Community and Environmental Planning Major (B.S.)

The Community and Environmental Planning (CEP) program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to become effective community planners in the public or private sector. All of the courses are designed to give the student a diverse skill-set in planning for the sustainability of communities. CEP students are provided a solid planning background with planning courses covering local, state and regional planning topics and methods. CEP students also take foundational courses in natural resources, geographic information systems, economics, and statistics, as well as a political science course, and a social issues course. The internship requirement allows the planning student to apply their knowledge in the real world for instrumental hands-on experience. Semester in the City is also an option for the internship experience. CEP students are encouraged to focus their remaining hours on skills that can enhance their CEP major such as a dual major, a minor, or study abroad.

Expected CEP Student Outcomes:

• The foundational education in planning, natural resources, economics and sustainability.
• The fundamental values of diversity, equity, justice, and protection of community and the environment.
• The ability to assess, discuss, and engage others in the problems and potential solutions associated with impacts of land use changes.
• The ability to work with community members and professionals in the design and implementation of community improvements in building and transportation while protecting natural and built resources.

Students may go on to work in the community development or community planning departments in local communities. They may also choose to work in regional planning agencies, or with a state or federal office. Other options include the private sector, such as architectural or development companies, or the non-profit sector, such as with community development corporations or conservation groups. The American Planning Association provides a certification process for the planning profession (American Institute of Certified Planners) after several years of planning experience. Students may also choose to go on to graduate studies in Community and Environmental Planning, Natural Resources Management, Public Administration, or a related field.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

• Courses with the subject prefix CEP must be completed with a grade of C- or above. Excluding CEP 794 which is credit/fail grading.
• All students must complete the 13 required core courses listed below, and select one foundational elective and two advanced electives for a total of 16 courses for the major.  

¹

May be taken as an elective if not taken as a core course.

Additional Information

CEP students are encouraged to have a study away/abroad experience, a dual degree, a minor, or focused area of study which add value to the CEP degree. Consider the following to complete the minimum of 128 credits:

• Semester in the City (if you have not done this in the CEP major)
• EcoQuest New Zealand (16 credits in electives - must qualify with EcoQuest)
• Study Away
• Study Abroad
• Minor as approved by the minor program
• Courses to round out a focus area. It is recommended that you choose upper level courses in NR and EREC.

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

• The foundational education in planning, community and economic development, natural resources, and sustainability.

• The skills to engage others in the problems and potential solutions associated with community needs and the impacts of land use changes.

• The capability to gather and evaluate data on community issues and recommend planning and community development solutions.

• The ability to work with community members and professionals in the development and implementation of public policy, plans and associated community improvements while protecting natural and built resources.