Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Science Program Overview
Approved by the Texas A&M Board of Regents
December 1, 2006, and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in
May 4, 2007.
Admissions to the BS-URS effective Fall Semester 2007
|
The Bachelors of Science in Urban & Regional Science (BS-URS) program
emphasizes the social, economic, cultural and natural forces that govern
how communities and society are shaped. Coursework provides students with the
knowledge
and skills needed to develop solutions to community and regional growth and
development issues that face our state and nation. Our program fosters a
unique multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving in order to affect quality
of life in communities and regions in the U.S. and world-wide. Students have
an opportunity to specialize in specific aspects of community and regional
planning and development issues along with internship and service-learning
experiences locally, nationally, and/or internationally.
Career Goals
The BS-URS Program prepares students for entry-level positions
as well as provides a well-rounded education for advanced studies. The core
curriculum
equips
students with knowledge and skills to deal effectively with the opportunities
and challenges inherent in the development, growth and culture of neighborhoods,
cities, regional and the global community. The broad-based multidisciplinary
curriculum features theoretical training in the natural, physical, and
social sciences. Recognizing that space and society are shaped by human
relationships
and decisions, the Program emphasizes the social, economic, cultural,
and natural forces that govern how planners, community leaders, and citizens
can make places safe, healthy, and sustainable.
In addition, students are trained in skills that enable them to apply their
theories to real-life problems facing communities, cities, and regions. Critical
thinking and analytical skills are emphasized for problem solving at the community
and regional scale. Analytic methods courses are emphasized along with service-learning
experiences to enable graduates to more reliably and realistically assess complex
community problems, design program strategies for overcoming those problems,
and evaluate the outcomes of programs and policies in meeting community and
regional needs. Emphasis Area electives are tailored to help students
further specialize their career goals.
The Department: Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning (LAUP): [more]
The BS-URS Program is based in the Department of Landscape Architecture & Urban
Planning (LAUP), within the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University.
This Department offers 5 other degree programs: Bachelors of Landscape Architecture,
Masters of Landscape Architecture, Masters of Urban Planning, Masters of Land
Development, and Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Science. Faculty who participate
in the BS-URS program are also involved in these other degree programs. The
mingling of students from the various degree programs, both graduate and undergraduate,
enriches the students’ multidisciplinary perspectives as well as multicultural
experiences.
LAUP Faculty: [more]
LAUP faculty put a strong emphasis on research along with their devotion for
teaching, thus bringing together “cutting edge” knowledge and research
methods into the classroom. Faculty bring their own interdisciplinary perspectives
from their education and professional backgrounds in a variety of fields
related to planning and community development. Another outstanding aspect of
the
program is faculty’s interest in creating opportunities to involve
communities and groups in service-learning classroom projects. These experiences
enrich students’ practical knowledge as well as leadership and professionalism.
Motivated students are encouraged to participate in the faculty’s research
and projects, and to collaborate on presentations at conferences and meetings
facilitated by faculty’s national and international professional and
research networks.
Core Curriculum: [more]
The BS-URS core curriculum addresses issues regarding the built and natural
environment as well as the complex systems that serve populations living
in or near those environments. Population trends in the U.S. are changing
rapidly, with aging of the population along with minority and immigrant
status increasing demands on cities to provide affordable, healthy, and
safe living
and work environments. Changes in the size, composition, and distribution
of our population bring implications for not only how we understand, analyze
and plan for cities and regions, but also for the labor force necessary
to meet the changing needs of the population. As urban areas grow, the
skills
needed to manage and direct this growth become increasingly complex, involving
not just the delivery of goods and services but also issues related to
the juxtaposition of the built environment upon the natural environment.
The curriculum framework for the BS-URS degree program:
- Core Curriculum...[more]
- Recommended course schedule...[more]
- Concentration electives...[more]
The BS-URS core curriculum contains three dimensions:
1) Multidisciplinary
Theory: Theories from
diverse social and natural sciences are integrated into coursework regarding
complex social and community problems and development.
2) Analytical Methods:
Courses in analytical methods provide students
with a “toolkit” of techniques for surveying community needs, risk
analysis, mapping information, visually portraying problems and solutions,
and statistically determining factors associated with social and ecological
problems and trends.
3) Applied Problem-Solving: Assignments and service-learning
projects in many of the courses enhance students’ applied problem-solving
experiences and abilities to improve quality of life in built and natural environments.
Capstone courses integrate applied problem-solving in real community settings.
Semester Away: At the beginning of their senior
year, the BS-URS students take a semester away from Texas A&M. This has
been an incredibly rewarding opportunity of students to: 1) study abroad, 2)
study
at another U.S. university, or 3) work at an internship. The College of Architecture
currently offers programs in Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece and Turkey. The
faculty will work closely with students to develop appropriate internships
locally, nationally, or abroad. Additional opportunities for enriching a student's
education beyond the "University's walls" are being developed.
