College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning

Informed planning and management of natural resources and systems supersedes individual disciplines, requiring an interdisciplinary approach for the successful resolution of environmental issues. The intent of this program’s curriculum is to integrate the biophysical disciplines more closely while also addressing the social and political sciences. This degree program is offered by the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning in the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.

Course of Study

This two-year MS program is comprised of an interdisciplinary core of courses and faculty for addressing complex issues in the areas of bioregional planning and management. Emphasis is placed on four problematic content areas: biophysical, social/demographic, economic, and public policy. The spatial focus is on the planning for large landscape areas with dispersed populations with a primary economic base in agriculture, energy development, tourism/recreation, retirement communities, and natural resources.

The program requires a minimum of 46 graduate-level credits, including 6 credits of work on a thesis or paper/project. Nine of the required credits may be in an area of concentration. These nine credits are to be negotiated with the candidate’s major professor and supervisory committee. Requirements for the MS in Bioregional Planning are as follows: