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Appalachian State University

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Appalachian offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and all the support and advice you may need to decide on the major that is right for you (and your career).

University College

Many of the programs that will help you become a fully engaged member of the Appalachian community are housed in University College, whose mission is to assist you with your transition into college, enable you to connect educational experiences across many areas of the university, and support your specific needs and abilities. This will be your academic home until you declare a major in a degree program, and many of the units that provide advice and support are located here.

The new General Education program is also in University College. A newly redesigned curriculum is scheduled to be in place for students entering fall 2009. However since you are entering in fall 2008, you may be able to take advantage of some exciting new courses being developed and, in turn, allowed to switch to this new general education curriculum when it is implemented.

Of particular interest to new students is Freshman Seminar. A small seminar of at most 22 students, Freshman Seminar engages students and faculty in a shared process of inquiry around a broad, interdisciplinary topic or question. This seminar aims to help you develop your abilities to think critically and communicate effectively. It also allows you to connect with faculty, peers, the university, and the curriculum, and thus it serves as an excellent introduction to your academic career at Appalachian.

For Music and Art Majors

If you are interested in pursing music or art, there are special entrance requirements. Music majors must audition, see deadlines on the right. Art students must submit a portfolio.

Special Academic Programs

• Watauga College - Are you curious and creative in non-traditional ways? Concerned about social or environmental issues? Do you line to debate issues? If so, you might be interested in Watauga College, a living-learning experience that encompasses the academic, social, and cultural. Watauga College classes are small, interdisciplinary, and hands-on. There's an emphasis on faculty interaction, both in and out of the classroom.
• Heltzer Honors Program - If you're in the top 10% of Appalachian's entering freshmen class, you may be eligible for the Heltzer Honors Program, which gives you a small liberal arts college experience within the larger university. You'll take honors courses that are small, engaging, cross-disciplinary, and often team-taught, where the emphasis is on independent and creative thinking, discussion, and exchange of ideas.
• Teaching Fellows - If you're a North Carolina resident and your 're interested in becoming a public school teacher, you can enrich your learning by joining the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program. You'll take part in seminars, field trips, and service projects--all designed to help you get ready to become a teacher.
• Study Abroad - If you're considering study abroad, start planning now. It might seem too early if you don't need your passport until your junior year, but if you think ahead now, you'll be sure to make the most of your time abroad--and still graduate on time.