Environmental Design
Take me to the Environmental Design information on the Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning Department website.
The Field
As population density increases and natural resources are depleted and squandered, decisions affecting the sustainability and aesthetics of land and other natural resources assume increased importance. Both public and private sectors must be involved if the challenge of balancing development pressures with environmental protection interests is to be realized. Traditionally, opportunities for specific professional involvement have been found in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and regional planning. Additional professional opportunities are available in the fields of horticulture, environmental law, real estate development, and many other disciplines that share an environmental concern. For professionals in related fields such as law, education, community development or finance, the sound theoretical understanding of environmental issues gained through the environmental design program contributes and informs design and planning decision-making processes and values.
The Major
The Environmental Design program provides a sound theoretical understanding of both environmental and human issues as a foundation of knowledge for a wide range of design and planning fields. Through the four concentration options, the Environmental Design provides historical, theoretical, and professional perspectives in the liberal arts and science fields, emphasizing environmental issues. This training enables graduates of the program to make informed and effective planning and design decisions that can have a lasting impact on the built and natural environments.
The Minor
The Minor in Environmental Design is intended for students from related majors who share a concern for understanding the nature of environmental decision making. It is structured to expose students to the historical, theoretical, and professional aspects of the field. The minor requires that five courses be completed from the core curriculum.
The Future
There is a demand, locally and globally, for concerned and knowledgeable individuals to enter environmental design professions and to oversee and direct the building of beautiful and sustainable places in which to work and live. This program gives you a foundation for pursing a profession or graduate degree, and an opportunity for personal growth and satisfaction.
This Bachelor of Science degree will indicate that you have achieved a foundation of knowledge sufficient for you to proceed to join a professional organization. You may choose to undertake further, more advanced, studies such as are required to enter one of the environmental design professions. People from a wide range of design and planning fields—architects and landscape architects, lawyers, horticulturists, educators, private citizens on town zoning boards—are involved in this decision-making process to humanize cities, protect farm land, and conserve significant landscape resources.
Internships and Study Abroad
The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences strongly encourages study abroad for one or two semesters. Experiencing another culture in all its complexity is a unique way to assimilate a different vantage point from one’s own heritage. Study abroad often develops a higher level of maturity which employers may seek. Go to the International Programs Office for details about study abroad opportunities around the world.
In addition, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences encourages students to acquire practical experience—as much as possible—related to their majors. Internships, or participating in Community Service Learning options can only help students prepare for employment or graduate study.
More Information: Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning; 413.545.2255
