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Sustainable Technology (BS)

About

The Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainable Technology helps students develop the skills needed to design, build and maintain technological systems that will help create a more sustainable world.

In this program, you will study renewable energy, biofuels, green building, computer modeling, sustainable transportation, sustainable resource management, and sustainable water and waste water technology. These are some of the world’s fastest growing technological areas, and they hold many new and exciting career opportunities.

The program, previously called Appropriate Technology, is housed in Appalachian’s Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment.

After Graduation

Employment: Sustainable Technology students begin successful and good-paying careers after graduation. Many former students are working in the renewable energy industry as system designers and installers. They are rising quickly into higher level and higher paying management positions. Other students are working as sustainability officers, recycling coordinators, sustainability educators, and developing renewable energy systems internationally.

Graduate School: Students can pursue graduate education in related fields such as architecture, education, or interdisciplinary Science, Technology and Society (STS) programs.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Dennis Scanlin
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Dennis Scanlin

    Energy education and renewable energy technology have been the major focus of this professor’s work, particularly related to wind power.

    Meet more faculty

  • Alumnus Profile: Ryan Gillespie ’17
    Alumnus Profile: Ryan Gillespie ’17

    At Appalachian, Ryan Gillespie ’17 discovered a niche that blends his love of biking with his knowledge of sustainability initiatives — the electric bike. Now he owns Sol Mobil, an electric bike sales and service shop in Winston-Salem.

  • Alumnus Profile: James Holton '15
    Alumnus Profile: James Holton '15

    “Renewable energy is a rapidly growing market... Appalachian graduates have more than just the knowledge, but also the practical aptitude to apply the learned knowledge to their jobs.”

    – James Holton ’15, a licensed electrician and senior crew leader at Tesla

  • Alumnus Profile: Joey Appelmann '14
    Alumnus Profile: Joey Appelmann '14

    “The sustainable technology program at Appalachian prepared me to jump headfirst into the energy industry. Appalachian trains students to think creatively in the field and instills the confidence to pursue many different opportunities.”

    – Joey Appelmann ’14, installation supervisor for Tesla

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Sustainable Development (BA) - Environmental Studies
  • Building Sciences (BS) - Architectural Technology and Design
  • Building Sciences (BS) - Construction Management
  • Building Sciences (BS) - Sustainable Building Systems

Minors

While a minor is not required, the curriculum provides the flexibility to include a minor if desired.  Students have often minored in Sustainable Development, Geography and Planning, and Business.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Sustainable Energy Society (Solar Club) - student organization that hosts workshops, special events, and other educational programs on campus and in the community to inform people of the importance of renewable energy and sustainable living to the environment and future generations.

Renewable Energy Initiative - a committee of students, with faculty and staff advisors, that is responsible for allocating money towards the implementation of renewable energy on campus.  The committee’s annual operating budget comes from a self-imposed student fee of $5 per student per semester.

Sustainability Council - a university group that comprises more than 70 administrators, faculty, staff and students in setting and executing the vision for sustainability on Appalachian’s campus.

Global Learning

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

Sustainable Technology typically offers summer study abroad programs to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Peru, Korea, Taiwan and other countries.

Admission Requirements

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

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Why Appalachian?

  • This program started in 1978 and is the oldest, continuously operating program for the study of sustainable technology in the United States.
  • Students benefit from App State research facilities and projects, including the Small Wind Research project, Collaborative Biodiesel Project, the student-directed Affordable Bioshelters Project, student-run Renewable Energy Initiative and the Appalachian Energy Center.
  • Internships, found locally and across the state and region, give practical experience applying the theory and content of course work.  
  • Faculty members are engaged in meaningful research that benefits the region, nation and world. Students typically work alongside them.

Location

Boone campus only

Careers

  • System designers and installers
  • Recycling coordinators
  • Renewable energy management positions
  • Sustainability officers
  • Sustainability educators
  • International development work

View more career possibilities

Employers

  • Entropy Solar Integrators - Charlotte, NC
  • Solar City USA - various locations around the country
  • Strata Solar - Chapel Hill, NC
  • Sundance Power Systems - Asheville, NC
  • Appalachian Office of Sustainability - Boone, NC
  • FLS Energy  - Asheville and Charlotte, NC
  • North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association
  • Small Wind Certification Council
  • Radian Generation - Shelby, NC
  • Pioneer Valley Photovoltaics Worker Owned Cooperative - Greenfield, Massachusetts
  • Sigora Solar - Lexington, Virginia
  • Orion Renewable Energy Group, LLC - Tryon, NC
  • CleanResult Consultants - Austin, Texas
  • Peace Corps
  • Borrego Solar - Iowa City, Iowa
  • Sungevity - Oakland, California

Internship host sites

  • Entropy Solar Integrators - Charlotte, NC
  • High Country Biofuels - Boone, NC
  • Re-Nu Energy Solutions - Charlotte, NC
  • Atomic Solar - Burnsville, NC
  • NC Clean Technology Center - Raleigh, NC
  • Climate Voices / Collaborative Solar - Boone, NC
  • Appalachian Energy Solutions - Boone, NC
  • Appalachian Office of Sustainability - Boone, NC
  • High County Energy Solutions - Sugar Grove, NC
  • Appalachian Voices - Boone, NC
  • Lumen Energy - Richmond, VA
  • Organic Transit - Durham, NC
  • Patriot Biodiesel - Greensboro, NC
  • Sunstore Solar Energy Solutions - Bristol, TN
  • Sunquest, Inc. - Newton, NC

Contacts

College of Fine and Applied Arts

Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment

Dr. Jeremy Ferrell
Program Coordinator
ferrelljc@appstate.edu
828-262-8818
Katherine Harper Hall 177A

  • Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment

    One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment at Appalachian State University features an integrated array of programs spanning the fields of sustainable design and technology. Its mission is to foster a strong and vibrant culture of inquiry, discovery and innovation that integrates theory with application, problem seeking with problem-solving, local issues with global perspectives and technological progress with environmental stewardship. It offers bachelor’s degrees in sustainable technology and building science, and a master’s degree in technology. Learn more at https://stbe.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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