Core Curriculum
Our students embed themselves in the local planning capacity of communities statewide, providing instant access to valuable professional skills—and the opportunity to make a difference.
The core curriculum is designed to provide full-time students with a specific focus each semester. As a full-time student, you would typically take 12 credits, supplementing the required courses below with electives that fit your specific needs and interests.
YEAR 1
FALL - The Bioregional Approach
BIOP 504 Sustainable Communities
Fully online, 3 credits
Global perspective, globalization, sustainable development approaches in the world compared to approach in the US and planning
BIOP 520 Introduction to Bioregional Planning
Virtual meetings, 3 credits
Difference between planning and bioregional planning. Methodological and theoretical challenges of bioregionalism
SPRING - Creating the Community Narrative
BIOP 522 Bioregional Planning Methods
Fully online
Application of bioregional planning concepts to gathering data. Data reliability, focus on quantitative data.
BIOP 560 Bioregional Planning Studio I
Virtual meetings and community visit, 4 credits
Collect data and create a bioregional atlas of a community determine defining attributes.
YEAR 2
FALL - From Narrative to Action
BIOP 521 Local and Regional Comprehensive Planning
Fully online, 3 credits
Main regular land planning tools, regulations and legal context.
BIOP 561 Bioregional Planning Studio II
Virtual meetings and community visits, 4 credits
Develop a plan for action based on a bioregional atlas.
SPRING - Reflection & Preparation
BIOP 530 Public Planning Theory and Process
Fully online, 3 credits
Critical reflection on the role of planners in connecting people and places.
BIOP 598 Internship
3-6 credits
Exposure to professional practice.