The Central Valley's only Bachelor of Science degree program in city and regional planning is offered through the University, effective fall 2017 semester.

The new program, which replaces an option within the geography major that has been offered since 2014, will require completion of 120 units (including 42 units in major requirements).

The University received strong community support from regional planners, city officials and corporations like PG&E, as well as scholarship funds donated by McCaffrey Homes, Bonadelle Homes, Granville Homes, Penstar Group and Silkwood Ventures.

The Geography and City and Regional Planning Department partnered with McCaffrey Homes to provide students with hands-on experience in design and infrastructure through a case study class on the Tesoro Viejo development, a 1,600-acre site at the foot of Little Table Mountain.

Students will learn about the community designed to be a vibrant hub for southeast Madera County with housing and business opportunities, a walkable town center with an open-air plaza, thriving industry and neighborhood parks and schools.

“We commend the efforts of Fresno State to deliver a city and regional planning degree program that will go far in serving the needs of our region,” said Brent McCaffrey, president of McCaffrey Homes. “We are thrilled to invest in the higher education of students in an area that is of critical importance for the future of our community.”