What should I major in? | Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences

What should I major in? | Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
What should I major in?
Prospective Students
What should I major in?
There are so many majors and concentrations at Appalachian! How do you choose?
Students (and parents) often have significant misconceptions about what our degree programs actually entail and what kind of training they provide.
We made the following interactive table to help you decide if a degree in Geology, a degree in Environmental Science, or a degree in another program is the right major for you
What Are You Interested In?
Environmental consulting
(i.e. remediating polluted sites, groundwater quality and quantity, risk/hazard assessment and prevention, etc.)
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS in Geology with an Environmental Geology concentration
BS in Geology with a concentration in Quantitative Geoscience
BS and BA in Geology
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
Information
We have developed a strong alumni network in the environmental industry in the southeast in the last decade, and Appalachian GES graduates are in high demand.
If you want to go straight to work in the
environmental industry (involving fieldwork, studying groundwater and surface water resources and contamination, hazardous waste site management, etc.), we strongly recommend the
BS in Geology with an Environmental Geology concentration
, which is designed to provide students with the hands-on, field-based training in demand by the
environmental industry. Students in this program receive considerable field-based training as well as GIS coursework, and typically find employment in the environmental industry immediately upon graduation.
Other
degree tracks that train you for these jobs include the
BS or BA in Geology
, and the
BS in Geology with a concentration in Quantitative Geoscience
Students with these degrees will have the background to begin the licensure process to
become a
Professional Geologist (PG)
, which is a necessary two-part licensure for career advancement past the entry level in much of the environmental industry.
* The
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
is more interdisciplinary and getting PG licensure in NC will require additional coursework. An
environmental science degree may not be accepted in all states for PG licensure, regardless of how much extra coursework you have.
Click here for details about which states accept a degree in Environmental Science for licensure (available to appstate students only).
There is no equivalent professional licensure program in Environmental Science, so we recommend that students who want to work in environmental consulting get a degree in Geology rather than Environmental Science.
Technical solutions for climate change
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS and BA in Geology
BS in Geology with a Quantitative Geoscience concentration
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
(earth materials elective option)
Information
The
BS in Geology with a Quantitative Geoscience concentration
and
BS and BA in Geology
provide graduates with the geology and physics and chemistry knowledge they need to work on climate change mitigation, such as sourcing materials
for carbon-neutral green tech and battery storage (what isn't grown has to be mined!), carbon capture and sequestration (requires a strong foundation in mineralogy, geochemistry, and hydrogeology), and
solutions
for
climate-related hazards.
The Geology programs of study require an intensive, six-week summer field course in geology.
Starting in Fall 2024, the
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
(earth materials elective option) will require coursework that can
provide graduates with the knowledge on green tech materials listed above. There is no required six week summer field course in Environmental Science.
Studying the impacts and effects of climate change
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
BS in Environmental Science - Quantitative Environmental Science Concentration
BS and BA in Geology
BS in Geology with a Quantitative Geoscience concentration
Information
These programs of study give students the foundation to study the impacts, effects and systematics of climate change from a variety of fields, depending on their concentration. Students may elect to concentrate on the biological
effects of climate change, the atmospheric science of climate change, or the impact of climate change on water resources, among many other subfields. If you are interested in studying climate change as a career (
studying climate change typically requires a graduate degree*
), talk with your GES advisor as soon as possible about the different options available. All of these programs of study have
minimum
math requirements of
Calc II or advanced statistics. A six-week summer field course is required for the Geology majors, but not the Environmental Science majors.
* see our
Thinking about graduate school?
page for more information and common misperceptions about getting a
graduate degree in the earth/environmental sciences.
Wetlands Assessment
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
(biosphere elective option)
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
BS in Biology - concentration in Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology
Information
The curriculum for the
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
(biosphere electives) and Natural Resources concentrations can give students a
head start on the necessary training to become licensed wetlands assessment professionals in the environmental industry through the
PWS (Professional Wetland Scientist) certification
, but does not immediately qualify students for certification upon graduation.
