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School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning
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Why study geographical sciences and urban planning at ASU?
Gain a deeper understanding of the world, and help shape it
At ASU’s School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, we integrate the tools of geography and urban planning to help you learn cutting-edge techniques that you can use to address the world’s most pressing and complex challenges. Through innovative coursework, exciting research projects and employment opportunities, you’ll learn how people and the environment interact on the earth’s surface and how cities are planned for success.
Ranked seventh in the nation by the National Research Council, we pride ourselves on producing graduates who are employed by all levels of government, consulting firms and large companies, or go on to graduate studies to become urban planners, researchers, teachers or leaders in technology development.
Learn from and work with the best
Internationally Recognized Faculty
Our award-winning faculty members are dynamic lecturers and world-renowned researchers eager to help you gain the advanced knowledge and hands-on experience that will prepare you for a successful career. Among our internationally known leaders are four members of the National Academy of Sciences, a National Science Foundation Young Investigator award winner, two Guggenheim scholars, and members of the National Research Council Geographical Sciences Committee.
Earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Five Years
Want to earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years? Consider an accelerated program! The School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning’s fast-track approach allows highly qualified students who are finishing their bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or Geography to be enrolled simultaneously in the Master of Urban and Environmental Planning or MA Geography degree program. Click below to find out more about each of our 4+1 programs!
Cutting-edge Research Opportunities
Our research opportunities fall into various broad, interdisciplinary themes that span the expertise of our world-renowned faculty members. Within geographical sciences, you’ll find opportunities to do research in Computational Spatial Science, Cultural Geographies, Earth Systems and Climate Science, and Sustainability Science and Studies. And on the urban planning side, our general research areas include Community Development for Social Equity, Spatial and Economic Analysis, Transportation Planning and Policy, and Urban Design and Sustainable Cities.
“My current position challenges me to find solutions to financial, political, and cultural barriers and applies a multitude of the principles that I studied at ASU, including public participation in planning, smart growth and technologies, multi-modal transportation systems and community development.”
Lynn Coppedge
4+1 alumna, Sustainability planner for the City of Lakewood, Colorado
“I really attribute much of where I am today to the program and every individual associated with it. MAS-GIS has really made my dreams come true.”
Lucy Aubrecht
MAS-GIS alumna, Geospatial Information Technology Associate with Michael Baker International
“At ASU we have a lot great scholars working on big problems, engaging with cross cutting national or international research initiatives. I think this is important, and as I continue with my career, I’ll try to be part of larger scientific discussions and initiatives.”
Jesse Sayles
PhD geography alumnus, Postdoctoral fellow in the the Climate Change Adaptation Research Group at McGill University
Arizona Lifestyle
The School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning is located on ASU’s Tempe campus. A quintessential college town, Tempe is a suburb of metropolitan Phoenix, where the sun shines nearly 300 days a year. In addition to being in close proximity to hiking and biking trails, you’ll also be able to take advantage of the amenities of urban living, including nearby shopping and dining as well as cultural events, sporting venues and more.
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Employment Opportunities
Students have the chance to work on campus with research teams and for exciting employers like the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Learn more about the many internship opportunities and job openings currently available in geography and planning.
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