Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Geography – Urban Planning

Help shape the future of growing communities. The Urban Planning concentration in UNC Greensboro’s Bachelor of Arts in Geography degree explores how cities, towns, and regions adapt to changing populations, economies, and environmental challenges. Through coursework in land use, transportation, sustainability, community development, and planning, you’ll examine the factors that influence quality of life and long-term community success.

This concentration is ideal for students interested in public service, economic development, sustainability, and community engagement. You’ll graduate with the geographic perspective and planning knowledge needed to help create vibrant, resilient communities.

B.A. in Geography — Urban Planning Concentration Highlights

• Explore how communities grow and change. Study the forces that shape cities, towns, and regions, including population trends, economic development, land use, transportation, and sustainability.
• Examine planning from multiple perspectives. Connect geographic thinking with public policy, economics, environmental studies, sociology, and political science to better understand complex community challenges.
• Develop skills for public and private sector careers. Build expertise in research, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving while learning how planning decisions affect quality of life and community development.
• Study at a nationally recognized sustainability leader. UNC Greensboro is ranked among the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges (Princeton Review’s Green College List, 2026), providing an ideal setting for students interested in sustainable and resilient communities.

THE Bachelor of Arts Urban Planning STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• Connect planning with your interests. The flexibility of the B.A. allows you to combine urban planning coursework with studies in public policy, environmental studies, economics, sociology, business, and related fields.
• Explore communities firsthand. Geography students have opportunities to examine the built environment through field courses, study abroad experiences, and departmental travel opportunities. These experiences help you understand how planning decisions shape communities and quality of life.
• Learn from planning and community leaders. Through the student-led Geography Club, you’ll connect with community and industry leaders while exploring career paths and professional opportunities.
• Join a community of engaged geographers. Students can compete on UNCG’s award-winning Geography Bowl Team and earn membership in Gamma Theta Upsilon, the international honor society for geography.

After Graduating with a B.A. Urban Planning Concentration

A Bachelor of Arts in Geography with a concentration in Urban Planning from UNC Greensboro prepares you to understand the forces that shape communities. You’ll study issues such as land use, transportation, sustainability, economic development, and community growth. You’ll also learn how planning decisions influence quality of life.

Graduates pursue careers in urban and regional planning, community development, economic development, government, nonprofit organizations, and related fields. The concentration also provides a strong foundation for graduate study and professional training. Alumni pursue advanced degrees in planning, public policy, sustainability, business, law, and related disciplines. Many continue their education through UNC Greensboro’s online Master’s in Sustainability and Environment or the Post‑Baccalaureate Certificate in Sustainability. You’ll graduate prepared to help communities grow, adapt, and thrive.

Potential Career Paths

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