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, design 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 public and/or private 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 a concentration. During the final year, each student will complete an individual capstone project under the supervision of a member of the faculty and a class capstone project for a local planning or development client.
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 up to the 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 at any time provided they have attained a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0. Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be advised to take one full semester of PLDV courses and obtain at least a GPA of 3.0 for that semester. A personal interview and academic references may also be required on a case by case basis.
General Education Requirements
The university’s general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This new program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which are described in detail here.
All students who (1) entered the School of Urban Planning and Development as freshmen in the summer of 1997 or later; or (2) began college elsewhere in the summer of 1997 or later; or (3) began college earlier but transfer to USC in the summer of 2000 or later, must satisfy the requirements of the new general education program. Other students whose schedules permit are encouraged to follow the new program as well. However, continuing and transfer students who began college full-time before summer 1997 and enter USC before summer 2000 may elect to satisfy a "transitional" plan instead.
Pre-major Requirements
Required Courses Units ITP 101x Introduction to Computers and Data Processing 4 ECON 203 Principles of Microeconomics 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 Economics 4 MATH 118x Fundamental Principles of the Calculus 4 MATH 125 Calculus I 4 MATH 200 Elementary Mathematics from an Advanced Standpoint 4 Minor or Related Area Requirement
Non-School of Urban Planning and Development Courses (16 units)
A minor program or an approved related area of study is selected in consultation with an advisor.
Major Requirements
Core(28 Units) Units PLDV 355 Introduction to Urban, Regional, and International Planning 4 PLDV 361 Property Rights, Governance, and the Environment 4 PLDV 401 Politics and Ethics in Planning and Development 4 PLDV 402 Urban Economic Analysis 4 PLDV 404 Quantitative Methods for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 407 Principles of Urban Design 4 PLDV 485 History of Planning and Development 4
Methods Courses (4 Units) One of the following courses: PLDV 315 Urban Sleuths: Exploring People and Places in Cities 4 PLDV 410 Graphic Techniques in Urban Planning 4 PLDV 455 Analysis for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 474 Urban Diversity and Communication 4 Field Courses (12 Units)
Select 12 units from either the develoopment, design or policy concentrations.
Development PLDV 403 Advanced Finance and Investment for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 405 Comparative International Planning and Development 4 PLDV 426 History and Development of Cities 4 PLDV 440 Introduction to Housing and Community Development 4 PLDV 446 Real Estate Markets 4 PLDV 447 Local Economic Development 4
Design PLDV 300 Design of the Good: Conception and Judgment 4 PLDV 408 The Experience of Place 4 PLDV 414 Urban Design Practicum 4 PLDV 426 History and Development of Cities 4
Policy PLDV 440 Housing and Community Development 4 PLDV 452 Planning, Policy-Making, and Social Change 4 PLDV 460 Political Economy and Planning 4 PLDV 461 Environmental Issues 4 PLDV 480 Introduction to Transportation Planning 4
PLDV Electives (Totaling 8 Units) Units PLDV 403 Advanced Finance and Investment for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 405 Comparative International Planning and Development 4 PLDV 408 The Experience of Place 4 PLDV 414 Urban Design Practicum 4 PLDV 426 History and Development of Cities PLDV 427 Geographic Information Systems and Planning Applications 4 PLDV 440 Housing and Community Development 4 PLDV 446 Real Estate Markets 4 PLDV 447 Local Economic Development 4 PLDV 452 Planning, Policy-Making, and Social Change 4 PLDV 455 Analysis for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 460 Planning and Political Economy 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 4 PLDV 490x Directed Research 2-8 PLDV 499 Special Topics 2-4
Capstone Courses (8 units) Units PLDV 475L Design and Development Laboratory 4 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
The university’s general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This new program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which are described in detail here.
All students who (1) entered the School of Urban Planning and Development as freshmen in the summer of 1997 or later; or (2) began college elsewhere in the summer of 1997 or later; or (3) began college earlier but transfer to USC in the summer of 2000 or later, must satisfy the requirements of the new general education program. Other students whose schedules permit are encouraged to follow the new program as well. However, continuing and transfer students who began college full-time before summer 1997 and enter USC before summer 2000 may elect to satisfy a "transitional" plan instead.