Students who are specifically interested in ecology and conservation studies as they pertain to living systems would be better served by the
BS in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology
. The
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
is more interdisciplinary, and investigates broader ecosystem interactions via a combination of biology, geoscience, math, physics,
and chemistry.
Ecology and Biological Conservation
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS in Biology with an Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
Information
The
BS in Biology with an Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology
is the best option for students specifically interested in
ecology and conservation studies as they pertain to living ecosystems. This degree program is primarily biology coursework.
The
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
is also an option for students who want a more interdisciplinary view of the ecological
sciences as they pertain to broader earth and environmental systems. This degree program requires coursework in the biological sciences, the geosciences, data analysis/statistics, geospatial techniques, policy, etc.
Environmental Activism, Environmental Justice
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS in Sustainable Development: Environmental Studies Concentration
Information
Students who wish to study the environment from a social justice and policy angle may be better served by the
BS in Sustainable Development: Environmental Studies Concentration
, where students are prepared for careers that
help build connections between environmental scientists, policy makers, and the general public. Graduates of this program tend to look for work with non-profit environmental organizations, advocacy groups, some government
agencies, and private businesses, but do not receive the scientific/field training required for employment by environmental consulting firms.
Earth Materials and Green Tech Mining
(rocks, minerals, etc.)
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS and BA in Geology
BS in Geology with a Quantitative Geoscience concentration
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
(earth materials elective option)
Information
The
BS and BA in Geology
are standard geology programs of study that produce well-rounded students who are prepared to go to graduate school or directly into a
variety of industries or government positions. The BA and BS in Geology are the department's most flexible programs of study, but still require considerable external coursework in calculus, chemistry, and calculus-based physics. The
BS in Geology with a Quantitative Geoscience concentration
provides graduates with additional technical skills that they need to succeed at the graduate
level (additional math classes, data processing and modeling coursework, etc.). The geology programs of study require six credit hours of summer field courses in geology but the
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
(earth materials elective option) does not.
Museum Exhibit Design, Curation
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS in Geology with a concentration in Paleontology
Information
The
BS in Geology with a concentration in Paleontology
is the track for students interested in museum curation and exhibit design. Although this program has a basis in paleontology, the program of study also requires classes in mineralogy and petrology (rocks and minerals) which are essential parts of natural history museum collections, and students are encouraged to do outreach with local museums, and get "behind the scenes" training in museum curation as part of the Triassic Trip (GES 2857 - Paleontology Field and Museum Methods) as well as fossil preparation for academic research, outreach, and museum exhibits (GES 3264 - Paleontological Laboratory Techniques and Analytical Methods). Students in this program of study typically go on to graduate school for additional paleontology study or training in museum studies. This major requires six credits of summer field courses in geology.
Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
Department of Sustainable Development
Information
Students who are interested in sustainable food systems would be better served by the programs in the
Department of Sustainable Development
, such as agroecology.
Environmental Policy and Law
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
BS in Geology with an Environmental Geology concentration
Information
Students who are interested in working in environmental policy while desiring a strong science background typically choose the
BS in Geology with an Environmental Geology concentration
or the
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
. These students will still receive intense training in the natural sciences and in
math, statistics, and/or geospatial analysis, but also must take classes involving policy and regulations. Students are typically employed in environmental policy positions and state/local government.
Building Wind, Solar, and Green Energy Systems
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
Building Sciences - Sustainable Building Systems Concentration, BS
Sustainable Technology, BS
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
Information
Some students know they want to major in something associated with environmental conservation but would prefer to build with environmentally-conscious materials or be part of building a renewable energy grid rather than studying the natural
sciences. These students typically major in programs within the
Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment
. Students may also choose the
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
, but will receive more intense training in the life and earth sciences and in math, statistics, and/or geospatial analysis rather than training in how to build/maintain green energy systems or green buildings.
