Urban Planning and Sustainable Development, BA

Western Washington University - International Study Center (StudyGroup)

The interdisciplinary program in urban planning prepares students to enter professional fields concerned with the sustainability of the human and natural environment. The Urban Planning and Sustainable Development major consists of foundation, core planning, elective, capstone and experiential courses. The foundation (phase I) and planning core (phases II – IV) incorporate the interdisciplinary foundation of the College of the Environment’s approach to the study of the human and natural environment, with an emphasis on public policy development, law, and the methods, theory, and processes of planning and decision-making. The elective courses allow students to select from a range of planning topics, or to complete a minor in an area complementary to urban planning. For the culminating courses, students select a capstone and earn experiential credits through either an internship, senior project or thesis, or international study. The College of the Environment’s Urban Planning and Sustainable Development (UPSD) major emphasizes innovative approaches to solving complex problems facing communities from the local to the global level. The program stresses progressive change leading towards equitable, healthful, livable, and sustainable communities with an emphasis on social and environmental justice, diversity, and service to under-served communities. The curriculum combines urban planning, urban and sustainable design, land-use laws, environmental policy, and natural sciences to provide students with an understanding of the linkages between urban and natural systems and the multidimensional problems in urban development. Why Consider an Urban Planning and Sustainable Development Major? Do you want to shape the cities of tomorrow by: planning and designing livable communities and neighborhoods? addressing climate change and environmental sustainability? promoting social justice and equity? developing housing affordability solutions? incorporating transportation and climate action innovations in city plans? collaborating with government agencies, Tribal nations, non-profit organizations, and community groups to address local, regional, and global problems.