How Do You Become A City Planner?
Urban and regional planners work to determine the short and long-term plans for growth and development in a community, and because most are employed by local municipal governments, they are often referred to as city planners. To become a city planner, you need to hold an advanced degree in a relevant discipline and have some experience in the field. Because the demand for city planners is growing more rapidly than most occupations, becoming a city planner is an exciting and attractive possibility for individuals interested in community development and local civic engagement. • Obtain a degree in city planning (you may also have a master’s degree in a related field, such as urban design or urban geography). • Some undergraduate programs in urban planning do exist, but be aware that you will need to hold a master’s degree for most city planning jobs and for advancement opportunities. • Check the accreditation of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, which differs by country. In the
• Obtain a degree in city planning (you may also have a master’s degree in a related field, such as urban design or urban geography). • Some undergraduate programs in urban planning do exist, but be aware that you will need to hold a master’s degree for most city planning jobs and for advancement opportunities. • Check the accreditation of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, which differs by country. In the United States, accreditation is granted by the Planning Accreditation Board. • Many schools allow you to choose a specialization in an area such as land use, environmental planning, economic development, transportation or housing. • Whether you enroll in a planning program or a related area of study, consider taking additional courses in law, finance, public administration and economics where available. • Admittance to master’s programs in city planning is granted to individuals from a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds. If you are enrolling in an undergraduate program
