Department of Geology - Appalachian State University

Contact Us

Physical Address
Department of Geology
033 Rankin Science West
572 Rivers Street
Boone, NC 28608

Postal Address
Department of Geology
Appalachian State University
ASU Box 32067
Boone, NC 28608-2067

phone: (828) 262-3049
fax: (828) 262-6503

Chairperson:
Dr. Johnny A. Waters
watersja@appstate.edu

General Questions:
Geology Webmaster

Majoring in Geology at Appalachian

Rewarding careers and success in Appalachian's Geology programs come to those who are hard working, conscientious, learn from their mistakes, and get involved in the life of the department.

What's your excuse for not being a geology major?


You may want to major in geology if:

  • You are concerned about the environment.
  • You like the outdoors.
  • You enjoy travel.
  • You don't want a desk job.
  • You have a sense of adventure and a spirit of discovery.
  • You enjoy solving puzzles and problems.
  • You desire a lucrative career doing something you actually like doing.
  • You enjoy using computer technology to solve practical problems.
  • You wonder why the Earth appears as it does.
  • You want to do independent research with faculty members early in your academic career.
  • You can immediately recognize the San Andreas Fault in the photo above.

Degree Programs at Appalachian

Appalachian has several concentrations within the Geology major:

B.A. or B.S. in Geology
B.S. in Geology - concentration in Paleontology
B.S. in Geology - concentration in Environmental Geology
B.S. in Geology - concentration in Quantitative Geoscience
B.S. in Geology - concentration in Geoscience Education

During the senior year, all Geology students (except for those receiving a B.S. in Geoscience Education) must take and achieve a satisfactory score on a comprehensive examination covering theoretical and practical aspects of areas of geology. Students who are unsuccessful on any portion or all of the examination may retake the appropriate portion(s) up to two additional times before graduation. Students receiving their B.S. in Geoscience Education must take the Praxis II subject area exam: Earth/Space Science (0570) portion.

If you are considering a major in Geology at Appalachian State University, consult one of the following academic advisors


Dr. William Anderson (RSS115)
Dr. Ellen Cowan (RSS 102A)
Dr. Steve Hageman (RSS116)
Dr. Andrew Heckert (RSW041)
Dr. Cynthia Liutkus (RSS117)
Ms. Laura Mallard (RSW025) (for questions concerning the B.S. in Geoscience Education)

Minoring in Geology at Appalachian

A minor in Geology will consist of 17 semester hours of geology, including Introduction to Physical Geology (GLY 1101) and Evolution of the Earth (GLY 2250), plus five semester hours of additional geology courses at the 2000-level or above.

Useful links for Students and Advisors