School of Planning, Policy and Environmental Studies

Office: Washington Square Hall, Room 118
Telephone: 408-924-5450
Email: TBD
Website: TBD

Professors

Asha Weinstein Agrawal
Vincent Del Casino, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Katherine Cushing, Interim Chair and Global Studies Advisor
Shishir Mathur
Dustin Mulvaney
Rachel O’Malley
Kathrine Richardson
William Russell
Lynne A. Trulio, Undergraduate Advisor

Associate Professors

Gordon Douglas
Laureen Hom, PADM Graduate Program Coordinator
Costanza Rampini, ENVS Graduate Program Coordinator
Ahoura Zandiatashbar, GISC Program Coordinator

Assistant Professors

Sophie Kelmenson
Ayda Kianmehr
Marcel Moran GEOG/GLST Advisor

Overview

The newly established School of Planning, Policy, and Environmental Studies at San José State University (SJSU) is an interdisciplinary academic unit designed to address the complex environmental, social, and policy challenges facing the Bay Area and beyond. This innovative school integrates many interdisciplinary programs including the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies (BS ENVS), Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies (BA ENVS), Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies (BA GLST), Bachelor of Arts in Geography (BA GEOG), Master of Urban Planning (MUP), Master of Public Administration (MPA), and Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MS GISC). Taken together the degree programs and individual courses provide a cohesive curriculum that emphasizes sustainability, urban planning, policy development, and nature conservation and preservation. The school fosters collaboration across disciplines, preparing students to tackle real-world issues through a combination of analytical tools, global perspectives, and practical solutions that promote sustainable development, resilient communities, effective governance, and connectedness to nature.

By building on SJSU’s strong foundation in environmental and urban and regional studies, the new school aims to create leaders who are equipped to address pressing issues such as climate change, urbanization, affordable housing, social equity, and environmental justice. Students will benefit from a dynamic learning environment that blends academic rigor with hands-on experiences, leveraging the university’s location in Silicon Valley to engage with local communities, businesses, and government agencies. The school’s diverse range of programs ensures a well-rounded education that prepares graduates for careers in urban planning, public administration, environmental management, natural resource management, and policy analysis, all while fostering a deep commitment to social and environmental stewardship.

Programs

Undergraduate Major(s)

Undergraduate Minor(s)

Master(s)

Basic Certificate(s)

Global Citizenship Certificate

Advanced Certificate(s)

Roadmaps

Courses

Geography

Global Studies

Public Administration

Urban and Regional Planning

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