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.

What is Geology?

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!

[more]

How does the earth move?

 tectonics.jpg

Tectonics Research Group:

[more]

What processes affect water supply and quality?

researchers in river

Hydrology and Environmental Geology Research Group:

[more]

What do fossils tell us?

bone microscopy image

Paleontology Research Group:

[more]

What do landforms tell us? How do humans influence landscapes?

Surface processes

Surface Processes Research Group

[more]

What do the minerals in rocks tell us? What is the role they play in the environment?

mineral microscopy image

Mineralogy, Petrology, and Geochemistry Research Group:

[more]

How is Earth's climate recorded in minerals, rocks, sediment, water, and ice? How has climate changed through time?

Records of Climate Change

Records of Climate Change Research Group:

[more]

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

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

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

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

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

BOONE, N.C. — Dr. William Armstrong, assistant professor in Appalachian State University's Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences,...