The Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and Sustainable Development at Western Washington University equips you to address critical environmental and societal challenges in shaping our built environment. This undergraduate degree is designed for students passionate about creating equitable, healthy, and resilient communities, blending urban planning principles with environmental science and policy. You will explore complex issues such as land use, environmental justice, and sustainable development, gaining the foundational knowledge and analytical skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to urban and regional planning efforts.
This full-time, on-campus program is structured over four years, integrating core planning methodologies, urban design, and environmental policy with specialized electives. You will engage in practical learning through planning studios, quantitative methods, and potentially an internship or senior thesis, developing hands-on experience in areas like land use law, transportation planning, or climate action. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for diverse career paths in public sector planning agencies, private consulting firms, and non-profit organizations focused on sustainable development and community well-being.