Program Overview

Sustainable Environmental Design Major

The Sustainable Environmental Design major prepares students to thoughtfully plan communities, design livable cities, develop smooth-running transportation systems, and create healthy, equitable urban spaces. With an added focus on sustainability, these community builders help ensure that the places in which we live and work are environmentally safe and resource-efficient.

Major Requirements

Core instruction for this major emphasizes urban and environmental design, sustainable development theory and practice, green building, local government planning and decision-making, community dynamics and organizations, and presentation of sustainability strategies. Required courses come from the landscape architecture and environmental design program, and electives can be chosen from a broad range of programs such as civil and environmental engineering, community and regional development, plant science, and environmental science and policy. All students will complete a capstone course during their final quarter.

Careers

• Urban Planner
• Community Organizer
• Researcher
• Developer
• Policy Analyst

Graduate Study

• Landscape architecture
• Urban planning and design
• Architecture
• Real estate
• Environmental sciences

Alumni Employers

• City of West Sacramento, Community Services
• Wild Minimalist
• County of Sonoma
• Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center
• Maximus Real Estate Partners

Related Degrees

• Landscape Architecture
• Community and Regional Development
• Environmental Engineering

Program Details

The program is offered by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. It includes a range of courses and opportunities for hands-on experience through research projects and labs. Students can also participate in internship opportunities, global learning programs, and undergraduate research projects. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to create sustainable and environmentally conscious designs for communities and cities.