Specialized Emphasis Areas:
To build leadership, professional, and academic excellence, BS-URS students
select 4 to 8 courses in Specialized
Emphasis Areas:
- Hazard & Emergency Planning
- Housing, Economic & Urban Development
- Health & Human Services Planning & Policy
- Land Development
- Landscape & Sustainable Urbanism
- Spatial Analysis & Planning
An important component of the BS-URS Program
is the opportunity for undergraduate students to elect Specialized Emphasis
Areas and work closely
with faculty recognized world-wide for their expertise in research and projects
in these
specific domains. For example, Specialized Emphasis Areas include planning
for natural and man-made hazards increasingly affecting urban areas. As residents
become more socially and environmentally aware, we need more creative and
reliable ways to make our communities more sustainable for both current and
future needs of all residents. As we become more dependent on a global economy,
we need to consider international factors affecting land use and development,
infrastructure quality, environmental sustainability, and disease prevention
and control. Students may petition to develop their own emphasis areas under
advisement of the program coordinator.
Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Science Courses
Course Listings
Landscape
Architecture
Environmental
Design
All Texas A&M University courses
2005-2006
Undergraduate Catalog
2005-2006
Academic Calendar
University Core Requirements Recommended for BS-URS & Lower-Level
BS-URS:
Students are encouraged to fulfill Texas A&M University Core Course requirements
within their first two years. The first year is comprised of all University
Core Courses, with Urban & Regional Science (URS) Core Courses introduced
in the second year. Lower-Level URS courses taken in the second year lay a
foundation
of concepts and methods needed for the in-depth upper-level URS courses and
specialty concentration
electives taken in the junior and senior years. [more]
Upper-Level BS-URS:
After University Core Courses and Lower-Level URS courses have been completed,
students are evaluated for admission to the Upper-Level of the BS-URS Program.
Admission at this point is based on an overall 2.5 grade point average, the
student’s performance in Lower-Level BS-URS courses, and a minimum
B grade in specifically designated courses identified in the BS-URS table
of courses [more].
Once admitted to the Upper-Level of the BS-URS Program, students take the
more concentrated theory and applied
methods courses specified in the curriculum schedule. [more]
Specialized Emphasis Areas:
Under advisement of faculty, Upper-Level
students choose courses recommended from the following Specialized
Emphasis Areas: [more]
•
Hazard & Emergency Planning & Management
• Health & Human
Services Planning
•
Housing, Economic & Urban Development
•
Land Development
•
Landscape & Sustainable Urbanism
•
Spatial Analysis & Planning
Students select four electives from a recommended "menu" of courses
for each specialized
Emphasis area. This opportunity to focus on one domain will help
to focus and enrich students’ career
and academic opportunities. Four additional electives may be taken within
this area of emphasis or from courses throughout the University for
students’ diverse interests.
Semester Away:
At the beginning of their senior year, the BS-URS students
will join all students in the College of Architecture taking a semester away
from Texas A&M. This has been an incredibly rewarding opportunity for
students to: 1) study
abroad, 2) study at another university,
or 3) work at an internship. Additional opportunities for enriching a student’s
education beyond the “University’s walls” are being developed.
Students may choose an opportunity for “real-world” experience
in their specialized concentration area or opt for something that they wouldn’t
experience otherwise.
Capstone Final Semester:
The final semester senior year includes two required courses that integrate
Core and Emphasis area courses: Plan Implementation and the Capstone.
In these courses, students apply theory to “real world” problems,
with students themselves conducting applied research and developing professional-quality
reports and presentations. The experiences in these courses further students’ critical
thinking and creativity along with enhancing their leadership abilities.
Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Science Faculty
Professors:
The BS in Urban & Regional Science involves faculty from the Department
of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning (LAUP). Courses
draw on the diverse multidisciplinary backgrounds of the LAUP faculty.
The faculty emphasize individualized attention and mentoring in working with
the BS-URS students. Many of the Upper-Level courses involve classes alongside
graduate students.
Specialized emphasis areas can offer students opportunities to collaborate
with faculty on current projects, research, publications, and presentations.
Faculty’s networks world-wide open up opportunities for the student’s
Semester Away.
Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Science Student Information
 Students
will be considered for admission to the BS-URS program effective Fall 2007.
Applications are encouraged from: 1) New applicants to Texas A&M
University, 2) Transfers from other universities and colleges, and 3) Change
of major within Texas A&M University.
Inquiries about the program or admission will be handled
by the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning:
Please call LAUP main office: (979) 845-1019
Natalie Carpio ncarpio@tamu.tamu
Thena Morris T-morris@tamu.edu
Because of the timing for approval of this new degree program, there is no
fixed deadline for admission to the Fall ’07 entering class. Application
review and advising for Fall ’07 coursework will be handled individually
on a case-by-case basis.
