Are you interested in climate justice? Are you interested in inclusive economic development and social justice? Do you want to preserve the beauty in cities and create ecologically sustainable cities? Those are some of the goals you can learn to achieve when you major in Landscape and Urban Studies. You will learn to integrate the biological, physical, and social sciences; humanities; arts; and technology to develop the skills that will help you play an important role in creating a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The major provides students opportunities to specialize in Culture, Health and Community; Restoration and Ecological Design; or Urban Studies. The major also provides students opportunities to explore the design and planning professions. Students who graduate from the major are prepared for starting positions in public or private agencies that oversee conservation, land management, cultural landscape conservation, and planning or for continuing on to graduate school, in particular, professionally accredited programs in Landscape Architecture, Planning, or Environmental Studies. This is the major for people who care about the natural world and human creation by understanding cultural and natural resource protection, green infrastructure, social equity, and policy, and more.
The Landscape and Urban Studies major mixes traditional learning with community-based learning in and out of the classroom. Students are encouraged to take opportunities that supplement classroom learning by engaging in research, study abroad, internships, student clubs, and community interactions. The major engages students in exploring people-place, culture-nature phenomena and how they might, in their professional and personal lives, apply continuous learning to the planning of environments that benefit people, cultures, and the environment at the local, state, national, and global levels.
How to Get in
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, visit Advising & Careers. |
| Courses required to get in | None |
| GPA requirements to get in | None |
| Credits required to get in | None |
| Other | None |
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. Some courses satisfy more than one L&S degree requirement (visit College of Letters & Science: Requirements for details).
This major can be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
| Communication | Complete both:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Complete both:
|
| Ethnic Studies | one 3+ credit course with the Ethnic Studies designation |
| Language | the third unit of a language other than English |
| Mathematics | Complete two courses of 3+ credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level in MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT subjects. A maximum of one course in each of COMP SCI and STAT subjects counts toward this requirement. |
| L&S Breadth: Humanities | Complete 12 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation, which must include at least 6 credits with the Literature designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Social Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Social Science designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Natural Sciences | Complete 12 credits, which must include both:
|
| Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) Coursework | at least 108 credits |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework | at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | at least 120 credits |
| UW-Madison Experience |
|
| Quality of Work |
|
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their School/College to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
Students interested in the major are required to complete a set of introductory courses, breadth in the major under three categories: Biological and Physical Environment, Social and Cultural Studies and Technology and 18 credits of electives (see an Advisor and the Advising tab for recommended focused elective sets).
Landscape and Urban Studies majors must complete at least 48 credits in the major, including the following:
Introductory Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAND ARC 211 | Shaping the Built Environment | 3 |
| URB R PL 215 | Welcome to Your Urban Future | 3 |
| LAND ARC 250 | Survey of Landscape Architecture Design | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Biological and Physical Environment
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete two courses from: | 6-9 | |
| Survey of Botany | ||
| General Botany | ||
| Introductory Ecology | ||
| General Ecology | ||
| Environmental Biogeography | ||
| Conservation and Climate Change - Local to International Strategies | ||
| Plants and Human Wellbeing | ||
| Soil: Ecosystem and Resource | ||
or SOIL SCI 301 | General Soil Science | |
| Total Credits | 6-9 | |
Social and Cultural Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete two courses from: | 6-7 | |
| History of American Vernacular Architecture and Landscapes | ||
| Person and Environment Interactions | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
or ECON 111 | Principles of Economics-Accelerated Treatment | |
| Urban and Regional Economics | ||
| Introduction to Human Geography | ||
| Global Environmental Issues | ||
| American Environmental History | ||
| Earth Partnership Restoration Education: Indigenous Arts & Sciences | ||
| Earth Partnership Indigenous Arts and Sciences | ||
| History of Landscape Architecture | ||
| Earth Partnership: Restoration Education for Equity and Resilience | ||
| Mindfulness in Restorative Environments | ||
| Dimensions of Material Culture | ||
| Latino Urbanism: Design and Engagement in the American City | ||
| Indigenous Foodways: Food and Seed Sovereignty | ||
| Introduction to American Politics and Government | ||
| Introduction to Community and Environmental Sociology | ||
| Urban and Regional Economics | ||
| Evolution of American Planning | ||
| Evidence-Based Policy Making | ||
| Analytic Tools for Public Policy | ||
| Total Credits | 6-7 | |
Technology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete two courses from: | 6-8 | |
| Introduction to Design Frameworks and Spatial Technologies | ||
| An Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Advanced Visual Communication in Landscape Architecture | ||
| Geodesign Methods and Applications | ||
| Applications of Geographic Information Systems in Planning | ||
| Applications of Geographic Information Systems in Natural Resources | ||
| Total Credits | 6-8 | |
Capstone
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one course from: | 3 | |
| Restoration Ecology | ||
| Landscape and Urban Studies Capstone | ||
| Site Planning | ||
| Urban Design: Theory and Practice | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Electives 1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 18 credits, chosen from: | 18 | |
| Grassland Ecology | ||
| Archaeology of Wisconsin | ||
or AMER IND 250 | Indians of Wisconsin | |
| Poverty and Place | ||
| Ethnobotany | ||
| History of American Vernacular Architecture and Landscapes | ||
| Dimensions of Material Culture | ||
| Plant Systematics | ||
or BOTANY 401 | Vascular Flora of Wisconsin | |
| The Vegetation of Wisconsin | ||
