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 the biological and physical sciences, social studies and humanities to provide students with the broad knowledge and skills needed to recognize and address urban and regional challenges. The major provides students opportunities to explore the design and planning professions and related emerging issues and is preparatory for graduate school
Requirements
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:
Landscape & Urban Studies, BS
Landscape & Urban Studies, BA
Questions? Please contact Undergraduate Program Coordinator Debi Griffin (dagriffin@wisc.edu) for more information.
Learning Outcomes
- 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.
