Degree Mission and Intent
The Landscape and Urban Studies major provides students with the broad knowledge and skills needed to recognize and address current and future urban and regional challenges such as sustainable and equitable land use, social and spatial inequalities, and the conservation, management, and restoration of natural and cultural systems.
Landscape and Urban Studies integrates biological and physical sciences, social studies, and humanities to equip students with the skills and understanding needed to recognize and address urban and regional challenges. The major offers opportunities to explore the design and planning professions and emerging issues in the field, serving as strong preparation for graduate school and related career paths.
ALUMNI AND STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
“Urban planning isn’t just about designing spaces—it’s about shaping policy, understanding history, and advocating for equitable communities. The LUS program gave me the tools to think critically about housing and urban development, setting me up for success in both research and policy work.”
Mia Chapman, LUS ’23
Eviction Prevention and Policy Researcher
National League of Cities
Washington, D.C
MUP Candidate
University of Southern California
“Sustainable and equitable infrastructure is the foundation of thriving communities. From energy independence to transportation and food sovereignty, planning with the most vulnerable in mind is essential for building a democratic and resilient future. My work focuses on ensuring that infrastructure systems serve all people—not just the privileged few.”
Ndemazea Fonkem, LUS & Geography ’24
Transportation Program Analyst
Baltimore Metropolitan Council
Baltimore, MD
“Cities are more than just infrastructure—they are dynamic spaces shaped by movement, community, and design. Thoughtful urban planning ensures sustainability, connectivity, and accessibility for all.”
Ben Dimenstein, LUS, Cartography & GIS, Geography ’25
Peer Consultant
UW–Madison Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture
Madison, WI
The Wisconsin Urbanist
Founded in 2023, The Wisconsin Urbanist is an undergraduate student journal-magazine featuring Landscape and Urban Studies senior capstone projects, along with articles written by students. It is produced by the Wisconsin Undergraduate Planning Association (WUPA).
Latest Issue:
Students collaborating on their drafts for the Spring 2025 Wisconsin Urbanist.
Advising and Resources
Students in Landscape and Urban Studies are required to complete a set of introductory courses; courses across three categories: Biological and Physical Environment, Social and Cultural Studies, and Technology; 15 credits of electives; and a capstone project.
Completed during the final year of the program, the capstone is a large independent project that synthesizes the knowledge and skills gained during your studies and focused on a topic of particular interest to you. Each capstone project is unique and an opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and abilities to a future employer or graduate program.
For details on degree requirements:
Questions? Please contact Undergraduate Program Coordinator Debi Griffin (dagriffin@wisc.edu) for more information.
Undergraduate Advisor: Debi Griffin
Debi is the Undergraduate Academic Advising Manager for the Landscape and Urban Studies program. With a diverse background in music, education, and community engagement, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Debi is passionate about fostering ecological awareness and integrity in future designers and planners. She is available to assist students with program-related questions, recruitment, internships, academic policies, and alumni outreach.
Reach out to her at dagriffin@wisc.edu or (608) 263-7301 for guidance and support.
Peer Consultants
The LUS peer consultants work to plan professional and social events. They provide advice and guidance regarding classes, assignments, and other academic or professional matters.
Ben Dimenstein
Ben is a senior at UW-Madison pursuing a degree in Landscape & Urban Studies, Cartography & GIS, and People-Environment Geography. He is actively involved on campus as the Program Director and DJ at WSUM, and as the lead graphic designer for the Wisconsin Urbanist. Ben is also a member of several student organizations, including WUPA, Geography Club, and Badger Maps. With a focus on interdisciplinary knowledge in planning, Ben is passionate about connecting students with industry professionals and supporting career development.
Contact Ben at bdimenstein@wisc.edu.
Julia Fechner
Julia is a junior at UW-Madison, double majoring in Community and Environmental Sociology and Landscape & Urban Studies, with certificates in Sustainability, Public Policy, Science Communication, and Integrative Design. She’s passionate about urban sustainability and serves as an intern at the Office of Sustainability, Outreach Director for The People’s Farm, and Editor-in-Chief of the Wisconsin Urbanist. Julia’s interests span food systems, environmental law, green infrastructure, and bike-friendly cities.
Get in touch with Julia by emailing jgfechner@wisc.edu.
The Landscape and Urban Studies Focus Areas were developed out of a Student Welcome Event as an optional framework to help students meet major requirements while working toward their preferred focus. These focus areas provide students with various pathways within the field, enabling them to make informed decisions about their coursework. They also foster student-faculty connections and mentorship opportunities, allowing students to engage in specialties and build skills across multiple disciplines. The focus areas play a crucial role in shaping students’ capstone ideas, providing guidance for their academic and professional journeys, while promoting an interdisciplinary understanding of landscape and urban issues.
Currently, there are 8 focus areas for students to choose from.
- Transportation
- Housing
- Health and Wellbeing in Urban Environments
- Public Policy, Systems, and Environments
- Climate Action and Resilience
- GeoDesign and GIS
- Community Food Systems
- Ecological Restoration
Coming Soon
Currently, you can find job postings on the DPLA Job Board. Landscape and Urban Studies Peer Consultants will update this space with LUS-oriented job and internship opportunities here.
Coming Soon
- Demonstrate competence and critical judgment in creatively applying the intellectual and technical skills necessary for site and landscape-scale natural and cultural resource conservation, planning, and management; these skills include cultural, historical and landscape literacy, data collection and analysis, spatial and temporal analysis, multidisciplinary problem-solving approaches and communication skills.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to explore ideas and synthesize information, both independently and in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members.
- Understand, apply and evaluate the principles, theories and research findings underlying at least one of the following advising pathways, Ecological Restoration and Design; Culture, Health, and Community; and Urban Studies.
- Integrate social, cultural, ecological and technological dimensions in solving design and planning problems concerning the conservation or management of sustainable natural and cultural landscapes.
- Demonstrate preparedness to perform as a member of a public, private or non-profits office or agency in the fields represented within the department.