Bachelor of Environmental Design

Undergraduate Program Overview

At the undergraduate level, the College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) on the Boulder campus takes a broad and integrated view of design professions. Problems and opportunities faced by design professions in recent years demand a broader educational experience than the individual professions traditionally have supplied. The goal of the College is to prepare you for professional challenges by providing:

• Broad Education. Courses in the humanities, arts, natural and social sciences allow you to examine the world and contemporary culture from a variety of viewpoints.
• Hands-on Experience. CAP students learn by doing: manipulating and creating tangible, hands-on projects. From the first day of your freshman year, you’ll actively integrate knowledge from lectures and activities in your designs.
• Expert Guidance. You’ll receive guidance from the college's exceptional faculty and practicing designers in the Boulder/Denver metro area.

Lower Division

You will begin the program as a Bachelor of Environmental Design (BEnvd) student, whether you are an entering freshman, transfer, or international student. Your required core courses will introduce you to a variety of disciplines that allow you then to choose an area of emphasis.

Learn more about the lower division >>

Upper Division Areas of Concentration

Completion of the lower division core leads to entry into one of three specialized upper division emphases:

• Architecture
• Planning and Urban Design
• Design Studies

As these study options represent emerging practices in the different disciplinary fields, they may change over time. Each emphasis will prepare you for entry into the workplace or for graduate studies.

Learn more about the upper division >>

Objectives

As you complete the BEnvd program, you will acquire the skills and ability to:

• Competently and creatively design environments by using substantive and procedural knowledge
• Define environmental requirements for various human populations
• Utilize appropriate physical technologies in the planning, design, and/or management of environments
• Use appropriate verbal, graphic, and written communication skills required of design professionals.

Dual Degree (Double-Major Option)

In addition to the BEnvd degree, you may pursue a degree in another college at Boulder. Past students have received the BEnvd degree concurrently with undergraduate degrees in Business, Engineering, Journalism, Music and various programs offered in the College of Arts and Sciences. Typically, specific course requirements do not change in either program of a dual degree; however, additional hours (varying by college) may be required.

As an undergraduate student you must complete the general education requirements and the requirements for the specific emphasis area within CAP in addition to the other college’s requirements.

If you’re considering a dual degree, you’re encouraged to speak with advisors in both colleges to determine requirements and procedures for application.  To speak with a CAP advisor, contact Peggy Gordon at (303) 492-2804 or email peggy.gordon@colorado.edu.