Are you interested in climate justice? Are you interested in inclusive economic development and social justice? Do you want to preserve the beauty in cities and create ecologically sustainable cities? Those are some of the goals you can learn to achieve when you major Landscape and Urban Studies. You will learn to integrate the biological, physical, and social sciences; humanities; arts; and technology to develop the skills that will help you play an important role in creating a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The major provides students opportunities to specialize in several directions: Culture, Health and Community; Restoration and Ecological Design; and Urban Studies. The major also provides students opportunities to explore the design and planning professions. Students who graduate from the major are prepared for starting positions in public or private agencies that oversee conservation, land management, cultural landscape conservation, and planning or for continuing on to graduate school, in particular, professionally accredited programs in Landscape Architecture, Planning, or Environmental Studies. This is the major for people who care about the natural world and human creation by understanding cultural and natural resource protection, green infrastructure, social equity, and policy, and more.
How to Get in
Students who intend to declare their major in Landscape and Urban Studies are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture.
Students who attend SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) session with the College of Letters and Science have the option to declare this major at SOAR. Students may otherwise declare after they have begun their undergraduate studies.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
| Mathematics | Complete two courses of 3+ credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level in MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT subjects. A maximum of one course in each of COMP SCI and STAT subjects counts toward this requirement. |
| Language | Complete the third unit of a language other than English. |
| LS Breadth | Complete: • 12 credits of Humanities, which must include at least 6 credits of Literature; and • 12 credits of Social Science; and • 12 credits of Natural Science, which must include 6 credits of Biological Science and 6 credits of Physical Science. |
| Liberal Arts and Science Coursework | Complete at least 108 credits. |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework | Complete at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level. |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | Complete at least 120 credits. |
| UW-Madison Experience | Complete both: • 30 credits in residence, overall, and • 30 credits in residence after the 86th credit. |
| Quality of Work | • 2.000 in all coursework at UW–Madison • 2.000 in Intermediate/Advanced level coursework at UW–Madison |
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their school/college to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
Students interested in the major are required to complete a set of introductory courses, breadth in the major under three categories: Biological and Physical Environment, Social and Cultural Studies and Technology and 15 credits of electives (see an Advisor and the Advising tab for recommended focused elective sets).
Landscape and Urban Studies majors must complete at least 48 credits in the major, including the following:
Introductory Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAND ARC 211 | Shaping the Built Environment | 3 |
| URB R PL 215 | Welcome to Your Urban Future | 3 |
| LAND ARC 250 | Survey of Landscape Architecture Design | 3 |
| LAND ARC 260 | History of Landscape Architecture | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Biological and Physical Environment
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete two courses from: | 6-9 | |
| Survey of Botany | ||
| General Botany | ||
| Introductory Ecology | ||
| General Ecology | ||
| Environmental Biogeography | ||
| Environmental Conservation | ||
| Soil: Ecosystem and Resource | ||
or SOIL SCI 301 | General Soil Science | |
| Total Credits | 6-9 | |
Social and Cultural Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete two courses from: | 6-7 | |
| History of American Vernacular Architecture and Landscapes | ||
| Person and Environment Interactions | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
or ECON 111 | Principles of Economics-Accelerated Treatment | |
| Urban and Regional Economics | ||
| Introduction to Human Geography | ||
| Global Environmental Issues | ||
GEOG 469 | ||
| American Environmental History | ||
| Dimensions of Material Culture | ||
| Latino Urbanism: Design and Engagement in the American City | ||
| Social Justice and the Urban Landscape | ||
| Introduction to American Politics and Government | ||
| Introduction to Community and Environmental Sociology | ||
| Urban and Regional Economics | ||
| Evolution of American Planning | ||
| Evidence-Based Policy Making | ||
| Analytic Tools for Public Policy | ||
| Total Credits | 6-7 | |
Technology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete two courses from: | 6-8 | |
| Introduction to Design Frameworks and Spatial Technologies | ||
| An Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Advanced Visual Communication in Landscape Architecture | ||
| Applications of Geographic Information Systems in Planning | ||
| Applications of Geographic Information Systems in Natural Resources | ||
