Planning balances competing demands on land and environment brought about by expanding urban and rural development, and enhancing viable natural and cultural resources is an important planning perspective. Another perspective involves the guiding of private and public development processes within a pluralistic political environment in order to, promote sustainable communities while at the same time respecting fiscal, environmental, and legal constraints. The program is designed for students with social science, natural science, engineering, or design backgrounds who are interested in an interdisciplinary and integrative program.
Some students have majors in interdisciplinary programs in urban studies or environmental studies.
Students develop an understanding and knowledge of development processes, natural systems, and governmental planning and regulation. They develop a capacity to analyze environmental and community land planning problems and to form imaginative solutions. Skills obtained include preparation of land and environmental data bases, plans, policies, and implementation programs. The environmental study area focuses on problems in environmental and natural resource policy in which technical issues are of central importance. The program is designed for graduate students with a science or engineering background.