Ecological Planning, Certificate
Interest in ecological planning has been increasing in recent years along with the growing awareness of the impacts of climate change on the world’s ecosystems, wildlife, and human settlements. The availability of water and the management of storm water and wastewater have become critical issues in planning for the future of human settlements. Of paramount importance is for students to understand the role of natural cycles (hydrologic, carbon, nitrogen, etc.) and the varying carrying capacity of different landscapes to support human settlements. Jobs in sustainability are becoming popular both in the public sector (e.g., Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability) and in the private sector (e.g, environmental compliance officers and consulting firms). The Certificate in Ecological Planning draws on courses within the Weitzman School of Design, the Environmental Studies Program, and other Schools to offer students an interdisciplinary approach to Ecological Planning.
For more information: https://www.design.upenn.edu/all-degrees-certificates/certificate-ecological-planning
Curriculum
A total of 5 course units are required to complete the Certificate program.
Students in the MCP program with a Land Use and Environmental Planning concentration must, in addition to the four courses taken to meet the LUEP Concentration requirements, take a Science Course Elective and two additional courses from the Other Elective Courses list. The Science Course and Other Elective Courses may not double-count for the LUEP concentration and Ecological Planning Certificate.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1 | ||
| Foundation Courses | ||
| CPLN 5310 | Sustainability and Environmental Planning | 1 |
| CPLN 7020 | Planning Studio 2 | 2 |
| Science Course Elective | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Wetlands | ||
| Bioremediation | ||
| Other Elective 3 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Ecological Architecture - Contemporary Practices | ||
| Ecology, Technology, and Design | ||
| Risk Analysis and Environmental Management | ||
| Planning for Land Conservation | ||
| Water Policy | ||
| Land Use and Environmental Modeling | ||
| Sustainable Cities | ||
| Topics in Ecological Design | ||
| Urban Ecology | ||
| Environmental Law | ||
| Total Course Units | 5 | |
- 1
Substitutions to required courses must be approved in writing by the director of the certificate program and submitted to the Weitzman School of Design Office of Student Services.
- 2
MLA students could take the CPLN 7020 Ecological Systems studio or propose to have one of the available LARP 7000-level studios substitute for the CPLN studio, with approval of program directors.
- 3
Alternative elective courses must be approved in writing by the director of the certificate program and submitted to the Weitzman School of Design Office of Student Services.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.