General Requirements (16 units)
Math/Computer Languages — MATH 108 or MATH 116 or higher and ITP 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 ECON 350 The World Economy 4 IR 101x International Relations 4 IR 306 International Organizations 4 IR 307 Contemporary International Politics 4 IR 330 Politics of the World Economy 4 LING 115 Language, Society, and Culture 4 PLDV 250 Third World Cities 4 PPMT 482 Comparative Public Administration 4
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 Democracy 4 General Electives (10 units)
Public Policy, Management and Planning Core Courses
(34 units)Units PLDV 355 Introduction to Urban, Regional andInternational Planning 4 PLDV 361 Property Rights, Governance, and the Environment 4 PLDV 404 Quantitative Methods 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 2 PPMT 473 Public Policy Analysis 4
Public Policy and Management Electives Units A total of 4 units, selected from the following: PPMT 313 Finance of the Public Sector 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 ( 16 Units, Selected from the following)
Planning Electives (16 Units. selected from the following) Units Methods Courses (4 Units) One of the following courses: PLDV 315 People and Places in Cities 4 PLDV 410 Graphics Techniques in Urban Planning 4 PLDV 455 Analysis for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 474 Urban Diversity and Communication 4 Field Courses (12 Units)
Select 12 units from either the develoopment, design or policy concentrations.
Development PLDV 403 Advanced Finance and Investment for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 405 Introduction to Comparative International Planning and Development 4 PLDV 426 History and Develop-ment of Cities 4 PLDV 440 Housing and Community Development 4 PLDV 446 Real Estate Markets 4 PLDV 447 Local Economic Development 4
Design PLDV 300 The Design of the Good: Conception and Judgment 4 PLDV 408 The Experience of Place 4 PLDV 414 Urban Design Practicum 4 PLDV 426 History and Development of Cities 4
Policy PLDV 440 Housing and Community Development 4 PLDV 452 Planning, Policy-Making, and Social Change 4 PLDV 460 Political Economy and Planning 4 PLDV 461 Environmental Issues 4 PLDV 480 Introduction to Urban Transportation Planning 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
General Education Requirements
The university’s general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This new program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which are described in detail here.
All students who (1) entered the School of Urban Planning and Development as freshmen in the summer of 1997 or later; or (2) began college elsewhere in the summer of 1997 or later; or (3) began college earlier but transfer to USC in the summer of 2000 or later, must satisfy the requirements of the new general education program. Other students whose schedules permit are encouraged to follow the new program as well. However, continuing and transfer students who began college full-time before summer 1997 and enter USC before summer 2000 may elect to satisfy a "transitional" plan instead.
Pre-major Quantitative Requirements(12 units)
Required Courses Units ITP 101x Introduction to Computers and Data Processing 4 ECON 203 Principles of Microeconomics 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 Economics 4 MATH 118x Fundamental Principles of the Calculus 4 MATH 125 Calculus 4 MATH 200 Elementary Mathematics from an Advanced Standpoint 4 Minor or Related Area Requirement ( 16 Units)
An outside area of study comprising 16 units of related course work or a minor program is selected by each student in consultation with an advisor.
Free Electives (4 units)
Selected with consent of advisor.
Undergraduate Major Requirements
Core(24 Units) Units PLDV 355 Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning 4 PLDV 361 Property Rights, Governance, and the Environment 4 PLDV 401 Political Foundations for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 402 Economic Foundations for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 407 Principles of Urban Design 4 PLDV 485 History of Planning and Development 4
Method Courses (4 Units) One of the following courses: PLDV 315 Urban Sleuths: Exploring People and Places in Cities 4 PLDV 410 Graphic Techniques in Urban Planning 4 PLDV 455 Analysis for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 474 Urban Diversity and Communication 4 FIeld Courses (12 Units) Select 12 units from either the development, design or policy concentration. Development PLDV 403 Advanced Finance and Investment for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 405 Introduction to Comparative International Development 4 PLDV 426 History and Development of Cities 4 PLDV 440 Housing and Community Development 4 PLDV 446 Real Estate Markets 4 PLDV 447 Local Economic Development 4
Design PLDV 300 The Design of the Good: Conception and Judgment 4 PLDV 408 The Experience of Place 4 PLDV 414 Urban Design Practicum 4 PLDV 426 History and Development of Cities 4
Policy PLDV 440 Housing and Community Development 4 PLDV 452 Planning, Policy-Making, and Social Change 4 PLDV 460 Planning and Political Economy 4 PLDV 461 Environmental Issues 4 PLDV 480 Introduction to Urban Transportation 4
PLDV Electives (Courses totaling 4 Units) Units PLDV 403 Advanced Finance and Investment for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 405 Introduction to Comparative Inter-national Development 4 PLDV 408 The Experience of Place 4 PLDV 426 History and Development of Cities PLDV 427 Geographic Information Systems and Planning Applications 4 PLDV 440 Housing and Community Development 4 PLDV 446 Real Estate Markets 4 PLDV 447 Local Economic Development 4 PLDV 452 Planning, Policy-Making, and Social Change 4 PLDV 455 Analysis for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 460 Political Economy and Planning 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 4 PLDV 490x Directed Research 2-8 PLDV 499 Special Topics 2-4
Capstone Courses (8 Units) Units PLDV 475L Design and Development Laboratory 4 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 509 Legal Environment of Planning 2 PLUS 510 Historical Analysis of Urban Form and Planning Practice 2 Specialization Methodology Students select a four unit methodology specialization from the list in the
Master of Planning description.4 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 and development process can broaden career choices and deepen understanding of allied major programs. Students majoring in American studies and ethnicity, economics, business administration, architecture, geography, gerontology, international relations, journalism and social work, to name a few, would gain from the cross-disciplinary perspective this minor provides.