| Total Credits | 6-8 | |
Capstone
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one course from: | 3 | |
| Social Justice and the Urban Landscape | ||
| Cultural Resource Preservation and Landscape History | ||
| Restoration Ecology | ||
| Site Planning | ||
| Urban Design: Theory and Practice | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Electives 1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 15 credits, chosen from: | 15 | |
| Grassland Ecology | ||
| Archaeology of Wisconsin | ||
or AMER IND 250 | Indians of Wisconsin | |
| American Indian Folklore | ||
or AMER IND 444 | ||
| Poverty and Place | ||
| Ethnobotany | ||
| History of American Vernacular Architecture and Landscapes | ||
| Dimensions of Material Culture | ||
| Plant Systematics | ||
or BOTANY 401 | Vascular Flora of Wisconsin | |
| The Vegetation of Wisconsin | ||
| Person and Environment Interactions | ||
| Extinction of Species | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| People, Land and Food: Comparative Study of Agriculture Systems | ||
or GEOG 501 | Space and Place: A Geography of Experience | |
| Introduction to the City | ||
| People, Wildlife and Landscapes | ||
or GEOG 301 | Revolutions and Social Change | |
| US Environmental Policy and Regulation | ||
| American Environmental History | ||
| Historical Geography of European Urbanization | ||
| Foodways | ||
or FOLKLORE 540 | Local Culture and Identity in the Upper Midwest | |
| Introduction to Landscape Architecture Design Studio | ||
| Environment and Behavior Studio - Designing Health Promoting Environments | ||
| Wetlands Ecology | ||
| Latino Urbanism: Design and Engagement in the American City | ||
| Social Justice and the Urban Landscape | ||
| Prescribed Fire: Ecology and Implementation | ||
| Restoration Ecology | ||
| Cultural Resource Preservation and Landscape History | ||
| The Real Estate Process | ||
| Urban and Regional Economics | ||
| Soil Biology | ||
| Marketplaces and Entrepreneurship | ||
| Government and Natural Resources | ||
| Gentrification and Urban Restructuring | ||
| Transportation and the Built Environment | ||
| Climate Action Planning: Sustainable Transportation | ||
| Site Planning | ||
| Urban Design: Theory and Practice | ||
| Community Development | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Residence & Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all LAND ARC and URB R PL courses and courses that count toward the major
- 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level credits, taken in Residence
- 15 combined credits in LAND ARC and URB PL , taken on the UW–Madison campus
- 1
See an Advisor and the Advising tab for recommended focused elective sets
- 2
Intermediate and Advanced level courses accepted in the major are Upper Level
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate competence and critical judgment in creatively applying the intellectual and technical skills necessary for site and landscape-scale natural and cultural resource conservation, planning, and management; these skills include cultural, historical and landscape literacy, data collection and analysis, spatial and temporal analysis, multidisciplinary problem-solving approaches and communication skills.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to explore ideas and synthesize information, both independently and in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members.
- Understand, apply and evaluate the principles, theories and research findings underlying at least one of the following advising pathways, Ecological Restoration and Design; Culture, Health, and Community; and Urban Studies.
- Integrate social, cultural, ecological and technological dimensions in solving design and planning problems concerning the conservation or management of sustainable natural and cultural landscapes.
- Be able to perform as a member of a public, private or non-profits office or agency in the fields represented within the department.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| LAND ARC 250 | 3 | LAND ARC 211 | 3 |
| Communications A | 3 | URB R PL 215 | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 | Biological or Physical Environment (major requirement) | 4 |
| Foreign Language (if required) | 4 | Ethnic Studies (complete within your first 60 credits) | 3 |
| Physical Science Breadth | 3 | Quantitative Reasoning B | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Major Elective | 3 | LAND ARC 260 | 3 |
| Communications B | 3 | Biological and Physical Environment (major requirement) | 3 |
| Social and Cultural Studies (major requirement) | 3 | Social and Cultural Studies (major requirement) | 3 |
| Literature Breadth | 3 | Literature Breadth | 3 |
| INTER-LS 210 | 1 | Electives | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Technology (major requirement) | 3 | Technology (major requirement) | 3 |
| Biological and Physical Environment (major requirement) | 3 | Biological and Physical Environment (major requirement) | 3 |
| Major elective | 3 | Major elective | 3 |
| L&S electives | 6 | L&S electives | 6 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| L&S elective | 9 | Capstone (major requirement) | 3 |
| Major elective | 6 | Electives | 9 |
| 15 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Advising and Careers
Students enrolled in the major Landscape and Urban Studies have three opportunities for advising:
- Our undergraduate coordinator can assist with general questions about registration, student assistance and progress in meeting major requirements.
