Department of Geography and Planning

You want to understand the world.

Why not start with a river, a city, a mountain, a road, and follow it to the ends of the earth? Geography & Planning ask big questions and enable you to answer them with advanced technology and knowledge about the world you live in.

The Department of Geography and Planning promotes the understanding of the spatial dimensions of human behavior within the physical and cultural systems of the earth, and the role of planning in achieving improvement in those systems. It offers degrees in Geography and Planning, including both Undergraduate and Graduate programs.

To declare a major or minor, visit College of Arts & Sciences: Request for Change of Major/Minor/Catalog Year.

Dr. Maggie Sugg and Lauren Andersen Discuss Weather in the High Country (Watauga Democrat)

Dr. Maggie Sugg Interviewed About COVID-19 Seasonality (The Scientist)

Dr. Jeff Colby Co-Leads Research Project Studying Climate Change Vulnerability (College of Arts & Sciences)

Dr. Maggie Sugg Receives National Science Foundation Award for Mental Health Research (Appalachian Today)

Dr. Baker Perry Inspires — and Requires — Students to Reach New Heights (Appalachian Today)

Dr. Jeff Colby Discusses the GIScience Job Market (Zippia)

Dr. Derek Martin Studies the Ward Mill Dam Removal (Watauga Democrat)

Hello! My name is Kai Kelley Jr., and I successfully graduated in May 2019, earning a B.S. degree in Geography, a B.S. degree in Community & Regional Planning, and a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

During undergrad, my involvement on campus explored the necessity of community outreach and engagement. Upon graduation from Appalachian, I was appointed to serve as Commissioner on the Durham City-County Appearance Commission and worked as an ENGAGEDurham Outreach Team Member for my hometown’s Comprehensive Plan. I continue to serve in local government while pursuing my graduate degree at NC State. Currently, I work in Student Affairs at Duke University, where I received the Duke Presidential Award and work to support career development programming. I look forward to what the future holds and am excited to keep my fellow peers, alumni, and mentors in the department up to date! Go 'Neers!