The Planning Concentrations listed below should not be viewed as mutually exclusive program compartments. Rather, they are umbrella categories that assist students focusing their interests. Within these categories, individual students may develop sub-specialties. The PCs overlap, combine, and reinforce each other, remaining flexible while suggesting the types of programs we emphasize at the University of Virginia. This concentration stresses the issues of established communities, land reuse and redevelopment, and community and economic development.
Housing is a key element in each.
Different emphases are feasible depending upon whether one's interest is primarily physical, economic, or social. Community organization, social equity, and participatory aspects of communities are also important. The foundation course for this concentration is PLAN 540. These individuals also develop plans for addressing the issues of sensitive settings, such as coastal, mountain, wetland, heritage, and special habitat areas. Environmental planning embraces many settings, ranging from urban environments to wilderness areas to agricultural ecosystems.