illustration of a city growing atop a circuit board
Geography – Urban Planning and Sustainability
Bachelor of Science

Geography – Urban Planning and Sustainability Bachelor's Degree

The Geography major with a concentration in Urban Planning and Sustainability provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to envision and craft urban environments that embrace the three key components of sustainability - environment, economy, and equity.

Students completing this comprehensive, forward-looking program will develop sophisticated understandings of cities and their role in the social, economic, and environmental challenges of the 21st century. The curriculum emphasizes urban, sustainability, and planning theories and processes, in addition to providing a strong foundation in geography and its major analytical techniques. 

Careers with an Urban Planning Major

Students who complete a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in Geography and a concentration in Urban Planning and Sustainability are well-suited for a variety of career opportunities, from city planner to corporate sustainability officer. While it is common for urban planners to hold positions within the local, state, and federal governments, additional employment opportunities are available with urban and environmental planning firms; real estate development companies; community-based non-profit organizations; local, state, and national parks; architecture firms; zoning administration; historical preservation agencies; institutions of higher education; and more.

Many urban planning positions require a graduate degree. Consequently, the Geography major with a concentration in Urban Planning and Sustainability also positions its graduates well for graduate level study in Planning, Environment Studies, Public Policy, and Geography programs.

Geography Careers & Internships

Andreana Madera-Martorell

Admission Requirements

This program has no requirements beyond University admission and transfer requirements.

OHIO Admissions

  • Tuition and Fees

    OHIO is committed to your lifelong success through our Guarantee+, which offers fixed tuition and fees, a graduation plan and lifelong benefits to our students. We're continuously striving to make college more affordable and accessible, while maintaining the high quality and value of an OHIO education.

    Tuition & Fees

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships

    Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely. You can visit our office on the ground floor of Chubb Hall or reach us at financial.aid@ohio.edu or 740.593.4141.

    Financial Aid & Scholarships

Geography – Urban Planning and Sustainability Courses & Curriculum

View Courses & Degree Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog

The requirement for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in Geography is a minimum of 30 credit hours of Geography (GEOG) courses. In addition to the major requirement, students are required to complete one of six major concentrations.

The curriculum emphasizes urban, sustainability, and planning theories and processes, in addition to providing a strong foundation in geography and its major analytical techniques. 

Courses include human and physical geography and cover techniques such as remote sensing, GIS and land-use planning. Courses also include city planning, urban planning, and environmental and sustainability planning. All students complete GEOG 4800 - Capstone Experience in Geography.