- All students entering the program may choose a faculty advisor (see People/Instructors) to assist with guidance specific to the curriculum (e.g. coursework, internships, research) and career opportunities.
- The College of Letters and Science offers advice on career paths, networking, and job search preparation (see below).
L&S Career Resources
Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities. SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.
In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.
Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.
- SuccessWorks
- Set up a career advising appointment
- Enroll in a Career Course - a great idea for first- and second-year students:
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit)
- INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Comm B General Education Requirement)
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- INTER-LS 260 Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Activate your Handshake account to apply for jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers recruiting UW-Madison students
- Learn about the impact SuccessWorks has on students' lives
People
Professors
David Bart, Ken Genskow, Evelyn Howell, James LaGro, Carey McAndrews, Alfonso Morales (department chair), Kurt Paulsen
Assistant Professors
Anna Bierbrauer, Wenwen Cheng, Edna Ely-Ledesma, Revel Sims
Distinguished Teaching Faculty
Shawn Kelly
Teaching Faculty III
Cheryl Bauer-Armstrong, Eric Schuchardt
Teaching Faculty II
Nathan Larson, Maria Moreno
Teaching Faculty I
Ed Boswell
Senior Lecturers
Doug Hadley, James Steiner
Research Associate
Gaylan Williams
Undergraduate Academic Services
Deborah Griffin
Wisconsin Experience
The Wisconsin Experience combines learning in and out of the classroom, helping students develop intellectual and personal growth. The Landscape and Urban Studies major mixes traditional learning with community-based learning in and out of the classroom. Students are encouraged to take opportunities that supplement classroom learning by engaging in research, study abroad, internships, student clubs, and community interactions. The major engages students in exploring people-place, culture-nature phenomena and how they might, in their professional and personal lives, apply continuous learning to the planning of environments that benefit people, cultures, and the environment at the local, state, national, and global levels.
Resources and Scholarships
Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH)
This scholarship provides amounts ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 each to help students participate in a first-time internship opportunity that is unpaid or provides a limited stipend.
Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowship
The Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowships support undergraduate research done in collaboration with UW–Madison faculty or research/instructional academic staff. Approximately 97–100 Hilldale awards are available each year. The student researcher receives $3,000, and faculty/staff research advisor receives $1,000 to help offset research costs (e.g., supplies, faculty or student travel related to the project).
Holstrom Environmental Scholarships
The Holstrom Environmental Scholarships support undergraduate research done in collaboration with UW–Madison faculty or research/instructional academic staff. Research proposals must have an environmental focus, and applicants must have at least a junior standing at time of application.
Undergraduate Symposium
The annual Undergraduate Symposium showcases undergraduate creativity, achievement, research, service-learning, and community-based research from all areas of study at UW–Madison, including the humanities, fine arts, biological sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences.
Undergraduate Research Scholars
The Undergraduate Research Scholars program (URS) is dedicated to enhancing the academic experience of UW–Madison students by providing first- and second-year undergraduates with opportunities to earn credit for participating in the research and creative work with UW–Madison faculty and staff. The program has been designed to include partnerships between students and mentors, seminars on research-relevant issues, and practice in research/artistic presentations. The many benefits of the program are found in the fluid interaction between these activities.
Wisconsin Idea Fellowships
Wisconsin Idea Fellowships are awarded annually to undergraduate student projects working toward solving a challenge identified along with a local or global community partner. Fellowships are awarded to semester-long or year-long projects designed by an undergraduate student (or group of students) in collaboration with a community organization and a UW–Madison faculty or academic staff member.