Online Urban Planning Degrees: Information by Degree Level

Urban planners deal with the development, growth, revitalization and rehabilitation of communities. Concentrating on the most efficient use of land and buildings, they work with civic leaders and land developers to study and make recommendations about new construction, conservation, codes and other issues of land-use, in regard to public and private needs. Online degree programs in urban planning are rare; however, one may find education as part of a master's program in strategic planning.

Online Urban Planning Education at the Master's Degree Level

One option for graduates with a bachelor's degree in urban planning looking to further their education online is an online master's degree program in strategic planning. Combining strategic planning with systems theory, this program can focus on learning and analyzing the risks inherent in many infrastructures. Students learn to plan appropriate responses to natural disasters or attacks that affect infrastructures and develop strategies of resilience..
For admission to this program, students are required to hold an undergraduate degree in an appropriate field, such as urban planning, geography, economics, environmental design, civil engineering or architecture. Prerequisite courses may include microeconomics, statistics, government and environmental systems. Incoming students should be capable in college-level mathematics, as well as have training in geographical information system (GIS) and be computer literate in programs such as MS Word and MS Excel. A resume and a number of letters of recommendation are often required.

Program Information and Requirements

Generally, students proceed through the courses as a class or cohort. Conducted entirely online, in most cases the program is delivered by way of a combination of printed matter, recordings, and graphics in combination with such interactive elements as discussion groups. Learning management systems, such as Blackboard, are also often employed. Following the completion of prerequisite courses, students usually can complete all degree requirements in two years.
Students must have a computer with a CD-ROM player and Internet access. It must be capable of running a version of Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator sufficient to meet the program's demands. In some cases a university may require students to have a computer account at the school.

Common Courses

Core courses in this online program are often geared toward problem or threat analysis and solution. Depending on an individual's experience in the field, some prerequisite courses may be waived.

Strategic Planning and Analysis Course

Students are trained in political and organizational considerations of the management of public service systems. Studying the real nature and functions of an organization, they develop a systems approach to thinking and dynamic planning that leads to problem solving.

Geospatial Analysis Course

This course goes into the practical application of GIS in order to identify and answer questions dealing with the efficient, practical and sound use of space. Special attention is given to strategic planning, hazard control and risk management.

Continuity Planning Course

Students are introduced to safety procedures and policies that ensure an organization can survive a disaster and continue operating. Among the specifics emphasized are crisis management, business impact analysis, contingency planning and risk reduction.

Transportation Course

Treating transportation as a critical part of the infrastructure, students study all systems that move people and material on land, water and in the air. Policies and methodologies are examined with an eye toward making the various transport systems more efficient.

Communication Systems Course

Emphasizing telecommunications and computer operations in their relationship with other infrastructure systems, vulnerabilities are thoroughly examined. The potential of damage by way of cyberterrorism, computer hacking and environmental terrorism is analyzed and preventative measures developed.

Career Information for Graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), employment prospects for urban planners are expected to increase at a faster rate than the average for all other occupations. The BLS projects that from 2008-2018 urban planning jobs will grow by 19%. As the population increases, urban and regional planners will find jobs in government and the private sector working with architects, surveyors, civil engineers, environmental engineers, community associations and land developers. In May 2010, PayScale.com reported an average salary of $54,042 for urban planners.

Continuing Education Information

Although entry-level jobs are open to individuals with a bachelor's degree in urban planning, civil engineering, public administration or architecture, most positions call for a master's degree. Graduate students usually take courses in related areas such as geography, demography, architecture and earth sciences in order to advance in the field.
Non-degree professional development courses are available online through various programs, including OpenCourseWare.
A doctorate in urban planning is required if the individual is interested in pursuing research into the issues, philosophies and principles of urban development. These are available as on-campus programs.
Although voluntary, certification in urban planning is available to individuals who meet educational and work experience criteria and pass the required examination. Granted by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) of the American Planning Association (APA), the designation Certified Planner (CP) enhances an individual's employment and advancement opportunities.
The AICP also offers the advanced specialty certifications Certified Environmental Planner and Certified Transportation Planner. A certification maintenance program enables planners to remain current with the advances in the profession and ensures certification renewal.
Further educational programs offered by the APA include national planning conferences, live audio and web conferences, planners training service workshops and self-directed study options available on CD-ROMs.