Wonder what courses are like in the college? Watch these short films to experience the education and opportunities, inside and outside the classroom. For more examples of opportunities and experiences in the college, visit our Youtube Channel.
Anthropology
"You are a student with a name, and a face, and we know your interest and your goals, and we want to help you get there."
The Department of Anthropology offers a comparative and holistic approach to the study of the human experience. The anthropological perspective provides a broad understanding of the origins as well as the meaning of physical and cultural diversity in the world — past, present and future. Learn more at anthro.appstate.edu.
English
"Technical communication is taught through the lens of sustainability, and sustainability is really important to the College of Arts and Sciences, it's important to the university, and it's really important to our students."
The Department of English at Appalachian State University is committed to outstanding work in the classroom, the support and mentorship of students, and a dynamic engagement with culture, history, language, theory and literature. The department offers master’s degrees in English and rhetoric and composition, as well as undergraduate degrees in literary studies, film studies, creative writing, professional writing and English education. Learn more at english.appstate.edu.
Fermentation Sciences
"The department of fermentation sciences is a place where students learn how to use microorganisms for preserving food, making alcoholic beverages, cleaning up the environment."
The A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with eight different concentrations and an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in fermentation sciences. The department’s programs prepare students to attend graduate and professional schools, as well as for employment in the pharmaceutical and fermentation industries and other business sectors. Learn more at chemistry.appstate.edu.
Geological & Environmental Sciences
"Appalachian is a great place to study geology, because geology made these mountains."
Located in Western North Carolina, Appalachian State University provides the perfect setting to study geological and environmental sciences. The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences provides students with a solid foundation on which to prepare for graduate school or build successful careers as scientists, consultants and secondary education teachers. The department offers six degree options in geology and two degree options in environmental science. Learn more at earth.appstate.edu.
History
"Most of our students are not poor, and they are not from poor families. I wanted them to have the real experience of poverty. The students are very affected by it, and they become very enthusiastic in trying to do something about it."
The Department of History offers a broad curriculum in local, national, regional and world history at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, which encourages history majors to develop a comprehensive approach to human problems. The study of history is an essential part of a liberal arts education and offers valuable preparation for many careers, such as law, journalism, public history, public service and business, as well as in teaching and the advanced discipline of history. Learn more at history.appstate.edu.
Interdisciplinary Studies
"Peace Studies is about learning how to work across disciplines with people from multiple fields to create holistic and lasting world with more effective conflict resolution...What we're hoping to do is to help people to do conflict more effectively, because conflict helps you grow, it helps you become more mature."
The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies offers degrees in three program areas: global studies; gender, women’s and sexuality studies; and interdisciplinary studies. The department is also home to Watauga Residential College, an interdisciplinary, alternative general education program. The department promotes creative and imaginative engagement through a cross-disciplinary investigation of complex systems and problems. Learn more at interdisciplinary.appstate.edu.
Languages, Literatures & Cultures
"Here at Appalachian, if you are getting involved in the language department, it’s very small. It’s very close knit and you are not just getting involved in a major, you are getting involved in a family."
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers courses that enhance students’ understanding of other cultures and languages as well as their own, making them prepared for lifelong learning in a multicultural world. Learn more at dllc.appstate.edu.
Psychology
"One of the the things I love about this program is right from the beginning you start working with volunteer clients...who actually discuss real issues. In my experience you learn very quickly that way, and I'm grateful for my training every day now that I am doing it."
Appalachian’s Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology serves more than 1,000 undergraduate majors seeking the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, as well as 80 graduate students in three master’s programs (experimental psychology, school psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology and human resource management) and the clinical psychology (Psy.D.) doctoral program. Learn more at psych.appstate.edu.