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Degrees and Schools
Numerous colleges and universities offer master's degrees in urban planning or regional planning and some offer a bachelor's degree in the subject. The Planning Accreditation Board provides accreditation for these programs. Master's degrees are also available in city planning, community planning and environmental planning.
Most college and university planning departments provide specializations in subjects such as community development and redevelopment, transportation planning, land-use or code enforcement, urban design, environmental and natural resources planning and economic planing and development.
The American Institute of Certified Planners provides certification to those who have the appropriate combination of professional experience and education and pass an examination.
Classes
Students typically study the following subjects:
- Design and development
- Community development and housing
- Regional development
- Environmental analysis and policy
- Transportation policy and planning
- Statistics
- Economics
- Demography
Online Classes and Programs
Online master's degrees in urban planning are rare, however some online master's degree programs in urban studies may have a significant urban planning component.
Employment Requirements
Most entry-level positions in local, state and federal government agencies require a master's degree in urban planning or regional planning from an accredited program or a master's degree in a related field such as environmentally planning, urban design or geography. Those who have a bachelor's degree in urban planning may qualify for some entry-level jobs.
Local governments are the primary employers of urban and regional planners. Companies that provide architectural, engineering and related services and companies that provide management, scientific and technical consulting services are also significant employers.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
The answers to the following questions can help students select the appropriate school:
- Training - Does the program provide a substantial amount of hands-on training? Does the program include an externship?
- School's Reputation - Is the school recognized for an urban planning or regional planning program?
- Job Placement - Does the school provide job placement services? Do employers of urban and regional planners visit the school to recruit students?
- Curriculum - What type of electives are offered? Can students choose an area of specialization?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school qualified to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Is the school accredited by an agency which has been approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?
Urban and Regional Planners Job Description
Urban and regional planners offer recommendations to local officials regarding the best locations for building new roads, schools and other types of structures. They also provide suggestions for optimizing the benefits and minimizing any potentially negative effects of construction projects on the community, the environment and the economy. They promote the best use of a community's resources and land for commercial, residential, institutional and recreational purposes.
Urban and regional planners have the task of balancing the present and future needs of the community when making recommendations. They address the evolving economic, environmental and social health issues of a community.
Shown below are some of their responsibilities:
- Gather and analyze data on social, economic, physical factors and regulations affecting land use
- Recommend approval or denial or conditional approval of proposals
- Develop or requisition graphic and narrative reports on land use data
- Hold public meetings to formulate, develop or address issues about community plans and land use
- Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects
- Determine the effects of regulatory limitations on projects
- Evaluate the feasibility of proposals and suggest changes if appropriate
- Stay current on legal and economic issues involved in building codes, zoning codes and environmental regulations
Resources
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