Admission Criteria into Lower-Level BS-URS:
All students must meet requirements for admission to Texas A&M University
and qualify with a minimum 2.5 overall GPR for application review in the College
of Architecture. Admission to the BS-URS Program will be made on highly competitive
space-available basis. Applications, essays, resume and letters of recommendation
are all considered in the review process.
Transfer and Change of Major Applicants:
• Below Junior standing or less than 70 college credit hours (including
AP or other qualifying-test equivalent hours).
NOTE: Students with Junior standing or higher may be encouraged to take the
Planning Minor (15 credit hours in PLAN courses).
• Change of major students will be advised on appropriate equivalency
of their existing University Core and Elective courses. If course(s) are not
equivalent, the student may have to take more than 120 credit hours for their
undergraduate degree to fulfill specific program requirements.
• All transfer students are admitted on a probationary basis pending
completion of their first semester of at least 12 hours at Texas A&M and
a minimum 2.5 GPR for that semester.
Admission to Upper-Level BS-URS:
• Fifty percent (7 out of 14 courses) of the University Core requirement
completed before admission to the upper-level BS-URS. Students must have completed
the following specific University Core Courses (or approved equivalent):
ENGL 104: Composition & Rehtoric
ENGL 210: Scientific & Technical Writing
MATH 141: Business Mathematics I
MATH 142: Business Mathematics II
POLS 206: American National Government
POLS 207: State & Local Government
1 US History Elective
• Completion of the following BS-URS Lower-Level Required Courses:
PLAN 365: Introduction to Urban Planning
PLAN 360: Form & Function of the City
URSC 325: Introduction to GIS
STAT 201: Elementary Statistical Inference
RENR 205: Fundementals of Ecology
• For admission to the Upper-Level BS-URS, students must maintain a
minimum of 2.5 overall GPR and 3.0 average GPR in the Lower-Level BS-URS required
core courses.
Admission to the BS-URS Program
Download Application
Applications for admission to Texas A&M University can be downloaded from
Office of Admissions and Records Web site.
The site also contains all general information pertinent to applying for
undergraduate degree programs at Texas A&M.
Transfer Students
Students transferring into the College of Architecture must hold at least
a 2.5 GPR to qualify for application review. Transferring students should
also
have completed at least 24 hours of graded coursework from the institution(s)
of higher learning from which they are transferring. Applications, essays,
resume, and
letters of recommendation are all considered in the review process. All transfer
students are admitted on a probationary basis pending completion of their
first
semester of at least 12 hours at Texas A&M and a minimum 2.5 GPR for that
semester.
For program information, please contact LAUP office associates.
Ms. Thena Morris, Office Associate
t-morris@tamu.edu
(979) 458-4306
Ms. Natalie Carpio, Office Associate
ncarpio@tamu.edu
(979) 458-4307
Financing Education
Your education is an investment of your time and money. At this time in your
life it is likely the largest investment you will make. The
University�s
Department of Student Financial Aid offers
information regarding applying for financial aid, finding a job on or off
campus, managing your finances, and other resources designed to help you achieve
your goal of becoming a college graduate.
Urban Planning Scholarships and Fellowships
Scholarships and fellowships are available at the university, college, department,
and program level. Please see the
University’s Department of Student
Financial Aid for information regarding university-level
scholarships. Information about other scholarships and fellowships can be found
below.
Resources for Students...[more]
Urban Planning Career Information
 Planners work in the public,
private, and non-profit sectors. Planners in the public sector work for cities,
states, regional governments, and
federal offices. In smaller organizations one planner may be involved in
transportation, housing, land use, design, and economic development planning.
In larger organizations
planners may specialize in one or two areas.
Planners in the private sector work for consulting firms, real estate
developers, architecture and engineering firms, utility companies and law firms.
Their work may be specialized, such as negotiating easements for utilities,
or more
general,
such as preparing
comprehensive plans for cities.
Planners also work for non-profits. Organizations that assist with low-income
housing, issues related to senior citizens, and that write grants for small
cities all need planners.
Planners may work for a variety of organizations throughout their careers.
Planning jobs are available in large and small towns, in dense urban areas
and in rural areas for groups such as the Native American tribal offices. For
information about careers in planning see related links below.
Bachelor Science in Urban and Regional Science Program Related Links
American Planning Association
Texas Chapter of the American Planning
Association
Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning
The Association of European Schools
of Planning
Planners Network
Planetizen – The Planning and
Development Network
Texas Transportation Institute
American Public Health Planning Association
Approved by the Texas A&M Board of Regents
December 1, 2006, and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in
May 4, 2007.
Admissions to the BS-URS effective Fall Semester 2007
|
Back to BS-URS Home Page
|
