Urban and Regional Planning, Cities and Social Justice Concentration, B.S.

Urban and Regional Planning student giving a research presentation.

Planning Cities for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Urban and regional planning shapes the future of cities and communities by tackling critical issues such as affordable housing, adaptive reuse, public space design, transportation networks, green infrastructure, economic development, and historic preservation. The Cities and Social Justice concentration explores how social and spatial dynamics intersect, preparing students to center equity in the planning process. Through a strong emphasis on community engagement and participatory methodologies, students develop the tools to advocate for inclusive, sustainable, and just urban futures. Rooted in real-world application, the program offers hands-on learning through site visits, community-based projects, fieldwork, and internships—bridging the gap between classroom theory and the complexities of everyday urban life.

Program Highlights

  • Gain hands-on experience through immersive fieldwork and community-based projects
  • Build professional skills through internships and collaborative research
  • Advocate for people-centered planning
  • Tackle pressing urban issues from affordable housing to sustainable transportation infrastructure

Shape Cities for the Better

Explore key urban planning issues while gaining practical experience.

Building Stronger More Sustainable Cities

  • Students do a site survey to plan out changes to a middle school parking lot.

    Hands-On Experience

    Gain valuable skills and knowledge through site visits, fieldwork, and internships where you will apply classroom learning to real-world urban challenges. Work directly with communities, local governments, and nonprofits on projects related to housing, green spaces, transportation, and more. Develop practical tools—from mapping and data analysis to community engagement and policy design—while building a portfolio that reflects your commitment to more equitable and sustainable cities.

  • Student presenting research pointing at a poster chatting with other students.

    Focus on Key Urban Issues

    Explore pressing urban challenges such as affordable housing, accessible transportation, green space equity, climate resilience, and the adaptive reuse of buildings. Learn how thoughtful planning can shape healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable communities. Through case studies and real-world projects, you will examine how social, environmental, and economic forces intersect in the design and governance of urban spaces.

  • Faculty member engaged in a round table discussion with students.

    Learning Opportunities Across Multiple Disciplines

    Build a strong, versatile foundation through courses that draw from political science, sociology, public health, geography, and urban design. Explore essential planning tools such as GIS, spatial data analysis, and participatory community engagement strategies. Whether you're mapping equity gaps, designing greener streets, or analyzing housing policies, you'll gain the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate—and shape—the complex systems that define urban life.

What Can You Do with a B.S. in Urban and Regional Planning – Cities and Social Justice Concentration?

A B.S. in Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in Cities and Social Justice equips you to build more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable communities. Whether you're passionate about housing justice, green infrastructure, or civic engagement, this degree opens doors to a wide range of impactful careers in both the public and private sectors. Graduates go on to work in roles such as:

  • Affordable Housing Coordinator
  • Community Development Specialist
  • GIS Analyst
  • Policy Analyst
  • Urban/City Planner
  • Transportation Planner
  • Land Use Planner
  • Community Organizer
  • Building/Zoning Inspector
  • Preservation Planner
Student intern sitting at a desk looking at building plans.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Program Description

Urban planners focus on issues such as access to affordable housing, adaptive reuse of old buildings and city spaces, public engagement, transportation networks including bicycle access and walkability, green spaces, parks and recreation, economic development, historic preservation, and much more.  In this concentration, students explore the relationship between social issues and spatial issues and learn about how to involve the public in the planning process and address critical planning issues for historically marginalized groups.  At the heart of this concentration is understanding the wide range of challenges in cities and towns that impact quality of life, and how to address these challenges to improve the quality of life for all residents in urban areas.  Students are provided with opportunities for site visits and fieldwork, community-based projects, and internships through which to apply their classroom studies and to practice and further expose them to issues and opportunities in urban areas.   

Students who enrolled in Urban and Regional Planning, Cities & Social Justice Concentration prior to Fall 2023 should refer to Urban and Regional Planning, Urban and Social Justice for program requirements.

Regional Planning Foundation Courses - 19 Credits
Regional Planning Methodology Courses - 9 Credits

Required - 6 Credits

Choose One - 3 Credits

Cities & Social Justice Concentration - 12 Credits

Choose any two courses from the following:

Electives - Choose two courses from the following:

Regional Planning Required General Education Courses

Choose one of the following courses:

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get Big School Features With Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 15:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 87%

    of students receive financial aid

  • 700+

    Internship Opportunities

Learn From Experienced Faculty in Small Classes

Our faculty have a deep sense of pride in the work they do and are engaged in urban planning both inside and outside the classroom. Working with students, they provide research and advocacy on issues in the local community, such as developing a more bike-friendly Westfield and spearheading environmental stewardship initiatives in the Westfield River Watershed. For our faculty, urban planning is more than just an interest, it’s a life pursuit—and they instill that drive in their students.  

Faculty directory

A group of students take notes and look at maps while outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

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Urban and Regional Planning, Cities and Social Justice Concentration, B.S.