Hello everyone! I'm a high school junior and really interested in the field of urban planning. I've heard that UVA has a great Urban Planning program, but I'm looking for some more information. Does anybody have any experience or can share some thoughts about the program, curriculum, and internship opportunities? I'd appreciate any input!
Hello! It's great that you're interested in the field of urban planning, and you're right—UVA does have a reputable program in this field. The Urban + Environmental Planning program at UVA is housed within the School of Architecture. Students seeking to study urban planning at the undergraduate level will pursue a Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning (BUEP) degree.
The curriculum has a strong foundation in liberal arts, as well as core courses in planning theory and methods. You'll find that the program is well-rounded, covering diverse topics such as land use, transportation planning, housing, community development, and environmental planning. Additionally, UVA encourages interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to combine their urban planning major with other areas of interest like public policy, engineering, environmental sciences, or social sciences.
One of the key strengths of UVA's program is its focus on hands-on learning experiences. Students have the opportunity to participate in research and engage with real-world projects. Through research programs, students are encouraged to work on projects addressing urban design challenges, sustainability, and community engagement. This is a great way to build practical skills and gain valuable experiences that will be beneficial when entering the workforce.
Internship opportunities are definitely a highlight of UVA's Urban Planning program. You'll have access to a vast alumni network in the field of urban planning, which often leads to internships and job opportunities. Additionally, UVA's Career Services office and the School of Architecture are both great resources to help you search for internships, jobs, and networking events.
In summary, UVA's Urban and Environmental Planning program offers a rigorous curriculum, hands-on learning experiences through projects like CDRC, and ample internship opportunities. I hope this information helps in your decision-making process!
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