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. We offer two degree tracks for incoming students: the Earth Systems Science degree track, and the Life Sciences degree track.
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 Tracks and Classes
Environmental Science (BS) - Life Science (121B)
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 Science (BS) - Earth Systems Science (121C)
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 a majority of the requirements necessary to become a Geologist in Training, which is the first step in gaining Professional Geologist (PG) license. However, if you want to become a PG, we recommend getting a degree in Geology rather than Environmental Science. 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 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.
Environmental Science (BS) (121A) without Concentrations (Discontinued)
The Environmental Science Program was merged into the Department of Geology in 2017, forming the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. See our explanatory page for more information about this merger. A review of industry needs after the merger led the Department to completely revise the BS in Environmental Science degree and divide it into two tracks: a life science track, and an earth system science track.