Bachelor of Science in Planning and Development
The Bachelor of Science in Planning and Development is an interdisciplinary, liberal arts degree program based fundamentally on the understanding of physical and social change and is designed for the undergraduate with career goals in planning and development; or with plans to pursue graduate study in business, development, law, planning, public policy, or social welfare; or who simply wishes to acquire an effective understanding of the role and setting of real estate development, planning and policy in everyday life. The program brings together knowledge of social processes, structure, design and analysis within a framework organized around the knowledge requirements of making effective collective decisions.
The Bachelor of Science in Planning and Development provides a strong foundation in general education courses, a core curriculum in planning and development, elective course work and the selection of an area of specialization. During the final semester, each student will complete a capstone project under the supervision of a member of the faculty.
Students are required to complete each PLDV major class with at least a grade of C-.
Admission
Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Planning and Development is selective and highly competitive. Students will be considered for admission at either the freshman or junior level.Admission at the freshman level is available to those students with a high school GPA of 3.3 or higher (A = 4.0) and a minimum score of 1,050 on the SAT. Students who do not meet these requirements can be admitted as pre-planning and development majors in preparation for admission to the degree program.
Currently enrolled USC students may apply for admission upon the completion of at least 60 units. Students will be expected to have attained a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 and have completed the following prerequisite course work: PLDV 200; at least 12 units of non-PLDV classes from the minor area of study and at least 36 units of general education courses.
General Education Requirements
A total of 44 units in general education is required, including at least eight units of free electives.
Expository Writing
All students must fulfill the general education skill level composition requirement.
Areas of Study
The Natural World: one course
Literature: one course
The Arts: one course
Ethical Approaches: one course
Non-Western Cultures: one course
Western Culture I: one course
Western Culture II: one course
Diversity Requirement
All students must pass one course from the list of courses approved to meet the standard diversity requirement. These courses carry the designation "m" for multiculturalism.
Pre-major Requirements
Required Courses Units PDP 101x Introduction to Computers and Data Processing 4 and one of the following courses: MATH 108 Introductory College Mathematics 4 MATH 116 Mathematics for the Social Sciences I 4 MATH 117 Introduction to Mathematics for Business
and Economics4 MATH 118x Fundamental Principles of the Calculus 4 MATH 125 Calculus I 4 MATH 200 Elementary Mathematics from
an Advanced Standpoint4
Minor Requirement
Non-School of Urban Planning and Development Courses (16 units)
Approved minor area of study is selected in consultation with an advisor.
Major Requirements
Core Units PLDV 200 Foundations of Contemporary Public Affairs 4 PLDV 300 The Design of the Good: Conception and Judgment 4 PLDV 355 Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning 4 PLDV 401 Political Foundations for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 402 Economic Foundations for Planning
and Development4 PLDV 404 Statistics for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 410 Graphic Techniques in Urban Planning 4 PLDV 414 Introduction to Physical-Spatial Design 4 PLDV 426 History and Development of Cities 4
Area Specializations
Select an area of specialization from the following:
Real Estate and Community Development
PLDV 403 Advanced Finance and Investment for Planning
and Development4 PLDV 440 Housing and Community Development 4
Planning and Environmental Management
PLDV 452 Planning, Policy-Making, and Social Change 4 PLDV 461 Environmental Issues 4
History, Theory and Design
PLDV 408 The Experience of Place 4 PLDV 485 History of Planning and Development 4
Electives Units Two of the following courses: PLDV 403 Advanced Finance and Investment for
Planning and Development4 PLDV 408 The Experience of Place 4 PLDV 427L Computer Cartography and Geographic
Information Systems4 PLDV 440 Housing and Community Development 4 PLDV 452 Planning, Policy-Making and Social Change 4 PLDV 455 Analysis for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 461 Environmental Issues 4 PLDV 474 Urban Diversity and Communication 4 PLDV 480 Introduction to Urban Transportation 4 PLDV 485 History of Planning and Development 4 PLDV 486 Los Angeles: The City, The Novel, The Movie 2 PLDV 490x Directed Research 4 PLDV 499 Special Topics 4
Laboratory Units PLDV 475L Design and Development Laboratory 4
Capstone Project Units PLDV 491 Senior Seminar 4
Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, Management and Planning
The Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, Management and Planning is offered jointly by the School of Public Administration and the School of Urban Planning and Development. The degree is designed to offer a solid introduction to the issues and institutions of public policy, management and planning. The program includes a foundation in general education; a core curriculum in public policy, management and planning; the opportunity for first-hand experience in the planning, policy or management process through a semester-long internship; and a series of elective courses in the area of planning and management. For additional information contact the School of Public Administration at (213) 740-0365.
The Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, Management and Planning builds from a 74-unit base which includes general education, pre-major requirements and general electives. Also, the student must complete 54 units in the major.
