Development

About

The Sustainable Development (BS) - Community, Regional and Global Development degree examines theories and strategies for creating vibrant and sustainable communities in the U.S. and globally. You will learn to analyze how diverse social and economic systems work, the principles on which they are based, and how they affect human well-being, environments and equity. You will gain a critical understanding of social change and the skills to become a thoughtful practitioner and grounded scholar of grassroots development and social movements.

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) - Environmental Studies, and Sustainable Development (BS) - Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture.

After Graduation

Employment: Graduates find employment in a wide variety of professions related to community development, environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture, both nationally and internationally. See a list of employers in the right column.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Student Profile: Justin Marks
    Student Profile: Justin Marks

    Justin Marks, a sustainable development major from Georgia, walks and talks active citizenship through community service.

  • Alumna Profile: Grayson Goldsmith ’11
    Alumna Profile: Grayson Goldsmith ’11

    Grayson Goldsmith ’11 describes how her work at Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, Virginia (featured on DIY Network’s “Salvage Dawgs”), is a natural extension of her Sustainable Development degree.

    Meet more alumni

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

  • Sustainable Development (BS) - Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
  • Sustainable Development (BA) - Environmental Studies
  • Sustainable Development (BS) - Environmental Studies
  • Global Studies (BA)

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 Appalachian State University Campus Chapter - 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.

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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Costs and Aid

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

  • International Development Worker
  • Public Health Worker
  • Rural Development Worker
  • Community Organizer
  • Grassroots Organizer
  • Advocacy Work
  • NGO and Nonprofit Director
  • International Humanitarian Relief Worker  
  • Sustainability and Development Researcher
  • Human Rights Worker
  • Sustainability Consultant (Government, Corporate, or NGO)
  • Climate Change Adaptation/Resilience Facilitator
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Fund Raiser and Grant Writer
  • Natural Resources Specialist
  • Park Ranger
  • Community Planner
  • Environmental Researcher
  • Environmental Journalist
  • Sustainability Director

View more career possibilities

Employers

Recent graduates have been hired by:

  • Cedar International School
  • Belk Inc. Sustainability Department
  • County governments
  • AmeriCorps
  • Peace Corps 
  • Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation
  • Climate Nexus
  • Appalachian State University, Office of Sustainability
  • Southern Energy
  • O2 Energy Company
  • Heifer International
  • Hunger and Health Coalition
  • Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

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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