Admission Requirements
A GPA of at least 2.0 and a grade of B or better in PLDV 100 or PLDV 250.
Curriculum Requirements
To earn the minor, students must complete a total of 24 units.
Course Requirements Units Introductory course (required) Select one of the following: PLDV100 Los Angeles: The Enduring Pueblo 4 PLDV 250 Third World Cities 4 Overview of the profession (required course) PLDV 355 Introduction to Urban, Regional, and International Development Planning 4 One methodology course required from the following: PLDV 315 Urban Sleuths: Exploring People and Places in Cities 4 PLDV 404 Quantitative Methods for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 407 Principles of Urban Design 4 PLDV 427 Geographic Information Systems and Planning Applications 4 One context course required from the following: PLDV 361 Property Rights, Governance, and the Environment 4 PLDV 401 Politics and Ethics in Planning and Development 4 PLDV 402 Urban Economic Analysis 4 PLDV 405 Introduction to Comparative International Planning and Development 4 One professional specialization course required from the following: PLDV 403 Advanced Finance and Investment for Planning and Development 4 PLDV 414 Urban Design Practicum 4 PLDV 440 Housing and Community Development 4 PLDV 446 Real Estate Markets 4 PLDV 447 Local Economic Development 4 PLDV 452 Planning, Policy-Making, and Social Change 4 PLDV 460 Political Economy and Planning 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 Capstone course (required) PLDV 475L Design and Development Laboratory 4
Minor in Construction Planning and Management
This program covers the most current theories and practice of construction planning and management. The program provides a valuable adjunct credential to professional school students pursuing careers in business administration, public administration, environmental studies, and other areas; and a unique opportunity for professional focus to students in the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Construction activities are complex. In contemporary society, effective planning and management of these activities requires specialized knowledge of the technical, economic and political environment. This program couples the knowledge of how construction activities are organized with a broader understanding of the urban system in which construction projects are embedded. With the exception of statistics, all of the required courses are within the Department of Civil Engineering and the School of Urban Planning and Development.
Any USC undergraduate who has completed the equivalent of two full-time semesters in
good standing is eligible to pursue the minor program. This minor program is rigorous enough to serve as an introductory credential for students subsequently electing to pursue advanced studies in development, urban planning, construction management or allied fields.
See the Department of Civil Engineering for course requirements.
Minor in International Urban Development
As the world shrinks, students are increasingly working in a global environment. Even those who are employed in the United States find the world a competitor, employees from around the world and customers of all nationalities. This minor addresses the needs of these students by introducing them to relevant urban, economic and social policy issues as they are framed in international settings.
The minor is open to all students except majors in international relations and urban planning and development. The minor is designed for students who wish to either work in the international arena or who expect that their professional careers will be affected by activities in that arena. Students should sign up for the minor in the International Relations student affairs office.
See International Relations for course requirements.
Minor in Children and Families in Urban America
What’s happening to children and families in urban America? Students will examine changing demographics, economics, and cultures and the challenges of building communities that support families. They will assess innovative ways to improve access to and utilization of human services, including inter-professional practice, integrated services and community-based initiatives. Analysis of current social policies and policy reform initiatives will provide a framework for students who want to help improve student outcomes for children and families.
This minor includes courses from social work, planning, nursing, psychology, communication, education and other academic areas. It requires 22 units. See the School of Social Work section for course requirements.
Minor in Environmental Planning and Development
A wide range of USC undergraduates will enter professional and business positions in which issues related to environmental planning will play an important role. This minor offers students the opportunity to study the growing professional field of environmental planning. The minor combines a strong scientific foundation with professional courses in planning and development and with electives from a variety of academic programs at USC. It requires 32 units. See Environmental Studies for course requirements.
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