SPDC degree programs receive STEM designation

Heidi Macwan -

Three SPDC degree programs in landscape architecture and urban and regional planning have received STEM designation.

Student presenting poster to three other students.

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.

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • construction management,
  • landscape architecture,
  • ming-han li,
  • planning,
  • planning design and construction,
  • school of planning design and construction,
  • stem,
  • stem careers,
  • students,
  • sustainability,
  • sustainable development,
  • urban & regional planning
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).