About the GES Department
The Appalachian State University Geological and Environmental Sciences (GES) Department provides students with a solid foundation on which to build a successful career in the geosciences and environmental sciences.
We are the largest undergraduate geosciences department in the UNC system, and we have been successful in establishing a program that is arguably among the best Bachelor degree programs in earth and environmental sciences available in the southeastern United States.
GES offers the following degree programs and concentrations
- Environmental Science (BS) - Earth System Science Concentration
- Environmental Science (BS) - Natural Resources Concentration
- Environmental Science (BS) - Quantitative Environmental Science Concentration
- Geology (BA)
- Geology (BS)
- Geology (BS) - Environmental Geology Concentration
- Geology (BS) - Paleontology Concentration
- Geology (BS) - Quantitative Geoscience Concentration
- Geology (BS) - Earth/Environmental Science, Secondary Education Concentration
See our Get Involved! page for opportunities for GES students in research, outreach, and teaching.
What should I major in?
Many students (and parents) come into our program a bit confused as to what the geosciences and environmental sciences actually are, and what kind of training our programs of study provide. Common questions we answer are:
- "Isn't geology just about rocks?" (no!)
- "What is better for the job I want? A geology degree or an environmental science degree?"
- "What's the difference between environmental studies and environmental science?"
The information on the "What should I major in?" page and our Programs of Study page will 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!
If you're not yet sure you want to major in Geology or Environmental Science, take one (or more) of our many General Education classes - learn about water resources, environmental cleanup, dinosaurs, oceanography, natural disasters, energy resources, fossils, and of course... rocks. According to Slate, "Introductory Geology classes are the best science electives" and we certainly agree!
We study more than just rocks!
Geology is about more than just rocks.
Environmental Science is about more than just ecology, policy, or regulations.
Our faculty have expertise in all fields of the Earth and Environmental sciences.
Click on our each of our research programs below to see what we do!
How does the earth move?
Tectonics Research Group:
What processes affect water supply and quality?
Hydrology and Environmental Geology Research Group:
What do fossils tell us?
Paleontology Research Group:
What do landforms tell us? How do humans influence landscapes?
Surface Processes Research Group
What do the minerals in rocks tell us? What is the role they play in the environment?
Mineralogy, Petrology, and Geochemistry Research Group:
How is Earth's climate recorded in minerals, rocks, sediment, water, and ice? How has climate changed through time?
Records of Climate Change Research Group:
What's so special about our department?
Ask A Geologist
You've got questions? We've got answers! Ask A Geologist!
Did you find something that puzzled you in your backyard or on top of a mountain? Have questions about local environmental problems? Want to know about what's going on in Boone Creek, the Watauga River, and the New River? Concerned about fracking in your region? Do you have a mineral that you can't identify? Think you found a meteorite? We will do our best to answer any geological/environmental question. We also have pages that answer some of our most frequently asked questions.
Latest News
November 8: "Climate Control: How We Broke the Earth's Thermostat and What to Do Next" with Dr. Kevin Uno
Oct 17, 2024
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University's Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences—with support from the University Forum ...
Anthony Love interviewed about meteorite hunting
Oct 9, 2024
BOONE, N.C. — A meteorite hunter collects meteors from all over the world, and he is hoping to find one in the North Carolina mountains after an app...
Dr. Scott Marshall explains recent spike in Western North Carolina earthquakes
Jul 11, 2024
Western North Carolina felt three earthquakes in 24 hours in June, and one Appalachian State University professor said a recently discovered faul...
Dr. Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce featured in documentary about ancient footprints in Tanzania
Jun 14, 2024
BOONE, N.C. — Research directed by Dr. Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce, professor and chair in Appalachian State University's Department of Geological a...
Dr. William Armstrong receives NSF RUI award to study glacial change
Jun 6, 2024
BOONE, N.C. — Dr. William Armstrong, assistant professor in Appalachian State University's Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences,...