About

Geography is the science of place and space – the earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another and how people interact with the environment. This is a discipline that bridges the social sciences and natural sciences and that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites as a growing career field.

The Geography (BS) - Geographic Information Systems degree develops basic geographic principles as well as specific knowledge related to Geographic Information Systems, which is an exceedingly employable skill in the growing geography job market. GIS allow geographers to use data to interpret different data sets and their relation to geography. For example, GIS can be used to map water runoff to better understand water quality in a geographic area.

After Graduation

Employment:  Students graduate career-ready, and over 90% are hired into the GIS or planning job markets. Employers include ESRI, the U.S. Government, State of North Carolina, the Nature Conservancy, National Geographic Society and local governments throughout North Carolina.

Graduate School: Students who wish to pursue a graduate education may stay at Appalachian for an extra year and receive a Master of Arts in geography.

People

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  Alumnus Profile: Garret Shields ’09

  A GIS production manager for Amec Foster Wheeler, Shields says the Department of Geography and Planning did a wonderful job preparing him with skills he uses in his job, as well as helping with résumé building and job interviewing skills.

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  Faculty Profile: Dr. Derek J. Martin

  Dr. Derek J. Martin has been working with a team of students on a monitoring project on the Watauga River. In this video, he and the students talk about the research and how they have adapted their fieldwork during COVID-19.

Related Programs

• Geography (BS) - General Geography
• Geography (BA)
• Community and Regional Planning (BS)

Minors

A minor is not required. Popular minors include:

• GIS Certificate
• Planning
• History
• A foreign language
• Geology
• Biology

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

• The Student Planners Association (SPA) and Appalachian Geographical Society are student-run, university-recognized organizations consisting of major and non-major members who are interested in fellowship, outings, fun and learning more about planning and geography.
• Gamma Theta Upsilon Honor Society is an international honorary academic society for geographers founded in 1928. To join, you must be enrolled in any of the geography majors and meet one of two GPA requirements.
• North Carolina ArcGIS Users Group is a non-profit organization that creates a forum for the exchange and distribution of knowledge, techniques, and data for people across North Carolina using associated with ESRI and GIS software.
• North Carolina Geographic Alliance - Since 1987, the North Carolina Geographic Alliance has sought to enhance geographic education in North Carolina Schools.  Over the years the NCGA has produced teaching materials, provided professional development, and advocated for geography as an integral part of the curriculum. 

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.  There are currently faculty-led trips to study planning and community development in Ecuador and Peru.  Dr. Baker Perry also takes 15 students to study climate change in the Andean region each summer.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.