Environmental Planning and Design is a broad-based curriculum emphasizing an understanding of the planning and management of the physical environment, and the interaction of natural and social systems. The curriculum includes four options:

Environmental Geomatics: This option includes the study of remote sensing, spatial analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and global positioning systems (GPS) that are used to improve the planning and management of natural resource systems. Techniques include developing complex spatial databases from a wide range of sources and applying this information to solve environmental problems. This option is intended for students interested in pursuing careers in environmental planning/management, remote sensing, and geomatics. The Federal Government has identified geospatial technology as a high growth industry projecting a growing workforce shortage. A certificate program is available for students in other majors.

Environmental Planning: This option involves integrating environmental information into the planning process and using this to protect and enhance environmental systems while meeting demands for growth and development. Diverse career paths are available including a first step toward graduate work in planning and certification as a planning professional. The Bloustein School offers a special fast-track Masters of City & Regional Planning allowing strong students to complete the BS and MCRP in five years. A certificate program is available for students in other majors.

Landscape Architecture: This option is concerned with the harmonious integration of people and nature in the creation of outdoor spaces for a variety of purposes. Emphasis is on sensitive design using both social and environmental information in the planning of parks, housing sites, gardens, and the design and management of entire regions. Graduates find employment in landscape architecture, architecture, engineering, and planning firms as well as government offices concerned with parks, recreation, environmental resources, and urban planning. This is a professional curriculum nationally accredited and is the first step toward licensure as a professional landscape architect. The US Dept. of Labor projects a 22% increase in landscape architects by 2012, making it one of the fastest growing industries in the nation.

Landscape Industry: This option provides a broad-based education in preparation for careers in related industries such as contracting, maintenance, nursery management, and garden center operations.

Environmental planning professionals must have an understanding of social, political, economic, technical, and environmental systems. Professionals typically fall into two areas - those that concentrate on a specific geographical area (e.g., city, state, ecosystem) and those who specialize in a particular issue (e.g., air and water quality, transportation). Regardless of their concentrated area, planners focus on problems and issues about the physical environment and propose solutions to solve them. While most environmental planners and designers work at the local level, many planners are interested in national issues and their global effects.

Environmental Planning and Design offers many career paths based on individual areas of interest. There are opportunities in business, all levels of government, education, and the non-profit sector. Regardless of your career choice, increase your marketability to employers through internships, related work/volunteer experiences, good grades, advanced coursework, and college activities.