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Cities, Regions, Planning (BES)

We live in an urban world. Cities and city-regions around the globe face pressing social and environmental challenges linked to the climate crisis, emerging infectious disease, global displacement and migration, and deepening inequalities and racial divides. But cities are also the places where solutions to these problems can be found.

In Cities, Regions, Planning, you learn to apply inclusive and sustainable planning interventions, consulting skills, governance and political procedures and activist tools to manage urban growth (and decline), provide infrastructure, integrate newcomers, and mitigate environmental impacts. 

4 years of study

Bachelor in Environmental Studies (BES)

Offered full time and part time

Accepts applications for Fall (September), Winter (January), & Summer (May) Entry

Co-op available

Program Overview

The CRP program provides an innovative and intellectually stimulating curriculum that includes courses covering some of the most pressing themes and urban challenges of the 21st century from local and global perspectives. You have a variety of options on the types of degrees you wish to pursue. For example, you may wish to complete a 90-credit Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) which typically takes three years to finish, or a 120-credit degree (Honours BES or Specialized Honours BES) which typically takes four years to complete. You have several choices on how to complete the Honours BES program; for instance, you can double major or major/minor in two different programs.

Learn More

Topic of study includes:

  • Processes of urbanization and city life
  • The regional composition of the global economy
  • Planning theory and practice
  • Urban and regional planning
  • Urban infrastructures and mobility
  • Urban health and pandemic preparedness
  • Suburbanization, growth control and conservation
  • Digital worlds and urban futures
  • Urban care
  • Urban analytics and geomatics
  • Urban wildlife and habitats
  • Urban risk and resilience
  • Public participation in planning and governance
  • Urban inequalities, gentrification and segregation
  • Urban ecologies
  • Communities and urban life

Program Curriculum

Our programs offer you a flexible and individualized approach to your studies. Customize your degree for your future - choose to complete a 3-year or 4-year degree, add optional pathways to your study plan, including double majors & minors, specialized certificates, add on a master’s degree to your time at York U, or choose from a variety of elective course options.

One year in the program equals 30 credits per year over the fall, winter, and summer semesters. To understand what year you are in, total up your successfully completed credits.

Humanities Requirement – 6.00 Credits:

ENVS 1010 3.00 Introduction to Environmental Documentaries and ENVS 1100 3.00 The land we’re on: Treaties, art and environment or any other 1000-level humanities general education course (at least 6 credits) not listed as either satisfying the Social Science or the Natural Science requirement.

Social Sciences requirement - 6.00 Credits:

GEOG 1000 6.00 The World Today: An Introduction to World Geography or any other 1000-level social sciences general education course (at least 6 credits) not listed as either satisfying the Humanities or the Natural Science requirement.

Natural Sciences requirement - 6.00 Credits:

GEOG 1401 3.0 Physical Geography: Weather and Climate and GEOG 1402 3.0 Physical Geography: Dynamic Earth or any other 1000-level natural science general education course (at least 6.00 credits) not listed as either satisfying the Humanities or the Social Science requirement.

ENVS 1210 3.00 Cities, regions and planning in a globalized world 

Free Electives: 9.00  

One year in the program equals 30 credits per year over the fall, winter, and summer semesters. To understand what year you are in, total up your successfully completed credits.

Humanities Requirement – 6.00 Credits:

ENVS 1010 3.00 Introduction to Environmental Documentaries and ENVS 1100 3.00 The land we’re on: Treaties, art and environment or any other 1000-level humanities general education course (at least 6 credits) not listed as either satisfying the Social Science or the Natural Science requirement.

Social Sciences requirement - 6.00 Credits:

GEOG 1000 6.00 The World Today: An Introduction to World Geography or any other 1000-level social sciences general education course (at least 6 credits) not listed as either satisfying the Humanities or the Natural Science requirement.

Natural Sciences requirement - 6.00 Credits:

GEOG 1401 3.0 Physical Geography: Weather and Climate and GEOG 1402 3.0 Physical Geography: Dynamic Earth or any other 1000-level natural science general education course (at least 6.00 credits) not listed as either satisfying the Humanities or the Social Science requirement.

ENVS 1210 3.00 Cities, regions and planning in a globalized world 

Free Electives: 9.00 Credits

This list of General Education Courses contains some of the options that can be used to meet your general education requirements. The courses in green are offered within the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. The remaining courses are offered within a different faculty at York and may require students to gain permission from that faculty or department. Please note that not all of the courses will be available every year and in every term, make sure to consult the York U Course Website to learn more.

As part of your degree, you may want to add one of 2 certificates that are offered within EUC. Adding a certificate will provide you with additional knowledge and skills-sets to help level up and accelerate your career. Learn more about adding either the Certificate in Climate Solutions and Sustainable Energy or the Certificate in Geomatics: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing or set up an appointment with your Academic Advisor to learn more.

Want to complete an undergrad AND a masters in 5 years? Check out our 3+2 program to learn more and set up an appointment with your Academic Advisor to see if you meet the requirements.

Do you want to become a teacher? Check out the Direct Entry Bed program and complete two university degrees at the same time to become a qualified teacher in Ontario.

Lastly, you may want to add a Double Major or Minor to your program to increase your learning while completing your degree. Check out the Academic Calendar to see what’s on offer and consult with your Academic Advisor to learn more about the requirements and next steps.

Career Path

With increased urbanization around the world, the need to address issues within cities including those of equity, sustainability, policy, and environment are at the forefront of many governments, businesses, and organizations.  Along with the development of practical, hands-on experiences, you will hone in-demand skills in critical thinking, communication, project management and coordination.  Our graduates are working in both the public and private sector in a variety of fields including government, business, land use planning, policy, non-profit, and transportation.

To help you succeed, our Experiential Education Coordinator provides a variety of career support services to our students including resume help, interview prep, and career planning workshops, and maintains an exclusive job board just for our students.

Sample Career

  • Urban, Land Use or Transportation Planner
  • Policy Advisor and Consultant
  • LEED Technical Coordinator
  • Transit Supervisor or Manager
  • Permits and Approvals Coordinator
  • Environmental Manager
  • Planning and Space Assessor
  • Researchers
  • Teaching
  • Real estate professional

The Official Cities, Regions, Planning Playlist

Have you ever wondered... which songs represent #YorkUEUC programs the best? Listen to The Official Cities, Regions, Planning Playlist 🎶

Testimonials

Ready to turn your passion into a profession? At EUC, our students and alumni are channeling their passion for the environment and social justice into meaningful careers that drive positive change. From hands-on learning experiences to real-world research projects, discover how EUC is empowering the next generation of changemakers. Hear their stories and get a glimpse of the exciting path that could await you!

Discover More

Key Contact Information

NameTitle ExtensionOffice No.Email
Teresa AbbruzzeseAssistant Professor; Cities, Regions, Planning Coordinator; Urban Studies Program Coordinator77792Ross Building, S703euccrp@yorku.ca
Brittany GiglioRecruitment & Admission Officer22671HNES 125eucapply@yorku.ca
OSAS TeamOSAS Team33510HNES 137BEUAdvise@yorku.ca