Degree: B.S.

Director: Wolfram Hoefer (whoefer@crssa.rutgers.edu)

This curriculum provides a broad educational experience emphasizing an understanding of planning and design as they relate to the physical and cultural environments and the management of those environments. Particular attention is given to the interactions between natural and social systems. The curriculum includes four options: environmental geomatics, environmental planning, landscape architecture, and landscape industry.

Environmental Geomatics. Environmental geomatics synthesizes a number of concepts and techniques, including remote sensing, spatial analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and global positioning systems (GPS) that are used to improve the planning and management of natural resource systems. These techniques include the development of complex spatial databases from a wide range of data sources and the application of this information to solve environmental problems. The option is intended for students interested in pursuing professional careers in environmental planning/management, remote sensing, and geomatics, and provides a basis for graduate and professional studies. An environmental geomatics certificate program also is available for students in other programs of study as well as all options of this major. (See the Minor and Certificate Programs section at the end of this chapter.)

Environmental Planning. Environmental planning requires the integration of environmental information into the planning process and is concerned with the protection and enhancement of environmental systems while meeting demands for growth and development. This option is intended for students who are interested in pursuing professional careers in environmental planning and related areas. It also provides a basis for graduate and professional studies. An environmental planning certificate program also is available for students in other programs of study as well as all options of this major. (See the Minor and Certificate Programs section at the end of this chapter.)

Landscape Architecture. Landscape architecture is concerned with the harmonious integration of people and nature in the creation of outdoor spaces for a variety of purposes. Emphasis is on creative site design using social and environmental information. Issues addressed by landscape architects range from the design of parks, housing sites, and gardens to the planning, design, and management of entire regions. This option is intended for students who are interested in employment with landscape architecture, architecture, engineering, and planning firms and government agencies concerned with parks, recreation, environmental resources, and urban planning. Landscape architecture is a professional curriculum nationally accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architects. Entrance into the upper level (junior year) is competitive, based on an evaluation of the student's performance at the beginning level (sophomore year).