Urban Planning and Sustainable Development, BA

Department of Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy, College of the Environment

100 credits minimum

Introduction

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, urban planning core, specialization, capstone and experiential courses. The foundation and planning core requirement incorporates 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 specialization courses allow students to focus on a defined planning sub-discipline, to concentrate on a minor in an academic discipline, or to select from a number of thematically oriented clusters of courses.

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 a Study of 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 organization, and community groups to address local, regional, and global problems?

If so, the Urban Planning and Sustainable Development, BA is the major for you. Cities are at the forefront of innovations that deal with these challenges and Western’s UPSD program will prepare you to be part of the solution!

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

How to Apply as a Pre-Major:

You are encouraged to declare a pre-major in Urban Planning and Sustainable Development during your first or second year. You can do so by emailing cenv@wwu.edu. A declaration form will be sent to you to complete and return. Once you are declared as a pre-major you are assigned a professional college advisor and a UPSD program faculty advisor based on your academic interests. Your professional advisor can help you understand graduation requirements and how to navigate through the curriculum. Your faculty advisor guides you in which courses to take, and when, and gives you advice about internships and how to prepare for graduate school or a future career. As a pre-major, you are added to an email distribution lists for College of the Environment majors to  begin to receiving event notifications, general announcements, internship opportunities, and job postings. The pre-major status also give you access to priority registration for some classes.

How to Apply to the Major:

As a nationally accredited professional planning program, admission to the Urban Planning and Sustainable Development major at the College of the Environment is a competitive process. Applications are accepted during the spring quarter. Students should apply by their third year but are encouraged to apply sooner. 

To apply, submit an application (and a PDF file) that includes the following:

• A statement of interest (700-1,000 words) that explaining why you want to pursue the urban planning major; your familiarity with urban planning and sustainable development; and your vision and affinity to work in the planning field and in the public interest.
• A resume summarizing academic, curricular, extra-curricular, and any volunteer activities.
• A portfolio of work that demonstrates your skills and affinity with the major. A few examples are listed below:
  • samples of your best academic writing
  • an annotated list of three inspirational readings
  • examples of creative expression, drawings, or other illustrative skills
  • description of volunteer or work activities

Applications are ranked based on the applicants’ demonstrated interests in solving urban planning problems; commitment to planning’s social and environmental justice goals; aspirations for working in the public interest; relevant skills and experiences; and academic performance. Applicant selection is also based on creating a cohort representing diverse perspectives and lived experiences.

To become familiar with the work of urban planning and our program’s curriculum, applicants are strongly advised to review the American Planning Association (planning.org) as well as the program’s brochure (cenv.wwu.edu/uepp/ba-urban-planning-sustainable-development).

Send your application materials as a PDF to cenv@wwu.edu or deliver to the College of the Environment office, ES 539, in the spring quarter for admission to the program beginning in the subsequent fall quarter. Applications may be accepted in other quarters when announced.

If you have any questions, please contact a professional advisor at the College of the Environment Student Support office in ES 539.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.