Department of Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy, College of the Environment
Graduate Faculty
Abel, Troy D., PhD, environmental policy, policy analysis, environmental justice, climate change governance, and natural resource governance.
Berardi, Gigi, PhD, agroecology and sustainable agriculture, food security, resilient food systems and international business sustainability, all-hazards planning.
Hollenhorst, Steven, PhD, social dimensions of natural resources, wilderness and protected area policy and management.
Kamel, Nabil, PhD., social and environmental justice, post-disaster recovery, political economy of urbanization, sustainable development, critical urban theory, physical planning, urban design, regional and international development.
Laninga, Tamara (Tammi), PhD, land use zoning reform, community development, natural resource policy and planning, and participatory and collaborative planning method.
Magee, Darrin, PhD, energy planning, renewables integration, efficiency, hydropower, Chinese power sector.
Miller, James, PhD, Indigenous placemaking, place-based housing solutions, climate change adaptation and resilience, post-disaster reconstruction and resettlement.
Stangl, Paul A., PhD, pedestrian planning, new urbanism, urban landscapes, memory and meaning, Europe and Berlin.
Wang, Grace A., PhD, natural resource policy, sustainability, community-based forestry, and cultural resources management.
Zaferatos, Nicholas C., PhD, community and environmental planning, sustainable development, European environmental policy, Native American political development.
All tenure-track graduate faculty of the College of the Environment can serve as members of the Urban Planning and Environmental Sustainability master’s thesis or project committees.
Program advisor: Dr. Nabil Kamel, Arntzen Hall 230, (360) 650-2440, Nabil.Kamel@wwu.edu
Graduate program coordinator: Ed Weber
Introduction
The MA degree in Urban Planning and Environmental Sustainability provides students with professional and academic training to address critical social and environmental issues. Our MA degree emphasizes transformative action research, ethical community engagement, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The program draws on and integrates knowledge and practices from urban and regional planning, policymaking, and environmental sustainability and management. The program offers an accelerated 1-year course sequence for students that have a strong background in urban planning.
There is an increased need for trained professionals in the fields of planning and sustainability. Locally and globally, there is a heightened awareness of the need for immediate action to address major social and environmental challenges such as global climate change, housing affordability, social equity, and environmental protection. Regionally, the State of Washington is among the states leading the nation in promoting progressive urban and environmental goals.
The MA degree in Urban Planning and Environmental Sustainability provides a rigorous and tailored preparation for careers in a wide range of fields, such as city and regional planning; community development and advocacy; environmental conservation and management; recreation, natural resource, and environmental planning; housing; indigenous and tribal planning; international development; and other related fields. Graduates of the program are also well-prepared for continued academic pursuits in doctoral or law programs in related areas of study, such as planning, sustainability studies and sciences, public policy, law, and environmental policy and management.
Our MA degree is distinguished for its emphasis on action research, ethical community engagement, and a strong social and environmental justice focus. It also offers unique opportunities for joining faculty research and applied projects that address real-world problems.
Additional program information can be found here: cenv.wwu.edu/uepp/upes-ma
Application Information
Deadline: Students generally will be admitted into the MA in Urban Planning and Environmental Sustainability fall quarter only. Application materials are due February 1.
TA/RA Deadline: To be considered for a graduate teaching or research assistantship, applicants must submit their application materials by February 1.
Specific Test Requirements: Graduate Record Exam, General Test is not required to apply, but if submitted will be considered as part of a whole person review.
Prerequisites
A bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Environmental Policy, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, Architecture, Natural Resource Management, or related field is a required prerequisite for the M.A. in Urban Planning and Environmental Sustainability program.
Application Requirements
All applicants must complete the Graduate School’s ApplyWeb application and pay the $100 application fee.
Within the application you will be prompted to upload an unofficial transcript from each institution attended. If admitted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
Additional application materials are specified below. Applications will not be forwarded to the department for review until all required materials have been received by the Graduate School.
International Applicants: Please review the requirements for information regarding Degree Equivalency, English Language Proficiency and student VISA requirements.
Additional Application Requirements
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose:
- Please include a one- to two-page statement of purpose addressing the following questions:
- Why do you wish to pursue a graduate degree in Urban Planning and Environmental Sustainability at the College of the Environment?
- Please describe your research or project interests. How do your previous academic and/or professional experiences prepare you for continued research in this area?
- What coursework are you interested in taking towards your specialization?
- What is your research topic idea (thesis or project) and who are your potential faculty advisors?
- We strongly recommend meeting or corresponding with potential faculty advisors to ascertain their availability, matching interests, and research opportunities.
- We strongly recommend meeting or corresponding with the Graduate Program Coordinator prior to submitting your application to inquire about program updates, financial support opportunities, and the application process.
- Three (3) Letters of Reference.
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