
A Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Westfield State University can put you in the position to make impactful decisions that shape resilient, equitable and economically vibrant communities. Our faculty expertise across the multi-disciplinary fields of geography, planning, and sustainability will help you to develop the tools you need to address the world’s most pressing social and environmental problems and concerns.
Our planning major is the oldest available from any public college or university in New England, and the only program of its kind available in Southern New England. In addition to exceptional course offerings, we provide extensive research, travel, and internship opportunities for you to gain practical field experience in your areas of interest.
Choose from Six Concentrations
All of our majors share a set of foundations courses to develop students’ understanding of the history and practice of planning and the ‘triple bottom-line’ of sustainability: ecology, economy and equity. These courses also involve the acquisition of skills such as computer mapping, public participation techniques, data collection, and geospatial analysis. Students then select one or more of our six concentrations in order to sharpen their ability to apply theory and techniques in specific areas. These concentrations often involve internships and independent studies in the focus area.
Cities and Social Justice
Dive into an array of urban issues such as affordable housing, adaptive reuse of city spaces, public safety, bicycle access and walkability. Learn strategies for involving the public and other stakeholders, including historically under-represented and marginalized groups, in an equitable and inclusive planning process.
Climate and Energy
Help to find innovative solutions to the climate crisis and energy transitions. Learn about the work of siting and permitting renewable energy facilities, creating more resilient buildings and transportation systems, and helping cities and towns confront heat waves, floods and storms.
Environmental Planning
Develop your familiarity with the tools and strategies for protecting biodiversity and natural systems, designing and implementing trail networks, parks, and greenways. Learn to prepare environmental impact statements and delineate wetlands while developing your understanding of the social, political, and economic contexts of environmental protection.
Food Systems
Learn how planners address issues of food insecurity and access to healthy food, promote a diversity of restaurants and eateries, support agriculture and community gardens, and explore innovative ways to turn food ‘waste’ into energy, soils, and jobs.
Real Estate and Economic Development
Learn to evaluate properties and parcels in terms of land use regulations and development potential. Study the ways that cities and towns raise money for projects and about the relationship between entrepreneurs, economic development and the goals and needs of communities.
Urban Design and Architecture
Develop a set of creative tools and techniques that will enable you to contribute to the design of urban spaces such as neighborhood blocks, streetscapes, and buildings. This concentration combines our urban planning courses with courses from the art department.