Geography Urban and Regional Planning
San Marcos, Texas, USA, United States
Bachelor of Science in Geography Urban and Regional Planning
Texas State University
Geography, Urban and Regional Planning
Program Overview: B.S. in Geography Urban and Regional Planning
The Bachelor of Science in Geography Urban and Regional Planning at Texas State University prepares students to evaluate and facilitate programs that benefit neighborhoods, communities, cities, and regions. Planning is a diverse profession that draws upon fields of knowledge and technical skills closely related to geography, giving graduates a strong analytical and spatial foundation.
Students in this program examine essential factors such as population growth, economic development, transportation, education, public services, and the environment. The curriculum combines geographic foundations with focused coursework in the design and implementation of community, city, and regional plans.
Housed within the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies — one of the largest undergraduate geography programs of its kind in the United States — students benefit from extensive faculty expertise, hands-on learning opportunities, and active student organizations such as the Student Urban Planning Organization (SUPO). Many graduates go on to work as planners in Texas and beyond.
Key Program Highlights
- One of the largest undergraduate geography departments in the United States with extensive faculty research and resources
- Hands-on learning through internships, field investigations, and community planning projects in the rapidly growing Central Texas region
- Strong geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis training integrated throughout the curriculum
- Active Student Urban Planning Organization (SUPO) offering trips, guest speakers, and volunteer opportunities
Curriculum and Modules
The B.S. in Geography Urban and Regional Planning requires a minimum of 120 semester credit hours, including 36 hours of Geography coursework and 36 advanced hours at the 3000 or 4000 level. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all Geography courses and maintain a minimum 2.50 major GPA and a 2.25 Texas State GPA. The program also requires an additional three hours of ENG 3303 with a grade of C or higher.
Introduction to Community and Regional Planning
3 Credit HoursExamines the practice, history, and development of community and regional planning in the U.S., focusing on specific methods, legal frameworks, and cultivating sustainable development.
Researching the City
3 Credit HoursCovers data collection and analysis of urban life, including the factors considered in locating industry, business, and housing within urban environments.
Cities and Urban Design
3 Credit HoursExplores the interplay of intentional and natural processes shaping urban landscapes, providing an introduction to spatial thinking and collaborative decision-making in urban planning and design.
Energy Resource Management
3 Credit HoursAn analysis of energy sources, their distribution and characteristics, and the problems associated with their use and management. Includes writing-intensive coursework.
Human Geography
3 Credit HoursIntroduces the geographical perspective with a focus on spatial distributions of human activities, investigating processes that account for cultural patterns such as population, language, religion, ethnicity, politics, and land use.
World Geography
3 Credit HoursStresses the similarities and differences of major world regions with emphasis on human behavior in a spatial context, fulfilling core curriculum requirements in social and behavioral sciences.
Prescribed Electives
Admission Requirements
Admission to the B.S. in Geography Urban and Regional Planning at Texas State University is based on academic qualifications and English language proficiency. International students should ensure all application materials are submitted well in advance of posted deadlines. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance through the application process.
Academic Requirements
- High School DiplomaCompletion of secondary education equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma with official transcripts
- English CreditsFour credits of English
- Math CreditsFour credits of Mathematics
- Science CreditsFour credits of Science
- Additional SubjectsThree credits of Social Studies, two credits of Foreign Language, one credit of Fine Arts, and one credit of Physical Education
English Language Proficiency Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score required; contact Uni4Edu for current thresholds
- IELTSAccepted; contact Uni4Edu for current minimum band score
- Duolingo English TestAccepted; contact Uni4Edu for current minimum score
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Texas State University offers multiple scholarship opportunities for students in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. The department supports over 30 scholarships annually, and international students are encouraged to apply through the university's scholarship system. Contact Uni4Edu for assistance with scholarship applications and eligibility.
Spirit of Geography Urban Planning Alumni Scholarship
Available to undergraduate Urban and Regional Planning majors with a 3.0 GPA, classified as Junior or Senior, who are active members of the American Planning Association (APA) or Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) and committed to an approved internship.
Department of Geography Scholarships
USD 500 - USD 1,000 annuallyThe department supports over 30 scholarships valued between USD 500 and USD 1,000 annually. Applications are submitted through the Bobcat Online Scholarship System (BOSS), typically with a deadline early in the spring semester.
Nonresident Tuition Competitive Scholarship Waiver
Partial tuition waiverInternational students who qualify for at least USD 1,000 in Texas State competitive or merit scholarships may receive a nonresident tuition competitive scholarship waiver, significantly reducing out-of-state costs.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Urban and regional planning is a growing field driven by demographic changes, transportation needs, and environmental challenges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for urban and regional planners was USD 83,720 in May 2024, and employment is projected to grow steadily through 2034. Many Texas State graduates are employed as planners in Texas and across the country.
Potential Career Roles
Common Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Texas State University has been steadily climbing in national rankings and is recognized as one of the top public universities in the United States. The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies is one of the largest undergraduate geography programs in the country, providing students with exceptional resources and faculty expertise.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Geography Department Size | National Recognition | One of the Largest in the U.S. |
| Princeton Review Best Colleges | Princeton Review | Top 15% of U.S. Colleges |
| Undergraduate Economics | U.S. News & World Report | #240 |
| Green College Designation | Princeton Review | Green College |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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