General Education Requirements
(36 units total, or 28 additional units if e. and f. are satisfied by PLDV 200 and/or pre-major courses)Expository Writing 101 and 102
The Natural World
- two courses. Select one course in two of the following categories:
a. Earth Sciences
b. Physical Sciences
c. Life Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences
(No more than two courses may count for both GE requirements and general, pre-major or major requirements.) Choose one course in three of the following categories:
a. Literature
b. The Arts
c. Western Culture I
d. Non-Western CulturesChoose one course in each of the following categories:
e. American Public Life (This category may be fulfilled by completing PLDV 200 Foundations of Contemporary Public Affairs, or POSC 100 Theory and Practice of American Democracy, or SOCI 342 Race Relations)
f. Empirical Approaches (This category may be fulfilled by completing SOCI 200 Introduction to Sociology)
Diversity Requirement
All students must pass one course from the list of courses approved to meet the standard diversity requirement. These courses carry the designation "m" for multiculturalism.
General Requirements (16 units)
Math/Computer Languages
- MATH 108 or MATH 116 or higher and PDP 101 or higher (8 units) Transnational Studies Select one of the following:
a. Foreign Language - demonstrated competency through third semester of foreign language, or
b. Semester Abroad - equivalent of 8 semester units, or
c. Two courses (8 units) from Transnational Electives list
Transnational Electives Units GEOG 320 Geopolitics 4 IR 200 Introduction to International Relations 4 IR 300 Theories of International Politics 4 IR 306 International Institutions 4 IR 307 Contemporary International Politics 4 IR 330 Politics of the World Economy 4 LING 315 Language, Society, and Culture 4 PLDV 250 Third World Cities 4 PPMT 482 Comparative Public Administration 4
Pre-Major Requirements
Pre-Major Requirements (16 units) Units ECON 203 Principles of Microeconomics, and 4 ECON 205 Principles of Macroeconomics 4 SOCI 200* Introduction to Sociology, or SOCI 342* Race Relations 4 POSC 100* Theory and Practice of American Democracy, or POSC 300 Principles, Institutions, and Great Issues
of American Democracy4
Public Policy, Management and Planning Core Courses
Core Courses (34 units) Units PLDV 200* Foundations of Contemporary Public Affairs 4 PLDV 355 Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning 4 PLDV 404 Statistics for Planning and Development 4 PPMT 215 Public Organizations and Management 4 PPMT 225 Public Policy Processes and Institutions 4 PPMT 240 Citizenship and Public Ethics 4 PPMT 357 Government and Business 4 PPMT 401 Public Policy and Management Issues
and Practices (Internship)2 PPMT 404 Statistics in Public Policy and Management 4 PPMT 473 Public Policy Analysis 4 *Fulfills GE American Public Life category.
Public Policy and Management Electives
A total of 4 units, selected from the following: Units PPMT 313 Administration of Financial Resources 4 PPMT 316 Administration of Personnel Resources 4 PPMT 403 Management Analysis I 4 PPMT 485 Organizational Behavior in Public Administration 4 PPMT 486 Politics and Administration, or PPMT 410c Washington, D.C., Semester 4
Planning Electives
A total of 16 units, selected from the following: Units History and Design PLDV 410 Graphic Techniques in Urban Planning 4 PLDV 414 Introduction to Physical-Spatial Design 4 PLDV 426 History and Development of Cities 4 PLDV 475L Design and Development Laboratory 4 PLDV 490x Directed Research 4 PLDV 499 Special Topics 4 Policy and Analysis PLDV 401 Political Foundations for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 402 Economic Foundations for Planning
and Development4 PLDV 455 Analysis for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 474 Urban Diversity and Communication 4 PLDV 490x Directed Research 4 PLDV 499 Special Topics 4 Urban Planning PLDV 440 Housing and Community Development 4 PLDV 452 Planning, Policy-Making, and Social Change 4 PLDV 461 Environmental Issues 4 PLDV 480 Introduction to Urban Transportation 4 PLDV 486 Los Angeles: The City, The Novel, The Movie 2 PLDV 490x Directed Research 4 PLDV 499 Special Topics 4
Bachelor of Science in Planning and Development and Master of Planning
Students who have demonstrated exceptional academic success have the opportunity to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in an accelerated degree program. This program allows students to earn both degrees in five years.
Admission
Admission is available at the freshman or transfer level. Students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Planning and Development program must apply for admission to the combined degree program no later than their junior year.Specific admission requirements are:
- Freshman admission: minimum 3.5 GPA (A= 4.0) and SAT score of 1,200
- Transfer admission: minimum 3.3 GPA
- Current planning and development student: minimum 3.3 GPA through third year of study
Curriculum Requirements
The program of study for the joint degree program requires successful completion of 160 units.
General Education Requirements
Expository Writing
All students must fulfill the general education skill level composition requirement.
