Undergraduate
Welcome to VT SPIA Undergraduate Programs!
Have you ever wondered what it takes to design better cities, shape sustainable communities, or create policies that protect our environment? Whether you are drawn to the cutting-edge technology of smart infrastructure or the critical legal frameworks of environmental protection, we don't just study these challenges, we build the tools and cultivate the leadership to provide solutions.
Our program is unique for the many ways you can learn through experience. Study abroad in Europe, take courses in Washington, D.C.,and connect with community clients while graduating with Honors in studio classes. We also offer three different accelerated 4+1 graduate programs — BA/MPA, BA/MPIA and BA/MURP — that allow you to pursue advanced studies as an extension to your undergraduate experience. From community engagement to access to employers, VT SPIA positions you to have real-world impact from day 1.
As part of a Bachelor of Arts in Public and Urban Affairs (PUA), we offer two exciting majors that offer a direct path to meaningful impact:
MAJOR IN
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY & PLANNING
Cultivate the skills to guide communities, organizations, and governments toward more sustainable futures. In this major, you’ll study:
- Environmental policy and law — how decisions are made about land, water, and resources
- Community and land-use planning — designing healthier, more sustainable places to live
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) — mapping and analyzing data to solve real-world problems
MAJOR IN
URBAN PLANNING
Gain hands-on experience creating solutions that make cities smarter, more connected, and more resilient. In this major, you’ll explore:
- Urban analytics and data visualization — using information to understand how cities grow and change
- Smart technology and infrastructure — from transportation systems to energy-efficient design
- Sustainable urban development — balancing growth with environmental and social responsibility
Prepare for an Impactful Career
Students majoring in Environmental Policy and Planning and Urban Planning gain a wide range of skills inside and outside the classroom, equipping them to thrive in their dream careers. Our graduates go on to careers in:
- City and regional planning
- Environmental consulting and nonprofits
- Real estate development
- Local, state and federal government
- Engineering and data-driven planning consulting firms
Our Community
Our faculty are deeply committed to your success, offering the kind of one-on-one mentorship that allows your classroom experience to translate to the field. You’ll be guided by a team of experts, researchers, and practitioners who are dedicated to impactful research. At SPIA, you will belong to a community that spans three different programs that comprises experts and leaders of all aspects of public service:
-
Bio Item
Ralph Buehler , bioProfessor, Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (UAP) | Office: Arlington, Room 6-012 | Email: ralphbu@vt.edu |
-
Bio Item
Maggie Cowell , bioAssociate Professor, Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (UEPP) | Office: Arlington, Room 6-018 | Email: mmcowell@vt.edu |
-
Bio Item
Stephanie Davis , bioCollegiate Associate Professor, Center for Public Administration & Policy (CPAP) | Office: Major Williams, Room 239, Blacksburg | Email: sddavis@vt.edu | Phone: (540)-231-3438
-
Bio Item
Adrienne Edisis , bioAssistant Professor, Center for Public Administration & Policy (CPAP) | Office: Arlington, Room 6-034 | Email: aedisis@vt.edu |
-
Bio Item
Todd Schenk , bioChair and Associate Professor of Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning (UEPP) | Director of Science, Technology & Engineering in Policy (STEP) Program | Affiliated Faculty, Global Change Center (GCC) and Fralin Life Sciences Institute | Office: Blacksburg | Email: tschenk@vt.edu | Phone: (540)-231-1803
-
Bio Item
Paroma Wagle , bioAssistant Professor, Urban Affairs and Planning (UAP) | Office: Architecture Annex, Room 201, Blacksburg | Email: paroma@vt.edu
-
Bio Item
Dara Wald , bioAssociate Professor, Urban Affairs and Planning (UAP) | Office: Steger Hall, Room 263B, Blacksburg | Email: dwald@vt.edu | Phone: (540)-231-7714
-
Bio Item
Diane Zahm , bioAssociate Professor, Urban Affairs and Planning (UAP) | Office: Major Williams, Room 213 Blacksburg | Email: dzahm@vt.edu
-
Bio Item
Yang Zhang , bioAssociate Professor, Urban Affairs and Planning (UAP) | Office: Architecture Annex, Room 214, Blacksburg | Email: yang08@vt.edu | Phone: (540)-231-1128
The SPIA Student Society was formed in October 2020 to foster a sense of community among SPIA students as well as to provide networking and career opportunities. Learn more about the SPIA Student Society here.
-
Bio Item
Nick Armitage , bioBachelor of Arts in Smart and Sustainable Cities
-
Bio Item
Meredith Beavers , bioBachelor of Arts in Smart and Sustainable Cities
Thinking of applying? Talk to us!
We highly value offering a tailored educational experience. Our undergraduate advisors will be able to answer any questions you may have about the degree and whether it meets your professional and academic needs. They can also guide you through the application process.
"If you’d like to chat about which major might be right for you, I’d be glad to connect—just reach out to me. We’d love to see you at Virginia Tech, building smarter, more sustainable communities."
- Steve Hankey, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies
Have any questions or need assistance? Please feel free to reach out to SPIA's dedicated Undergraduate Academic Advisor.
-
Bio Item
Steve Hankey , bioAssociate Professor, Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (UEPP) | Office: Major Williams, Room 235, Blacksburg | Email: hankey@vt.edu | Phone: (540)-231-7508
-
Bio Item
Chris LaPlante , bioUndergraduate Academic Advisor
ACCELERATE YOUR ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL CAREER
SPIA offers three different options for highly motivated undergraduates to pursue a BA + Accelerated Master's (4+1) with an additional year of study:
