Urban and Regional Planning Minor

Westfield State Students survey a parking lot in town.

Shape Communities: Minor in Urban and Regional Planning

The Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability (GPS) at Westfield State University offers a minor in Urban and Regional Planning, designed for students across all majors, except those already majoring in Urban and Regional Planning. This minor equips students with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of community development and enhancement, focusing on the planning, policy-making, design, and social actions necessary for transforming cities and regions. While it cannot encompass the entirety of regional planning, this program serves as a valuable complement to various degree paths. To earn the minor, students must complete a total of 18 credits, including foundational courses such as "Introduction to Community Planning" and "Environment, Sustainability, and Society," along with core and specialization courses that explore topics like land use, environmental impact, and sustainable transportation. Additionally, students can choose electives that align with their interests, with opportunities to substitute some courses with upper-level classes from other departments upon approval. For more details, students are encouraged to reach out to the GPS Chair.

Program Highlights

  • Required courses - 18 credits
  • Learn the planning and design processes that shape communities
  • Collaborate on projects that impact local communities and foster civic responsibility
  • Build a foundation for careers in urban planning, environmental policy, and community development

Course Requirements

Program Description

The Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability (GPS) offers a minor in urban and regional planning that is open to all Westfield State students, except those already majorin gin Urban & Regional Planning. The minor introduces the challenging and vital aspects of creating, improving, and sustaining communities, cities, and regions. It provides students with knowledge of how cities and regions function and how they can transform through planning, policy, design, and social action. While it cannot convey the full scope of regional planning, the minor is an excellent addition to many other degree programs and majors at Westfield State.

Requirements for the Regional Planning Minor

The requirement is 18 credits, twelve (12) of which must be taken in residence at Westfield State University, as follows:

Foundation (6 credits)

Planning Core (6 credits)

Students must choose any two of the following courses:

Planning Specializations (3 credits)

Students must choose any one of the following courses:

Electives (3 credits)

Any course, by advisement, that matches student's interest.

With the Chair of GPS's approval, an upper-level course (200 or 300 level) that another department offers may substitute for no more than two of the GPS courses. Students seeking more information about the minor should contact the GPS Chair.

What Can You Do with a Minor in Urban and Regional Planning?

A minor in urban and regional planning can open up a variety of career paths and opportunities, including:

  • Community Development Specialist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • GIS Technician
  • Housing Specialist
  • Nonprofit Program Coordinator
  • Policy Analyst
  • Transportation Planner
  • Urban Planner
Two people look over a large map that is spread out on a table.

Real-World Experience: Apply Your Learning and Build Your Future

Through field-based classes and regional travel you’ll have numerous opportunities to apply your classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Engage with the local community to make a difference while acquiring valuable experience and skills in planning, advocacy, research, and more. Learn from experts in advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, remote sensing, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), which can become the foundation of your future career.

Urban and Regional Planning Thesis Project

Related Programs

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Urban and Regional Planning Minor