College of Agriculture

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 jointly by the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning in the College of Agriculture and by the Department of Environment and Society in the S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources.

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 36 graduate-level credits, including 3-6 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. A capstone course is required for all LAEP students. Requirements for the MS in Bioregional Planning are as follows: