Worked on Real Community Planning Projects as Class Assignments
"Some of the most valuable knowledge I received at IUP was from projects that our professors gave to us from the surrounding areas. We were able to do true planning work during our class time."
Angie Zanin '13, now a planner at Johnson Mirmiran and Thompson in Sparks, Maryland
Take an Environmental Approach to Planning
As an environmental planning major, you'll learn about the physical characteristics of land and water resources, as well as the laws and policies that govern them at federal, state, and local levels.
You will focus on sustainable environmental planning strategies and techniques that lead to the development of resilient communities. People want to live in resilient communities because they are beautiful, sustainable, and places where people can find good jobs.
Our Accredited Planning Program Stands Out to Employers
The IUP Bachelor of Science degree in Regional Planning is one of only 17 accredited undergraduate planning degree programs in the United States.
This gives you an advantage when it comes to employment and professional certification.
Learn Planning Strategies to Preserve Land and Water Resources
Students completing this program will become planners for diverse communities and organizations. They will develop planning strategies that balance the environment, jobs, and quality of life.
Some of the issues we cover are:
- Water quality and availability
- Habitat protection
- Watershed planning and management
- Land use and landcover
- Environmental impact assessment
- Stormwater management
You'll study community strategies for improving environmental problems and have both a theoretical and working knowledge of subdivision, land use, and zoning regulation.
Make the Change You Want to See in the World Happen
You'll learn how the leadership and expertise of a planner can be a factor in protecting the environment and improving communities. Planners can bring about practical solutions to environmental problems.
In thisprogram, you'll learn about aspects of the natural environment, methods to preserve and conserve resources, and how to plan communities where humans both benefit from the natural environment and have minimal impact on it. You'll also study the theory and ethics of regional planning.
As you study environmental regulation and policy, you'll become familiar with the regulation and management of flood plains and wetlands, as well as the management of waste and stormwater.
Gain a Two-Year Head Start Toward Professional Certification
In addition, graduates of our Regional Planning program can take the American Institute of Certified Planners certification exam three years after graduation (compared to a minimum five years for graduates of non-accredited programs).
The Curriculum
This 120-credit Regional Planning major includes a 36-credit core and a 15+ credit specialization in Environmental Planning.
Major Requirements
- RGPL 213 Cartography and Map Design
- RGPL 232 Urban Landscapes
- RGPL 316 Intro. to Geographic Information Systems
- RGPL 350 Introduction to Community Planning
- RGPL 352 Planning Methods
- RGPL 358 Planning History and Theory
- RGPL 453 Planning Design Studio I
- RGPL 454 Planning Design Studio II
- RGPL 458 Planning Law
- RGPL 462 Planning Policy, Implementation, and Administration
- RGPL 493 Internship
- RGPL 498 Community Planning Practicum
Environmental PlanningProgram
Two Required Courses
- RGPL 343 Fresh Water Resources
- RGPL 426 Environmental Land Use Planning
Select Three Courses
- GEOG 425 Global Positioning Systems Concepts and Technology
- GEOG 435 Geography of Energy
- GEOG 444 Energy Development and Compliance
- RGPL 345 Biogeography for Environmental Managers
- RGPL 415 Intro. to Remote Sensing
- RGPL 424 Tech. Issues in GIS
- RGPL 440 Conservation: Environmental Analysis