BUD Curriculum

The main focus of the Bachelor of Urban Design program curriculum in SURP is to prepare students for a broad spectrum of careers in the private and public sectors, as well as non-profit organizations. As a discipline, urban design is situated at the intersection of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban & regional planning. The Bachelor of Urban Design (BUD) is an undergraduate degree program for professionals and pre-professionals who are interested in design of the built environment toward sustainable development at the neighborhood, community, and city scale. The program offers an "interdisciplinary approach" for students who plan to pursue a professional career in an urban discipline such as urban & regional planning, urban development policy, real estate development, municipal and planning law, as well as, design disciplines including architecture and landscape architecture at the graduate level.

The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students the option to take electives from a variety of different departments and schools. The core courses are offered in the School of Urban & Regional Planning and the School of Architecture. There are three types of core courses: lectures, studio/lab, and participation in professional seminars. All students in the Bachelor of Urban Design program must complete a minimum of 120 credits, including the following:

1. Satisfaction of all University requirements for baccalaureate degrees;
2. The last 30 upper division credits (3000/4000-level courses) must be earned in residence at FAU;
3. At least 33 credits of Urban Design Core courses;
4. At least 12 credits of Suggested Elective courses;
5. At least 15 credits of Free Elective courses; and
6. A minimum grade of “C” is required for each ARC and URP prefixed course. If a grade below “C,” such as “C-,” is earned in ARC and URP required course, the course will not count toward any portion of the 120-credit program.

The course materials taught in the core courses build upon each other. Therefore, students are highly recommended to follow the term schedules identified below. Following the term schedule is also very important in order to ensure the timely graduation of the students.

For questions pertaining to your application and admissions please contact Versel Reid at vreid@fau.edu.

For specific questions about the BUD program and its curriculum please contact Dr. Polakit, the BUD faculty coordinator, at kpolakit@fau.edu.