Environmental Design

Also called as City and Regional Planning, Environmental Design, Environmental Policy, Environmental Planning, Environmental Studies and Planning, Landscape Architecture, Pre-Architecture, Urban Land Economics, Urban Planning

Programs in Architecture and Environmental Design are designed to teach people to apply design skills to improve our physical surroundings. A wide variety of program specialties are available. Programs in Architecture offer broad training in building, interior, and site design. Study involves how to create forms that are life-enhancing and that provide shelter and environmental protection for our activities. Programs in city, community, and regional planning (sometimes called Urban Planning), are designed to prepare people to plan and implement solutions to community problems and to guide and prepare communities for future change. These programs stress problem- solving skills and awareness of environmental issues as they relate to the development of designs for interior and exterior environments. Landscape Architecture is a broad environmental program area focusing on the wise use of land. Study includes land use planning activities, the analysis of environmental impact, and the detailed development of land and sites of all sizes and uses. Programs in Urban Design focus on structures and other physical elements which make up a city and promote social, psychological, and economic well-being.

A few community colleges offer one- or two-year programs related to Architecture and Environmental Design such as interior decoration or design. Some also offer programs which are designed to transfer to a four-year college or university. Most programs in Architecture, however, are found at four-year colleges and universities which offer four- or five-year bachelor's degree programs. Some four-year colleges and universities also offer graduate degree programs in fields related to Architecture and Environmental Design.

Related Career Titles for Environmental Design Major