Areas of Study
Natural World: two courses
Literature: one course
Western Culture I: one course
Western Culture II: one course
Non-Western Cultures: one course
Ethical Approaches: one course (This category is fulfilled by PLDV 300)
Diversity
All students must pass one course from the list of courses approved to meet the standard diversity requirement. These courses carry the designation "m" for multiculturalism.
Pre-major Quantitative Requirements
Required Courses Units PDP 101x Introduction to Computers and Data Processing 4 and one of the following courses: MATH 108 Introductory College Mathematics 4 MATH 116 Mathematics for the Social Sciences I 4 MATH 117 Introduction to Mathematics for Business and
Economics4 MATH 118x Fundamental Principles of the Calculus 4 MATH 125 Calculus 4 MATH 200 Elementary Mathematics from an Advanced Standpoint 4
Minor Requirement
Non-School Courses (16 units)
An outside area of study comprising 16 units of related course work or a minor program is selected by each student.
Undergraduate Major Requirements
Core Units PLDV 150 The Emergence of the American City 4 PLDV 200 Foundations of Contemporary Public Affairs 4 PLDV 300 The Design of the Good: Conception and
Judgment (also Ethical Approaches GE)4 PLDV 355 Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning 4 PLDV 401 Political Foundations for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 402 Economic Foundations for Planning
and Development4 PLDV 410 Graphic Techniques in Urban Planning 4 PLDV 414 Introduction to Physical-Spatial Design 4 PLDV 426 History and Development of Cities 4
Electives
Three of the following courses to total 12 units: PLDV 403 Advanced Finance and Investment for Planning
and Development4 PLDV 408 The Experience of Place 4 PLDV 440 Housing and Community Development 4 PLDV 452 Planning, Policy-Making, and Social Change 4 PLDV 455 Analysis for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 461 Environmental Issues 4 PLDV 474 Urban Diversity and Communication 4 PLDV 480 Introduction to Urban Transportation 4 PLDV 485 History of Planning and Development 4 PLDV 486 Los Angeles: The City, The Novel, The Movie 2 PLDV 490x Directed Research 2-8 PLDV 499 Special Topics 2-4, max 8
Laboratory
PLDV 475L Design and Development Laboratory 4
Capstone Project
PLDV 491 Senior Seminar 4
Graduate Course Requirements
Core PLUS 501 Planning Theory 2 PLUS 502 Statistics and Arguing from Data 4 PLUS 505 Comparative International Development 2 PLUS 506 The Social Context of Planning 2 PLUS 507 The Urban Economy 2 PLUS 508 Planning and Political Economy 4 PLUS 509 Legal Environment of Planning 2 PLUS 510 Historical Analysis of Urban Form and
Planning Practice2
Specialization Methodology
Students select a four unit methodology specialization from the list in the Master of Planning description.
Laboratory PLUS 676L Core Laboratory Workshop 8
Electives
Elective courses to total 16 units of which at least eight must be from the School of Urban Planning and Development.
Comprehensive Examination
Successful completion of a comprehensive written and oral examination is required. For specific policies, refer to the Master of Planning description.
Internship
All students must complete 400 hours of an internship. For specific policies, refer to the Master of Planning description.
Time Limits
All requirements for the Bachelor of Science and Master of Planning must be completed within seven years from the semester of admission. If not completed within that time, students will no longer be eligible for the master's degree but may still earn the bachelor's.
Transfer of Credits
Graduate courses will not be accepted for transfer credit. Undergraduate classes may be transferred in accordance with university guidelines.
Awarding of Degrees
The Bachelor of Science and Master of Planning will be awarded simultaneously upon completion of all degree requirements. Students who elect not to complete the master's, must complete 128 units to earn the bachelor's degree, including 48 units of upper division PLDV course work (including any graduate PLUS classes).
Minor in Urban Planning and Development
The Minor in Urban Planning and Development is an excellent complement to undergraduate study in a variety of fields. Insight into the planning process can broaden career choices and deepen understanding of allied major programs. Students majoring in American studies and ethnicity, economics, business administration, architecture, geography, journalism and social work, to name a few, would gain from the issues and processes shared by these disciplines.
Curriculum Requirements
To earn the minor, students must complete a total of 24 units.
Course Requirements Units PLDV 355 Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning 4 PLDV 475L Design and Development Laboratory 4 One course from the following (4 units): PLDV 100 Los Angeles, The Enduring Pueblo 4 PLDV 150 The Emergence of the American City 4 PLDV 200 Foundations of Contemporary Public Affairs 4 One course from the following (4 units): PLDV 203 Spatial Organization of Society 4 PLDV 250 Third World Cities 4 PLDV 275L Environment and Behavior 4 PLDV 300 The Design of the Good: Conception and Judgment 4 PLDV 315 Urban Sleuths: Exploring People and Places in Cities 4 One course from the following (4 units): PLDV 410 Graphic Techniques in Urban Planning 4 PLDV 414 Introduction to Physical-Spatial Design 4 One 400-level PLDV elective course (4 units)
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