A two-year program preparing for professional practice in City and Regional Planning leads to the degree of Master of Regional Planning. A program leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy prepares for careers in teaching and research. Planning courses allow students to see how the humanities and the social sciences can be applied to improving our quality of life in cities, towns, and rural areas. In this way they help students deepen their appreciation of their major field of study. Some planning courses fulfill undergraduate degree requirements such as philosophical or social sciences perspectives.
Students also take planning courses to explore city planning as a career.
City and regional planners work for a variety of public and private organizations. In the public sector they are employed by local, state, and federal governments. In the private sector they work for development companies, consulting firms, and a variety of nonprofit organizations. Although some opportunities exist for those with undergraduate degrees, a master's degree is normally required for advancement in the field. Many students want to prepare for graduate study by taking planning courses as part of their undergraduate program.