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.
People
Related Programs
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.
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.
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