Online Certificate in City Planning with Training Info

City planners use their skills to solve community housing, safety, commuting and livability problems. Although online degree programs in city planning are few, certificate programs and individual Internet-based courses are available to meet the ongoing needs of professional planners and those interested in entering the field.

What Online Certificates and Training are Available in City Planning?

Certificate programs delivered entirely online are difficult to find; however, select individual courses within these programs may be offered online. Online courses are sometimes available through continuing education programs.

Online Certificates from Academic Institutions

The mission of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ASCP) is planning education, research and advocacy. ASCP publishes the Guide to Undergraduate and Graduate Education in Urban and Regional Planning which identifies over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs (www.ascp.org).
Certificate programs in urban planning and development are available to undergraduates, with some courses available online. A representative program includes 28-32 credits involving both required and elective courses. Within that framework, students may study development processes and financing, environmental planning, site analysis, historic preservation, water supply and land use management, geographic information systems/mapping, urban design and legal issues.
Graduate certificate programs in city or urban planning typically require 15 credits and are intended for those with bachelor's degrees or higher who are already working in the field. Course topics include land use law, geographic information systems, urban planning history and regional development theories.

Online Certification and Training from Professional Organizations

Members of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) meet rigorous standards of education and experience which they are required to continually pursue in order to maintain the AICP certified planner status. AICP members may pursue specialty city planner designations, such as Certified Transportation Planner and Certified Environmental Planner.
AICP sponsors interactive Web and audio conferences with expert panels and that contain supplemental readings and assignments. Web conference participation helps professional planners earn their CM requirements. Sample topics include corridor retrofitting, hazard mitigation and transportation planning.