SPDC degree programs receive STEM designation

May 11, 2020 - Heidi Macwan

The MSU School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC) recently received the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) designation for three degree programs in landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning.

The three programs’ Sustainability STEM-designation (and associated CIP code 30.3301) focuses on the concept of sustainability from an interdisciplinary perspective. It includes instruction in sustainable development, environmental policies, ethics, ecology, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, economics, natural resources, sociology, and anthropology.

”Our Landscape Architecture and Urban & Regional Planning programs are led by top-notch faculty members whose research is nationally and internationally recognized. Our evidence-based design and planning pedagogical approach prepares our students to be future leaders with STEM knowledge and training,” said Ming-Han Li, director of SPDC.

The program’s STEM-designation allows international graduates receiving the above mentioned SPDC degrees to apply for the Department of Homeland Security’s optional practical training (OPT) extension program for F-1 students with STEM degrees.

The Landscape Architecture program offers the accredited BLA degree from the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board that is structured around a dynamic design studio sequence and classroom learning environment.

This program offers students high-impact learning environments with diverse community engagement projects in the LA design and construction courses. The community engagement projects provide students learning opportunities to engage in real-world settings, working on local project sites and receiving client input.

The Urban & Regional Planning program offers accredited degrees from the Planning Accreditation Board at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The BSURP program provides students with a basic understanding of the history of urbanism, the theory and principles of urban design, and the relevant legal and administrative procedures. By developing systematic programs for the orderly and unified arrangement of urban physical structures, students focus their accumulated knowledge and skills on specific urban problems.

This program prepares students to assume the responsibilities encountered in entry level professional planning practice.

The MURP program prepares students for professional planning careers in both the private and public sectors and develops both general planning knowledge and specific skills for practice. It focuses on studies that provide an optimum learning experience in applying the various principles, theories, techniques, and design skills of planning to specific field problems.

This program prepares students that should be capable of assuming responsibilities on an intermediate level of a professional planning operation. 

Other STEM-designated degrees in SPDC include:

To learn more about the school’s STEM degree programs, visit SPDC at MSU.