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BA (Hons) Urban Sustainability

Western Washington University, United States
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Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Urban Sustainability program at Western Washington University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable urban development. The program explores the complex relationships between cities and their environments, examining how urban systems can be managed and transformed to achieve sustainable outcomes. Students will learn about the latest innovations and technologies in sustainable urban design, policy-making, and management, as well as the social and cultural factors that influence sustainable behavior. The program also addresses the challenges of climate change, inequality, and social justice in urban settings, preparing students to become future leaders in sustainable urban development.

Additional Information

The BA (Hons) Urban Sustainability program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and field trips. Students will have the opportunity to engage with real-world case studies and projects, working closely with academic staff and industry partners to develop their skills and knowledge. The program also offers opportunities for study abroad and internship experiences, providing students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities.

Transforming Urban Systems for a Sustainable Future

Western Washington University is a leader in sustainability research and education, with a strong commitment to addressing the social, economic, and environmental challenges facing urban communities. The university's location in Bellingham, WA provides access to a diverse range of ecosystems and environments, offering opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration with local organizations and stakeholders. With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches and real-world applications, the BA (Hons) Urban Sustainability program at Western Washington University prepares students to become innovative problem-solvers and leaders in sustainable urban development.

Why You Should Study This Course

The Urban Sustainability major examines the human and environmental dimensions of cities in the United States and around the world. The curriculum incorporates approaches from a range of disciplines including urban planning, environmental policy, economics, political science, and history. The program emphasizes analytic and communication skills, which are valued by a range of employers. The program provides an excellent foundation for students pursuing graduate studies in a range of social science disciplines.

Why Consider a Study of Urban Sustainability Major?

Do you want to acquire knowledge and skills that promote positive change in the urban environment and learn about creating more livable communities through different disciplinary perspectives? Do you enjoy the challenge of solving complex problems in both natural settings and urban communities? Are you committed towards building a more equitable and sustainable society? Then a major in Urban Sustainability is the major for you.

General Eligibility

Academic Requirements for freshman students:

The admission requirements for undergraduate courses are given as follows:

  • Completed application form

  • Academic Transcripts(certified english translations if necessary)

  • Relevant High school degree/Grade Report/Certificates

  • SAT or ACT Scores (Optional)

  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0

  • Personal Statement or essay

  • One letter of recommendation

  • List of extracurricular activities(if any)

  • Portfolio

What You'll Study

1 Core Knowledge Areas

❑ UEPP 261 - Planning the American City Credits: 3

❑ ENVS 303 - Introduction to Environmental Studies I: Human Ecology and Ethics Credits: 5

❑ ENVS 343 - Urbanization: Processes and Patterns Credits: 4

or UEPP 343 - Urbanization: Processes and Patterns Credits: 4

❑ UEPP 374 - Land Use Regulation & Technical Writing Credits: 3

❑ ENVS 461 - Land Use Law Credits: 4

or UEPP 461 - Land Use Law Credits: 4

❑ UEPP 475 - Community Development and Participatory Methods Credits: 3

❑ PLSC 353 - State and Local Politics Credits: 5

2 Culminating Courses

Capstone:

❑ One Capstone course from the following (minimum 3 credits):

ENVS 410 - Agroecology and Resilient Communities Credits: 4

or

UEPP 410 - Agroecology and Resilient Communities Credits: 4

ENVS 429 - Pyrogeography Credits: 4

ENVS 430 - Borderlands: Resource Management Credits: 4

or

C/AM 430 - Borderlands: Resource Management Credits: 4

ENVS 466 - Greening Business Applications Credits: 5

or

MGMT 466 - Greening Business Applications Credits: 5

ENVS 474 - Planning for Sustainable Communities Credits: 4

or

UEPP 474 - Planning for Sustainable Communities Credits: 4

ENVS 491 - Environmental Communication Credits: 5

ENVS 493 - Environmental Impact Assessment Credits: 5

or

ESCI 493 - Environmental Impact Assessment Credits: 5

or

UEPP 493 - Environmental Impact Assessment Credits: 5

ESCI 454 - Science, Management and Outreach of Contaminated Sites Credits: 4

ESCI 490 - Environmental Risk Assessment Credits: 4

ESCI 491 - Oceanography of the Salish Sea Credits: 4

ESCI 494 - Marine Conservation Credits: 5

Experiential:

❑ One or more courses from the following (minimum 5 credits):

UEPP 498A - Senior Thesis Credits: 1-15

UEPP 498B - Internship Credits: 1-15

UEPP 498C - Senior Project Credits: 1-15

UEPP 498D - International Study Credits: 1-15

3 Electives

❑ Complete courses from the following list to total a minimum of 16 credits:

ECON 380 - Urban Economics Credits: 4

ENVS 320 - GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Science Credits: 4 *

ENVS 418 - GIS II: Cartography and Geovisualization Credits: 5 *

ENVS 368 - Exploring Great Cities Credits: 1-4

or

UEPP 368 - Exploring Great Cities Credits: 1-4

ENVS 443 - Social Justice and the City Credits: 4

or

UEPP 443 - Social Justice and the City Credits: 4

ENVS 463 - Native American Planning and Natural Resources Policy Credits: 3

or

UEPP 463 - Native American Planning and Natural Resources Policy Credits: 3

HIST 410 - The First Cities: Urbanization in the Ancient World Credits: 5

HIST 461 - US Urban History Credits: 5

PLSC 327 - Urban Politics and Policy in the U.S. Credits: 5

UEPP 356 - Sustainable Housing Innovations Credits: 4

UEPP 360 - Plan Graphics and Site Design: Methods in Urban Design Credits: 3

UEPP 370 - History of Planning Credits: 3

UEPP 373 - Transportation Systems and Planning Credits: 3

UEPP 375 - Indigenous Placemaking: Decolonizing Space and Place Credits: 4

or

C/AM 375 - Indigenous Placemaking: Decolonizing Space and Place Credits: 4

UEPP 429 - Introduction to Urban Design Principles and Methods Credits: 4

UEPP 439 - Applications in Urban Design Credits: 4

UEPP 464 - Topics in Planning Credits: 3

*Note: Students interested in GIS elective classes are encouraged to apply to the GIS minor or GIS certificate program, as admission to the GIS classes may be restricted.

4 Foundations Core

❑ ECON 206 - Introduction to Microeconomics Credits: 4

❑ ENVS 202 - Introduction to Sustainability and Society Credits: 3

or UEPP 202 - Introduction to Sustainability and Society Credits: 3

❑ Choose one course from:

ENVS 203 - Physical Geography Credits: 4

or ENVS 204 - Human Geography Credits: 4

or ESCI 101 - Environmental Studies: A Scientific Approach Credits: 3

❑ UEPP 270 - Cities, Nature and Society Credits: 3

❑ UEPP 322 - Quantitative Methods for Planning and Policy Credits: 3

Language Requirement

  • IELTS6.5
  • TOEFL93
  • PTE65
  • Duolingo89

Minimun IELTS Score 6.5 overall.

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