Soil and/or water conservation, agroecology
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
Department of Sustainable Development
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
(biosphere or hydrosphere elective option)
Information
Students who are interested in soil conservation and agriculture and its role in the environment may be interested in the agroecology program in the
Department of Sustainable Development.
Students who are more interested in conservation in general while still receiving a rigorous math/science background would be best served by our
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
or
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
with either a biosphere or hydrosphere set of electives.
Fossils and Paleontology
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS in Geology with a concentration in Paleontology
Information
The
BS in Geology with a concentration in Paleontology
is the track for you. We are one of the only schools in the country with a dedicated paleontology
degree track! This program builds off the BS in Geology and targets the dedicated undergraduate interested in pursuing a career in paleontology, natural history museum curation, or the petroleum industry by providing a
strong interdisciplinary background rooted in geology and biology, opportunities for student research in paleontology and museum studies, and a program of study designed to facilitate entry to graduate school. This degree
track requires an intensive, six-week summer field course in geology.
Earth and Environmental Science Education: middle school and high school level
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS in Geology with an Earth/Environmental Science Education
Information
The
BS in Geology with an Earth/Environmental Science Education
track qualifies students for double licensure in
Earth/Environmental Science and Comprehensive Science in all NC schools.
High tech applied geoscience
(geophysics, fault modeling, groundwater modeling, geodesy, remote sensing, hazard modeling, etc.)
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS in Geology with a Quantitative Geoscience concentration
BS in Environmental Science - Quantitative Environmental Science Concentration
Information
Students who wish to do computational geoscience and math (i.e. computer modeling, data processing, etc.) the
BS in Geology with a Quantitative Geoscience concentration
or the new
BS in Environmental Science - Quantitative Environmental Science Concentration
are the best options. These are our most intense
programs of study, which provide students with an optional math minor and a variety of computational coursework. High tech applied geoscience is a broad term, but it encompasses geoscience fields that do a lot of computational
work (geophysics, fault modeling, groundwater modeling, geodesy, remote sensing, hazard modeling, etc.). Students who go into these applied geoscience fields typically go on to graduate school for a MS (or PhD) and are then
employed by environmental engineering firms, civil engineering firms, oil/gas companies, and federal, state and local government. These are some of the highest paying jobs in the geoscience fields (typically $90,000/year).
Mining, oil and gas
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS and BA in Geology
BS in Geology with a Quantitative Geoscience concentration
BS in Geology with a concentration in Paleontology
Information
If it wasn't grown, it had to have been mined!
Literally everything you use on a daily basis in the US involves the extraction of geologic materials
. Students who wish to go into extractive industries
typically major with a
BS in Geology with a Quantitative Geoscience concentration
, a
BS and BA in Geology
, or the
BS in Geology with a concentration in Paleontology
. All of these
programs of study have the appropriate coursework to train students for careers in the oil and gas and mining industries. These programs of study require six credit hours of summer field courses in geology.
Starting my own Environmental Business, starting my own Sustainable Supply Chain Business
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS in Geology with an Environmental Geology concentration
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
BA in Economics with a concentration in Environmental Economics and Policy
Information
Students with a
BS in Geology with an Environmental Geology concentration
take business classes and typically begin work in the environmental industry upon
graduation, and some start their own businesses after receiving training in the environmental consulting field. Most environmental consulting firms require someone on the staff with either a Professional Engineer (PE) or
Professional Geologist (PG) licensure. All geology degrees (except for the Earth/Environmental Science Secondary Education major) at Appalachian make you eligible for a
Professional Geologist (PG) license
after
you have five years of work experience and pass both the Geologist in Training exam upon graduation and the PG exam after you earn your experience.
The
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
program of study provide options to start the coursework necessary for licensure as a
PWS (Professional Wetland Scientist)
. If you choose a BS in Environmental Science, be sure to take the courses needed to attain these licensures.
