Sustainable Community Development

Sustainable Community Development at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to addressing the complex challenges facing communities today. This program emphasizes the integration of environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic vitality to foster resilient and sustainable communities. Through a combination of coursework, experiential learning, and research opportunities, students gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to lead sustainable development initiatives at local, regional, and global levels. The curriculum covers topics such as urban planning, environmental policy, community organizing, renewable energy, resource management, and social justice. Students are encouraged to engage with real-world projects, collaborate with community partners, and develop innovative solutions tailored to diverse contexts. The program is designed for those passionate about making a positive impact on society by promoting sustainable practices that balance ecological health with human well-being. Graduates of the Sustainable Community Development program are prepared for careers in public policy, non-profit organizations, urban planning agencies, environmental consulting, and sustainable business enterprises. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and a vibrant campus community, students are equipped to become leaders in creating sustainable, equitable, and thriving communities worldwide.

Students are expected to complete 16 classes for the Sustainable Community Development major, 7 of which are core classes required for all Sustainable Community Development students, regardless of their concentration. 

The Core Curriculum will broadly expose students to the theories and techniques of planning and landscape design.  Core classes prepare students to be engaged in envisioning a more socially and environmentally balanced world through both environmental design and planning.  These courses provide the academic background for understanding a wide range of cultural and ecological aspects of the built environment, past, present and future.

Of the 16 classes to fulfill the Sustainable Community Development degree requirements, 7 are Core Classes required of all Sustainable Community Development majors.

The following five Core Classes are required:

• SUSTCOMM 205       Dynamics of Human Habitation (spring semester)
• SUSTCOMM 232       Sustainable Communities (spring semester)
• SUSTCOMM 394A     Writing in Environmental Design (spring semester)
• SUSTCOMM 574       City Planning (fall semester)
• LANDARCH 547+L     Landscape Pattern and Process + Lab (fall semester)

Select two of the following three history of landscape design Core Classes:

• SUSTCOMM 140       Awareness of the Visual Environment (fall semester)
• SUSTCOMM 543       Landscape History I (fall semester)
• SUSTCOMM 544       Landscape History II (spring semester)

Concentrations

In addition to the Core Curriculum, students will select 9 classes that allow them to focus on a particular area of study within environmental design and planning.  The four areas of Concentration within the major allow students to focus on particular issues and scales of planning and design.  The areas of Concentration are: Urban Studies, Landscape Studies, Horticultural Studies, and Built Environment Studies.

Through the four concentration options, the program provides historical, theoretical, and professional perspectives from a variety of disciplines.  This curriculum enables graduates of the program to make informed and effective planning and design decisions that contribute to creating environments that are sustainable economically, environmentally and socially.

All coursework for the major (Core and Concentration classes) must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

The Courses

(All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise noted.)

• 110 Transforming Your World: Introduction to Community Engagement(SB-U gen ed) (1st sem) 4 cr
• 125 Global Cities and Global Issues (SB-G gen ed) (2nd sem) 4 cr
• 140 Awareness of the Visual Environment (AT gen ed) (1st sem) 4 cr
• 191SUST1 FYS- From the Ground up: Planning & Building Sustainable Communities (1cr)
• 195A Transforming Your World: Intro to Community Engagement (1st sem)
• 197A Intro to the Planning & Design of a Sustainable World (2nd sem)
• 205 Dynamics of Human Habitation (I-U gen ed) (2nd sem + summer on-line) 4 cr
• 297L Special Topics- Visual Communication: Design Principles & Digital Skills 3 cr
• 335 Plants in the Landscape (1st sem) 4 cr
• 394A Writing in Environmental Design and Landscape Architecture (2nd sem)
• 394RI Research Issues in Environmental Planning & Design (1st sem)
• 543 Landscape History and Theory I (AT gen ed) (1st sem) 4 cr
• 544 Landscape History and Theory II (2nd sem)
• 574 City Planning (1st sem)
• 577 Urban Policies (1st sem)
• 591A The Roots and Branches of the 20th/21st Century (2nd sem)
• 591B Sustainable Cities (2nd sem)
• 591G Seminar- Urban Greening Theory & Practice (1st sem)
• 591M Planning for Industrial Development (1st sem)
• 592D Intro to Urban Design (1st sem)
• 597A Computers in Environmental Design (2nd sem)

• Application Fee
• Official High School Transcript or Secondary School Exams
• Secondary School Exams
• Official SAT or ACT score report
• Academic Letter of Recommendation
• TOEFL: A minimum composite TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL with minimum of 17 on each subscore (code #3917)
• IELTS: A minimum composite IELTS score of 6.5 on the academic test with minimum of 6.0 on each subscore
• A note on financial and visa information: Applicants needing an F-1 student visa will receive email instructions on how to submit their financial documents after an offer of admission has been made.  For more about finances and visa processing for international students please see this page.  If you are currently living in the United States and believe your visa status will qualify you as a domestic student, please be sure to include your U.S. visa information in the "Geography and Citizenship" section of the Common Application.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst offers a range of financial aid options to support students pursuing the Sustainable Community Development program. Undergraduate students can access federal and state grants, such as the Pell Grant and Massachusetts state aid programs, which do not require repayment and are awarded based on financial need. Additionally, students have the opportunity to apply for federal student loans, including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, which provide low-interest financing options for eligible students. The university also administers institutional scholarships and merit-based awards that recognize academic achievement, leadership qualities, and commitment to sustainable development principles. Graduate students enrolled in related programs may qualify for Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, or Fellowships that provide tuition remission and stipends to support their academic pursuits. Outside funding sources, such as private scholarships and external grants, are also encouraged and can supplement institutional aid. The university's Office of Financial Aid assists students in navigating application processes and determining eligibility for various financial support options. For international students, there are specific scholarship opportunities and private loan options, though eligibility varies. The cost of attendance includes tuition, mandatory fees, and living expenses, with the university offering payment plans to facilitate manageable payments over the academic year. It is recommended that students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine their eligibility for federal aid programs. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore employment opportunities on campus, which can provide additional income to support their studies. While exact figures for the Sustainable Community Development program's specific financing options are not publicly detailed, students pursuing related degrees at UMass Amherst can expect a comprehensive support system designed to make education affordable and accessible. Overall, the program benefits from a robust framework of financial aid options aimed at reducing financial barriers and enabling students to focus on their academic and professional development in sustainable community development.

The Sustainable Community Development program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is designed to prepare students to address complex social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by communities today. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining knowledge from fields such as environmental science, sociology, public policy, urban planning, and economics to foster sustainable practices and equitable development. The program aims to equip students with practical skills and theoretical understanding necessary for creating resilient and inclusive communities. Students engage in coursework that covers topics including sustainable resource management, community engagement, policy analysis, environmental justice, and development planning. The program also encourages experiential learning through fieldwork, internships, and community projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Graduates from this program are prepared for careers in non-profit organizations, government agencies, planning departments, and private sector firms that focus on sustainability initiatives. The curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and leadership skills essential for implementing sustainable development projects. Students may have opportunities to participate in research centers or centers dedicated to sustainable development at UMass Amherst, further enriching their educational experience. The program also emphasizes the importance of cultural competency and ethical considerations in community development work. Overall, the Sustainable Community Development program aims to produce graduates who are capable of making meaningful contributions to creating sustainable, just, and vibrant communities locally and globally.