Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning

Description

The Environmental Planning program is a progressive and interdisciplinary academic course designed to prepare future planners to lead in shaping sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities. Grounded in the principles of responsible land use, environmental stewardship, and participatory governance, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills to address complex urban and regional challenges.

In response to the growing impact of climate change, rapid urbanization, and technological disruption, the program integrates contemporary tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data-driven planning models to support evidence-based decision-making and strategic development. Students are trained to analyze spatial patterns, assess environmental risks, and formulate policies that promote balanced growth and ecological integrity.

Through studio work, field immersion, and collaboration with government and private sectors, the Environmental Planning program fosters a culture of innovation, civic engagement, and ethical leadership. Graduates are empowered to contribute meaningfully to national development, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainable urban and rural planning—ready to serve as catalysts for change in both local and global contexts.

Program Educational Objectives

Within five years after graduation, the graduates of the program shall have:

• Explain and demonstrate how environmental planning operates within the context of institutional and legal frameworks.
• Generate integrated and well substantiated responses to spatial planning challenges.
• Explain the political and ethical nature of environmental planning and reflect on how planners work effectively within democratic decision-making structures.
• Explain the contribution that planning can make to the built and natural environment and in particular recognize the implication of climate change.
• Demonstrate effective research, analytical, evaluative and appraisal skills and the ability to reach appropriate, evidence-based decisions.
• Recognize the role of communication skills in the planning process and the importance of working in an interdisciplinary context, and be able to demonstrate negotiation, mediation, advocacy and leadership skills.
• Distinguish the characteristics of a professional, including the importance of upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior and a commitment to lifelong learning and critical reflection to maintain and develop professional competence.

Program Outcomes

By the time of graduation, the students shall have developed an ability to:

1. articulate the latest developments in environmental planning and allied sustainable environmental design disciplines.
2. show awareness, understanding, and appreciation of professional, social and ethical responsibility and civil liability of environmental planners.
3. discuss broad and coherent knowledge and understanding in core planning practices.
4. demonstrate knowledge pertaining to sound environmental planning, sustainable environmental design, development, conservation and management.
5. conduct research for planning.
6. assist, prepare and implement plans for the natural and built environment.
7. analyze environmental planning issues and problems in the local, regional and global contexts, and possess adequate knowledge of the history and theories of environmental planning.
8. formulate design concepts, approaches, solutions and presentations applying various information and communication technology (ICT) media and ethical integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance design process, sustainability, and decision-making.
9. work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
10. articulate policies, strategies, practices, and solutions in preserving and promoting Filipino historical and cultural heritage.