Introduction
The Urban Sustainability major studies the human and environmental dimensions of cities in the United States and around the world through looking at planning, design, and policy. The curriculum includes courses in urban planning, sustainability, environmental policy, economics, critical thinking, and political science. The program emphasizes analytic and communication skills, which are valued by a range of employers. The program provides an excellent foundation for students pursuing graduate studies in a range of social science disciplines.
Why Consider an Urbain Sustainability Major?
Do you want to acquire knowledge and skills that promotes sustainability in the urban environment and learn about creating more livable and just communities through different disciplinary perspectives and community action work? Do you enjoy the challenge of solving complex problems in both natural settings and urban communities? Are you committed towards building a more equitable society? If so, a major in Urban Sustainability is for you!
Student Resources
Department website: Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy
Contact information:
- College of the Environment Professional Advisor: Kathryn Patrick, Environmental Studies 539, 360-650-3520, Kathryn.Patrick@wwu.edu
- Urban Sustainability Faculty Advisor: Paul Stangl, Arntzen Hall 434, 360-650-2793, Paul.Stangl@wwu.edu
Department advising: Visit the Urban Sustainability webpage for more information.
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample Careers: Sustainable Development Consultant, Urban Development Consultant, Non-Profit Manager, Urban Advocacy Work, Public Participation Specialist, Graduate Studies in Professional Urban Programs
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
How to Apply as a Pre-Major:
At any time, you can declare yourself as a pre-major with interest in Urban Sustainability by emailing cenv@wwu.edu. There are several advantages to declaring as a pre-major during your first or second year. Once you are declared as a pre-major you are assigned a professional college advisor and a 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 the email distribution list for College of the Environment majors to begin receiving event notifications, general announcements, internship opportunities, and job postings. The pre-major status will also give you access to priority registration for some classes.
How to Apply to the Major:
Before applying, students should complete the Urban Sustainability foundation courses. To apply, students should submit an application that includes a 1-2 page essay describing your reasons for wanting to enter into the major, as well as a plan of study created with the College of the Environment professional advisor and signed by a faculty advisor.
The application to the Urban Sustainability major can be found on the College of the Environment website. Applications are accepted during fall, winter, and spring quarters and must be received by 5 p.m. on October 6 (for winter quarter admission), January 15 (for spring quarter admission), or April 18 (for summer or fall quarter admission). If the deadline falls on a weekend, applications are due the following Monday.
If you have any questions, please contact a professional advisor at the College of the Environment Student Support Office in Environmental Studies Building 539, or by phone 360-650-2817, or 360-650-3748.
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.
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