Overview

The Urban Sustainability programme at Western Washington University offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complex challenges facing modern cities. Students explore the intersection of human society and the natural environment through the lenses of economics, history, and political science.

This degree emphasises the development of strong analytical and communication skills, preparing graduates to solve intricate problems in both natural and urban settings. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable society across the globe.

Why Urban Sustainability at Western Washington University?

Students benefit from a robust academic structure within the College of the Environment, which provides dedicated professional and faculty advisors. This support system helps students navigate graduation requirements and secure internships that align with their specific career interests.

The institution offers a unique pre-major status that allows early access to priority registration for essential classes. This ensures that students can efficiently progress through their foundational coursework while becoming part of a focused academic community dedicated to environmental excellence.

Distinctive teaching features include a mandatory capstone experience during the senior year, which involves field-based or project-based work. This culminating project allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world issues, bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 27690 per year
National fee: USD 27690 per year
Local fee: USD 8523 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Microeconomics
Sustainability and Society
Physical Geography
Human Geography
Environmental Studies: A Scientific Approach
Cities, Nature and Society
Quantitative Methods for Planning and Policy
Planning the American City
Environmental Studies I: Human Ecology and Ethics
Urbanization: Processes and Patterns
Borderlands: Resource Management
Greening Business Applications
Planning for Sustainable Communities
Environmental Communication
Environmental Impact Assessment
Science, Management and Outreach of Contaminated Sites
Environmental Risk Assessment
Oceanography of the Salish Sea
Marine Conservation

Careers with Urban Sustainability

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional roles, including positions as sustainable development consultants and urban development consultants. The programme provides a strong foundation for those seeking to work within non-profit organisations or engage in urban advocacy work.

The degree also serves as an excellent platform for students intending to pursue advanced graduate studies in professional urban programmes or social science disciplines. The skills acquired are highly valued by employers across the public and private sectors focused on environmental policy.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Understanding Environmental Data and Information

Physical Geography

Cities, Nature and Society

Urbanization: Processes and Patterns

Land Use Regulation & Technical Writing

Community Development and Participatory Methods

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-04-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-31 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bellingham, United States

Disciplines

Sustainable Development Urban Planning View 191 other Bachelors in Urban Planning in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The International Student Application for Admission
$60 non-refundable application fee
An essay that helps the Admissions Committee understand your academic goals, related experiences and/or preparatory course work, and professional goals
Official academic credentials
Evidence of English language proficiency
Statement of Financial Responsibility

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27690 USD / year

≈ 27690 USD / year
Out-of-State

27690 USD / year

≈ 27690 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8523 USD / year

≈ 8523 USD / year

Living costs

Bellingham

United States

1109 - 1684 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Urban Sustainability.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bellingham

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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