Degree Programs
The department offers opportunities for graduate study through the MS, PhD, and graduate certificate programs listed below.
The MS degree requires a minimum of 30 credits, of which 24 must be in residence. There are two options available in the MS program. The Plan A requires students to complete coursework, as well as a research thesis. The Plan B is a nonthesis, terminal degree, based largely on coursework and a professional paper or project.
For the PhD degree, there is a more variable amount of required coursework, as well as a research dissertation. Compared to the MS degree, the PhD degree has a greater emphasis on theory, research methods, writing research proposals, and publishing research in peer-reviewed outlets.
Bioregional Planning
Bioregional Planning is aimed at students focused on how the biophysical attributes of a region influence the human dimensions of culture and settlement and the reciprocal of this. Offered jointly with the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental planning, the program has an interdisciplinary core of courses that provides the background for addressing complex issues in the areas of environmental analysis, planning, and policy. Employment is available in both the private and public sectors, wherever there is emphasis on large-scale planning and management.
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