About the College

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers, and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical, and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the University's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning, and service among all its constituents. Learn more about CAS.

College News

A fire burns as police officers in riot gear stand guard during civil unrest in Paris October 18, 2026, the day after a national day of demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices (OSV News photo/Abdul Saboor, Reuters).

Dr. Michael Behrent analyzes French politics in Commonweal

Extraordinary scenes of social unrest and urban violence in France have been interpreted in ways that are exasperatingly predictable. Progressives den...

Dr. William Hicks is the chair of the Appalachian State University Department of Government and Justice Studies.

Dr. William Hicks discusses Nevada voter ID measure in the Las Vegas Sun

When voter ID proposals first spread after the disputed 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, they drew support from both par...

The entrance of the McKinney Geology Teaching Museum, located in the Rankin Science South Atrium.

The Appalachian highlights McKinney Geology Teaching Museum

App State provides a number of resources to students that often go underutilized. Resource Highlights examine different supports students and staff re...

Studio headshot of a smiling man wearing a light blue button-down shirt against a black background.

App State's Joseph Gonzalez shares expertise on U.S.-Cuba relations with international media audiences

BOONE, N.C. — Joseph Gonzalez, called “Joe” by his students, can often be found inside the local coffee shop, Espresso News, catching up on the ...

A person in a gray jacket kneels in the woods, looking down at the ground.

App State wins fifth annual BioBlitz, documents first Joro spider observations on university properties

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University won the fifth annual BioBlitz, a weeklong citizen science competition that challenges participants to doc...

Stay connected with the college — explore upcoming events, workshops, and celebrations on our events calendar.

Faculty and Staff Awards

Faculty and Staff Awards

Each year, the College of Arts and Sciences recognizes several members of the faculty and staff for outstanding service, teaching, or scholarly work.

Commencement

Commencement

The Fall 2026 College of Arts and Sciences Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, December 11, at 9 a.m.

SAFE Fund

SAFE Fund

The SAFE Fund provides resources that can be used to transform the student experience and support faculty teaching, research, and engagement.

Open House

Open House

The Fall 2026 Boone Open House will be held on Saturday, October 17, and Hickory Open House will be held on Saturday, October 24.