| Person and Environment Interactions | ||
| Extinction of Species | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| People, Land and Food: Comparative Study of Agriculture Systems | ||
or GEOG 501 | Space and Place: A Geography of Experience | |
| Introduction to the City | ||
| People, Wildlife and Landscapes | ||
or GEOG 301 | Revolutions and Social Change | |
| US Environmental Policy and Regulation | ||
| American Environmental History | ||
| Introduction to Landscape Architecture Design Studio | ||
| Environment and Behavior Studio - Designing Health Promoting Environments | ||
| Earth Partnership Restoration Education: Indigenous Arts & Sciences | ||
| Wetlands Ecology | ||
| Earth Partnership: Restoration Education for Equity and Resilience | ||
| Mindfulness in Restorative Environments | ||
| Latino Urbanism: Design and Engagement in the American City | ||
| Prescribed Fire: Ecology and Implementation | ||
| Restoration Ecology | ||
| Indigenous Foodways: Food and Seed Sovereignty | ||
| The Real Estate Process | ||
| Urban and Regional Economics | ||
| Soil Biology | ||
| Marketplaces and Entrepreneurship | ||
| Government and Natural Resources | ||
| Gentrification and Urban Restructuring | ||
| Transportation and the Built Environment | ||
| Climate Action Planning: Sustainable Transportation | ||
| Site Planning | ||
| Urban Design: Theory and Practice | ||
| Community Development | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Residence & Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all LAND ARC and URB R PL courses and courses that count toward the major
- 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level credits, taken in Residence
- 15 combined credits in LAND ARC and URB PL, taken on the UW–Madison campus
Footnotes
- 1
See an Advisor and the Advising tab for recommended focused elective sets
- 2
Intermediate and Advanced level courses accepted in the major are Upper Level
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate competence and critical judgment in creatively applying the intellectual and technical skills necessary for site and landscape-scale natural and cultural resource conservation, planning, and management; these skills include cultural, historical and landscape literacy, data collection and analysis, spatial and temporal analysis, multidisciplinary problem-solving approaches and communication skills.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to explore ideas and synthesize information, both independently and in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members.
- Understand, apply and evaluate the principles, theories and research findings underlying at least one of the following advising pathways, Ecological Restoration and Design; Culture, Health, and Community; and Urban Studies.
- Integrate social, cultural, ecological and technological dimensions in solving design and planning problems concerning the conservation or management of sustainable natural and cultural landscapes.
- Be able to perform as a member of a public, private or non-profits office or agency in the fields represented within the department.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| LAND ARC 250 or 260 | 3 | LAND ARC 211 | 3 |
| Communications A | 3 | URB R PL 215 | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 | Biological or Physical Environment (major requirement) | 4 |
| Language (if required) | 4 | Ethnic Studies (complete within your first 60 credits) | 3 |
| Physical Science Breadth | 3 | Quantitative Reasoning B | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Major Elective | 3 | Major Elective | 3 |
| Communications B | 3 | Biological and Physical Environment (major requirement) | 3 |
| Social and Cultural Studies (major requirement) | 3 | Social and Cultural Studies (major requirement) | 3 |
| Literature Breadth | 3 | Literature Breadth | 3 |
| INTER-LS 210 | 1 | Electives | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Technology (major requirement) | 3 | Technology (major requirement) | 3 |
| Biological and Physical Environment (major requirement) | 3 | Biological and Physical Environment (major requirement) | 3 |
| Major elective | 3 | Major elective | 3 |
| L&S electives | 6 | L&S electives | 6 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| L&S elective | 9 | Capstone (major requirement) | 3 |
| Major elective | 6 | Electives | 9 |
| 15 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Advising and Careers
Declare or Cancel This Major
Students enrolled in the Landscape and Urban Studies major have three opportunities for advising:
- The undergraduate academic advising manager assists with general questions about registration, student assistance, and progress in meeting major requirements.
- Students may choose a faculty advisor to assist with guidance specific to the curriculum (e.g. coursework, internships, research) and career opportunities.
- SuccessWorks offers advice on career paths, networking, and job search preparation.
Study Abroad
Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu
As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students
Resources and Scholarships
Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowship
The Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowships support undergraduate research done in collaboration with UW–Madison faculty or research/instructional academic staff. Approximately 100 Hilldale awards are available each year. The student researcher receives $3,000, and faculty/staff research advisor receives $1,000 to help offset research costs (e.g., supplies, faculty or student travel related to the project).
Holstrom Environmental Research Fellowship
The Holstrom Environmental Research Fellowship supports undergraduate research done in collaboration with UW–Madison faculty or research/instructional academic staff. Research proposals must have an environmental focus, and applicants must have at least junior standing at the time of application.
Undergraduate Symposium
The annual Undergraduate Symposium showcases undergraduate creativity, achievement, research, service-learning and community-based research from all areas of study at UW–Madison, including the humanities, fine arts, biological sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences.
Undergraduate Research Scholars
The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program is dedicated to enhancing the academic experience of UW–Madison students by providing first- and second-year undergraduates with opportunities to earn credit for participating in the research and creative work with UW–Madison faculty and staff. The program has been designed to include partnerships between students and mentors, seminars on research-relevant issues, and practice in research/artistic presentations. The many benefits of the program are found in the fluid interaction between these activities.
Wisconsin Idea Fellowships
Wisconsin Idea Fellowships are awarded annually to undergraduate student projects working towards solving a challenge identified along with local or global community partner. Fellowships are awarded to semester-long or year-long projects designed by an undergraduate student (or group of students) in collaboration with a community organization and a UW–Madison faculty or academic staff member.