For those who are interested in the role that business practices and economics plays on the environment, a
BA in Economics with a concentration in Environmental Economics and Policy
may be what you are looking for. Students who go into
this program typically find work with government or non-profits with a focus on environmental issues.
Geological/Environmental Research
(graduate school*)
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS and BA in Geology
BS in Geology with a Quantitative Geoscience concentration
BS in Environmental Science - Quantitative Environmental Science Concentration
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
BS in Geology with a concentration in Paleontology
Information
About 40% of our students go on to graduate school. Our students typically receive full tuition waivers and stipends to attend graduate programs, so paying for graduate school is not usually a problem in the
geosciences.*
For students who wish to go on to graduate school in the geosciences rather than directly into industry, we highly recommend the
BS in Geology with a Quantitative Geoscience concentration
. This is one of our most intense programs of study, which provides students with an optional
math minor and a variety of computational coursework. We also have a
BS in Environmental Science - Quantitative Environmental Science Concentration
which we also recommend to students planning to go to graduate school in the broader environmental/atmospheric/physical sciences.
Students earning a
BS and BA in Geology
or
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
have a more flexible set of course requirements than our Quantitative Geoscience track, but are likewise well prepared for graduate school. The
BS in Geology with a concentration in Paleontology
is specifically for students who want to go into paleontology graduate programs.
Note: Students in the
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
and
BS in Geology with an Environmental Geology concentration
would likely need additional math/physics classes to get into graduate school for research programs in the physical and life sciences, although they are well-prepared for post-graduate study in programs that would not typically require numerous calculus and physics classes (i.e. environmental policy, law school, public health, geography, etc.).
* see our
Thinking about graduate school?
page for more information and common misperceptions about getting a
graduate degree in the earth/environmental sciences.
Forestry and Wildlife management
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS in Biology with an Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology
Information
Students interested in forestry and
biological
natural resources are encouraged to major in biology, with a
BS in Biology with an Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology
The
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
may also be of interest if you are broadly interested in natural resource assessment, but will
contain a number of courses outside of the biology major which may not be relevant to students who are certain they want to go into forestry and wildlife management.
Outdoor/Adventure Guide; Environmental Education and Interpretation
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education
(multiple concentrations)
Information
Students who want to be outdoor educators (i.e. Outward Bound, interpretive guides, etc.) would be better served by programs in the
Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education
, with concentrations in Commercial Recreation and Tourism
Management, Outdoor Experiential Education, and Recreation and Park Management.
Park Ranger
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
Numerous options
Information
There are many types of park rangers, so there are many programs of study that would appropriate for these jobs, depending on what you are interested in doing as a park ranger. The
Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education
has a BS with concentrations in Commercial Recreation and Tourism
Management, Outdoor Experiential Education, and Recreation and Park Management. The
BS in Biology with an Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology
would also be appropriate for some students, particularly those who
intend to be wilderness rangers. Students interested in the law enforcement side of park ranger duties may be better served by a
BS in Criminal Justice
Working in an Analytical or Microscopy Lab
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS and BA in Geology
BS in Geology with a concentration in Paleontology
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
(earth materials elective set)
BS in Chemistry with an Environmental Chemistry concentration
BS in Applied Physics with an emphasis area in Environmental Physics
Information
If you want to work in a microscopy facility doing a variety of forensic, health-science, or materials science work ...
Students who are interested in high-tech microscopy jobs are best served getting a
BS and BA in Geology
, a
BS in Geology with a concentration in Paleontology
or a
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
(earth materials electives) and using the flexibility in these tracks to take our
sample preparation courses as well as a few extra classes in chemistry and physics. Many of our graduates with Geology degrees now work in materials science labs such as Corning and Boeing, or the medical
geosciences (asbestos investigations, etc.).
If you want to work in a government or commercial laboratory doing environmental work (toxicity studies, the laboratory side of water testing, etc.)...
