Public and Urban Affairs Degree
Environmental Policy and Planning | Urban Planning
Focus Areas
Academic Focus
Co-Curricular and Engagement
Career Development
Milestone
First Year: Explore
Academic Focus
- Meet with your academic advisor and build your academic plan
- Complete introductory coursework, including UAP 1004 and UAP 1024
- Enroll in Pathways courses aligned with your interests and consider minors such as Community Engagement and Service
- Explore potential minors or second majors
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Attend Gobblerfest and join student organizations, like SPIA Student Society, and others related to your interests
- Visit the Student Success Center for support services
- Begin exploring study abroad, such as the Sustainable Europe program or the Washington Experience
Career Development
- Develop your professional resume
- Create a Handshake account
- Attend a career exploration workshop or event and explore potential career pathways
- Complete a CliftonStrengths assessment
- Participate in career exploration activities
Milestone
- Identify initial academic interests and potential career paths
- Establish connections with faculty, peers, and the SPIA community
- Discover experiential learning opportunities that align with your interests
Middle Years: Focus and Connect
Academic Focus
- Update your academic plan with your advisor and consider 4+1 graduate school options
- Attend a college or departmental info session on research opportunities and engage in undergraduate research or a faculty-led project
- Declare a major option, minor, or second major, if applicable
- Complete upper-level coursework in Environmental Policy and Planning or Urban Planning
- Review your Degree Audit Report (DARS) and apply for your degree in Hokie Spa
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Attend SPIA Student Society events and activities
- Begin undergraduate research or join a faculty-led research project
- Pursue leadership roles within student organizations
- Engage in experiential learning through internships, research, community-engaged projects, study abroad, or the Washington Experience
- Build connections with faculty, peers, and community partners
Career Development
- Update your resume and have it reviewed; complete mock interviews
- Reach out to a VT alum for an informational interview
- Attend a career fair(s) and build your LinkedIn profile
- Plan for graduate school applications (research programs, review requirements, prepare to request letters of recommendation) or post-grad job search
- Pursue internships, research opportunities, or other professional experiences
Milestone
- Gain first professional experience
- Declare any second majors or minors
- Make a connection with a VT alum or professional in your career path
- Complete an experiential learning opportunity (internship, study abroad, research) and add to your resume
Last Year: Launch
Academic Focus
- Complete capstone coursework, including UAP 4914 and UH 4514
- Ensure all remaining degree requirements in DARS are planned and completed
- Reflect on and integrate academic, experiential, and professional learning experiences
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Continue to serve in a leadership or mentorship role
- Help plan department events or alumni panels
- Complete meaningful community-engaged or experiential learning projects
- Celebrate accomplishments and contribute to the SPIA community before graduation
Career Development
- Update resume and LinkedIn profile with experiences
- Apply to jobs, graduate programs, or fellowships
- Reflect on experiential learning and leverage it in interviews
- Complete First Destination Survey
Milestone
- Graduate with a clear plan and a professional network
- Launch into employment, graduate school, public service, or professional practice
- Engage with alumni association in your hometown
Finding
Your Future
in Public
and Urban
Affairs
Our graduates have the skills to:
- Analyze complex social, environmental, and community challenges
- Communicate effectively to diverse audiences through research, writing, and public engagement
- Develop solutions that support sustainable and thriving communities
Common job titles include:
- Project manager
- Data scientist
- Environmental planner
- Real estate developer
- Attorney
- Climate change analyst
- Development and housing director
Top Employers & Graduate Schools:
- Dominion Energy
- ICF
- Sustainable Building Partners
- HNTB
- Virginia Tech
- University of Virginia
- American University
- Ohio State University
Personalize Your Path
Every student’s path is unique. Use this resource as a guide and work with your academic advisor, faculty mentor, and career advisor to customize your experience.