Urban planning and development education is an individualized process these days. No longer do you simply register at the local technical institute or college and start classes. The choices and options for training and education can be almost overwhelming and confusing. There are online courses, online certifications and degree programs. There are traditional colleges and universities.

The student today needs to look at the equation at a deeper level and ask questions: “Is it the diploma that is important and necessary for my career path?” or “Do I simply need a rigorous program that will get me in the workforce quickly?” You can find good non-accredited education for urban planners. You need to research schools and training programs the way parents and high school students look for the right college or university. There are plenty of con artists out there, on the web especially, offering less than sterling courses too. Buyer beware. Consider the following when looking for training programs:

1. Find established schools with accredited city planning education.

2. Get your urban planning classes online.

3. Look at books, resources and unique programs in urban planning.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use established colleges and schools for urban planning required education

Go to an established school for a good education, degree or certification that will hold up under scrutiny. Fully accredited schools will give you something no one can take from you.

I recommend: The University of Texas at Arlington’s SUPA offers degrees in urban planning. Rutgers has a Masters program in urban policy. Alabama A&M University addresses pressing problems in local and community economics. Look at the city and urban planning program at their website.

Take rigorous urban planning courses online

There are many fine city planning training programs online. Look for testimonials and professional looking web sites. There are as many or more low standard programs and even scams online, as well. Find the great programs by researching, asking questions and scrutinizing.

I recommend: Look at MITOpenCourseware for free class programs in urban studies and planning. This class material includes assigned reading and homework assignments--all online. The online urban development courses at Barnard College for women have the breadth and depth that comes with affiliation with Columbia University.

Find books, resources and more programs for education in urban planning

You need to do your research. Just like the high school senior looking for the right university to go to, you need to define your needs and goals and find the right school. Look at these directories and resources for more ideas.

I recommend: American Planning Association offers degrees in Planning. These degrees can be for planners in land use, economic development, urban design, housing, community empowerment, parks and recreation, and any number of urban planning related emphases. Look at the non-degree and personal enrichment courses in city planning offered by UIC. ASCE Research Library presents the book Journal of Urban Planning and Development on their website. This book covers topics such as civil engineering as it related to urban planning for area-wide transportation, coordination of layout of utilities and public works, and development and redesign of urban areas.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When it comes to online programs, formulate clear goals and needs before jumping into education in city planning courses. If you want accredited, check for accreditation. Maybe you just need a rigorous program to get you up to speed quick. Beware of urban planning courses that promise more than they can deliver. Look at testimonials and teacher credentials and backgrounds to find a good training program that meets your needs.