Environmental Science (BS)

A B.S. in Environmental Science is for students desiring a broad and interdisciplinary approach to studies in the environmental sciences and capitalizes on the cross-disciplinary expertise available at Appalachian.  Starting in Fall 2024, we will offer three concentrations for incoming students: Earth Systems Science, Quantitative Environmental Science, and Natural Resources.

How is a BS in Environmental Science different than the other environmental concentrations at Appalachian State University?

For more information, see our What should I major in? page about the difference between all the environmentally-based degree options at Appalachian.

Degree Concentrations

Environmental Science (BS) - Earth Systems Science (121C)

Major curriculum updates will be enacted for students entering in Fall 2024 - students will pick an area of focus from the following: surface procesess, hydrosphere, atmosphere, earth materials, or biosphere

The Earth Systems Science degree track is a flexible, interdisciplinary earth sciences track concentrating on earth surface processes. Students take classes in geology, physics, chemistry, math, and biology. Students who complete specific coursework within the Earth System Science degree track will have completed some of the requirements necessary to become a Geologist in Training, which is the first step in gaining  Professional Geologist (PG) license (often essential in the Environmental Science consulting world). However, if you want to become a PG, we recommend getting a degree in Geology rather than Environmental Science, as licensure is not granted in 21 states unless you have a geology degree. Note: this is not the same as the Geology (BS) with a concentration in Environmental Geology, which contains more geology courses and fewer math and computational courses.

Environmental Science (BS) - Quantitative Environmental Science (121E)

Coming soon in 2024

Environmental Science (BS) - Natural Resources (121F)

Coming soon in 2024

Environmental Science (BS) - Life Science (121B)

This concentration will be discontinued in Fall 2024.

This is an an interdisciplinary degree track where students do coursework in biology, chemistry, math/stats, and geology. Note: this is not the same as the Biology (BS) with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, which is taught in the Biology department and does not require geology or physics classes.

Environmental Studies

We do not teach Environmental Studies in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. If you are looking for this program, please go to the Sustainable Development (BS) - Environmental Studies Concentration in the Department of Sustainable Development.