Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies
and Planning (BSUSP)

Department Mission

The mission of the Department of Planning and Urban Studies (PLUS) is “building livable communities, through education, research and engagement.” The Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and Planning degree offered by PLUS helps fulfill this mission by preparing our students for the challenge of bringing about social change at the local, regional, national and international levels. This includes building resilient regions that can withstand natural and human-created disasters and disaster recovery. PLUS has over 30 years of research and planning experience in Southeast Louisiana. This expertise includes the provision of a variety of planning, public administration and technical support activities to local, state, and federal agencies. PLUS and its affiliated departments also have significant GIS, remote sensing, database and data analysis capabilities that can assist all levels of government and give students the analytical tools necessary to work in urban professions. PLUS undergraduate students take courses relating to a range of urban studies and planning topics, and they also gain real world experience through independent studies and internships.

Degree Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and Planning degree is an interdisciplinary program that draws on the strength of several subject areas to provide students with a holistic approach to the study of the urban environment.  This methodology exposes students to the historical, cultural, social, economic and environmental aspects of urban areas. An academic area of concentration or focus is required and complements the major so as to provide in depth understanding of a specific topic.  Areas of concentration are: nonprofit leadership, environmental studies, hazard policy studies, historic preservation, transportation studies, geographic information systems (GIS), public culture, urban design, geography, and housing.  Other concentrations may be selected by students with permission from an academic advisor.  For details please see the list of the concentrations or contact your academic advisor.

Students who complete the program may qualify for entry-level positions in public, private and non-profit sector organizations.  Students will also be prepared for urban and environmental professional or scholarly graduate degree programs in Urban Studies, Urban Planning or related disciplines such as Public Administration and Environmental Studies.  By design, the program integrates well with the graduate programs in those fields offered at UNO, all of which are fully accredited by national professional associations.

Educational Emphasis

The Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and Planning (BSUSP) has three objectives: 

1. Give students an overall understanding of the problems and prospects of our state’s metropolitan areas
2. Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers related to urban planning, public administration and urban administration
3. Serve as a resource, through technical assistance and community outreach to cities and towns particularly in the Gulf South Region

Program Academic Goals

The academic goals of the BSUSP program are to:

• Develop an enhanced awareness of the form and function of cities;
• Offer an interdisciplinary curriculum that allows students to study the complex interrelationships of the urban environment in which they live;
• Teach analytical skills necessary to undertake research in an urban context.

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

• Approach urban issues from an interdisciplinary perspective;
• Apply analytic and qualitative skills to develop and implement strategies to resolve urban issues
• Compare and contrast approaches used to design and undertake research and professional practice in urban areas
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrate an appreciation for the diverse nature of urban populations and the unique social justice issues facing those populations

Course Requirements

120 total hours needed to complete the degree which consists of:

• 50 credit hours of university general degree requirements required of all baccalaureate programs
• 60 credit hours of foundation studies in Urban Studies and related disciplines
• 10 credit hours of Urban Planning Electives at the 4000 Course Level.

Students, with assistance from their advisor, will develop a program of coursework leading to the BSUSP degree when the student enters the program.  The student will follow the program and if any changes are to be made an amended program of study will be completed.  It is required that this be done in conjunction with the designated counselor/advisor.

If you have any questions please contact your undergraduate advisor or program coordinator.