Environmental Planning and Design 573

Degree: B.S.

Director: Frank Gallagher (gallagher@sebs.rutgers.edu)

Program Webpage: http://landarch.rutgers.edu/programLAundergrad

Managing Department Webpage: http://landarch.rutgers.edu



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

Landscape 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 Minors and Certificate Programs section at the end of this chapter.)

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 Minors and Certificate Programs section at the end of this chapter.)

Landscape Industry. As individuals, businesses, and communities seek solutions to pressing environmental concerns, the landscape industry option is positioned as an emerging source of innovation, entrepreneurialism, and action to incorporate green technologies and sustainable practices. This option seeks to provide students with a broad-based education in preparation for careers in landscape-related industries such as contracting, maintenance, nursery production, and garden-center operations. While covering pragmatic issues associated with the maintenance and management of gardens and properties, the curriculum also gives students opportunities to study best practices and new approaches to on-site storm water management, energy production, and healthy ecological systems.

Urban Forestry. Urban and community forestry is the fastest growing segment of the forestry profession, especially in the northeast, where the total expenditure of time and money on community forestry (nursery, planting, pruning, removals, and line clearance) exceeds that spent on woodlands. This certificate is designed to provide students with the necessary credentials for employment by providing the fundamental knowledge and expertise required for this field. (See the Urban Forestry Certificate Program.)