Other students are interested in concentrating on the chemistry side of the environmental sciences; for these students, the
BS in Chemistry with an Environmental Chemistry concentration
is the degree track for you. Students in this program
typically go on to graduate school or directly into laboratory positions within industry or government. Students who take extra chemistry courses while in the
BS in Environmental Science - Earth Systems Science concentration
can also find jobs in analytical laboratories.
If you are interested in the instrumentation used in the environmental sciences ...
Students who are more interested in physics, electronics, and developing instrumentation can get a
BS in Applied Physics with an emphasis area in Environmental Physics
. Students in this program typically go on to graduate school
or are employed in industry laboratories upon graduation.
Making maps, town/city planning
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BA or BS in Geography
BS in Community and Regional Planning
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
Information
Many students find that they love working with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to make maps, and receive degrees such as the
BA or BS in Geography, or the BS in Community and Regional Planning
in the Department of Geography and Planning. These students typically go on to
make maps for a wide variety of environmental organizations and industries or are employed by state and local governments. The
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources concentration
also provides many opportunities for geospatial data analysis, although it does not require coursework in urban planning.
Fish and Game Officer
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BS in Biology with an Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology
Information
For those with an interest in the environment from a biological perspective, the
BS in Biology with an Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology
concentration is the degree track for you. Upon graduation,
students in this degree track typically work with state and local governments or go into graduate programs.
Green/Sustainable Buildings and Technology
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment
Information
Some students know they want to major in something associated with environmental conservation but prefer a more hands-on degree involving sustainable building systems and sustainable technologies rather than studying the natural
sciences. These students typically major in programs within the
Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment
Any combination of the above
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
BA or BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
Information
Create your own environmental-associated major via the
Interdisciplinary Studies Program (IDS)
This is an option for students who have a specific, interdisciplinary, and more social
science/humanities career goals who are not served by existing programs of study in other departments.
I want to do something environmental but I hate (or am scared of) math!
Best Fit Degree & Concentration
Numerous options
Information
All of the geosciences and environmental science programs of study require at least Calc I, and most require Calc II, statistics, or higher level math (unless you are in the Earth/Environmental Science Secondary Education major).
In our experience, most students who come in saying that they "hate math" or are "bad at math" simply had bad experiences in high school math classes,
but aren't actually bad at math.
When these students take Calc I
and realize it's really not that terrible, many actually go on to minor in math, much to their surprise. Don't deny yourself the value of an interesting degree program (with numerous and well-paying job prospects) because of
problematic high school math experiences!
What if I want to do more than one of these things... should I double major?
depending on your career goals, a double major might be a good option for you.
We have a dedicated page for people who plan to double major
, which suggests
GES programs of study that best mesh with your other desired major.
Questions
If you have more questions, contact the following AGES advisors for more information:
For questions about the Environmental Science programs of study, contact
Dr. Cynthia Liutkus
For questions about the Geology programs of study (with or without concentrations), contact
Dr. Sarah Carmichael
For questions about the Quantitative Geoscience and Quantitative Environmental Science programs of study, contact
Dr. Scott Marshall
For questions about the Geology - Paleontology concentration program of study, contact
Dr. Andy Heckert
For questions about the Secondary Education program of study, contact
Ms. Laura Mallard
If you are a transfer student, contact
Dr. Steve Hageman
What should I major in?
Information for Parents
Information for Transfer and Early College Students
What kind of computer do I need?
Scholarships, Awards, and Student Financial Support
Sustainability in GES
We're turning 50!
In Spring 2025, the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences (formerly Geology) turned 50!
Read the newsletter
to see what we've been up to, how we've changed, and where we're going!
Give to Geological and Environmental Sciences
Please consider supporting the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences by donating to one of our
departmental funds
For assistance with philanthropic gifts, contact CAS Development Director, Jasmin McFayden '10, at
mcfaydenja@appstate.edu
or (828) 262-4019.