Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor's Degree in City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning

This four-year bachelor's degree teaches how to plan and develop urban, community, and regional spaces, preparing students for careers in city planning and development.

4 years
Length
Bachelor
Level
After high school
Entry level
54
Schools
00
Exit level
Bachelor
Length
4 years
Work-study
Uncommon
Selectivity
Selective
Direct careers
4 métiers
Where to study
54 établissements

About

The Bachelor's Degree in City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning is a four-year undergraduate program in the United States. It is designed for students interested in understanding how cities and regions develop and how to manage their growth and organization. This degree prepares students to work on planning projects that improve living environments, transportation, housing, and public spaces. It is suitable for those who want to contribute to sustainable urban development and community well-being.

  • The program focuses on urban planning principles and the management of community resources.
  • Students learn about land use, environmental impact, and regional development.
  • It prepares graduates for roles such as urban planners and community development specialists.
  • The degree is aimed at students who enjoy combining social sciences, geography, and design.
  • It offers a foundation for working with public agencies, private firms, or nonprofit organizations involved in planning.

What you study

The curriculum spans four years and gradually builds students' knowledge and skills in planning. Early courses introduce foundations of urban studies and , while later years focus on specialized subjects and practical applications. Students study topics such as land use planning, transportation systems, environmental sustainability, and urban design. The program includes training in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and data analysis to support planning decisions.

  • The first years cover basic theories and social and economic aspects of urban development.
  • Advanced courses address policy analysis, community engagement, and regional planning.
  • Students often work on group projects simulating real planning challenges.
  • Practical experience is gained through internships or fieldwork during the program.
  • The degree combines lectures, seminars, and .

How to get in

Admission to this bachelor's degree in the US typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. The selection process usually involves submitting academic transcripts, standardized test scores, and sometimes a personal statement or portfolio. Universities look for students interested in social sciences, geography, or environmental studies.

  • Applicants must have completed high school with a solid academic record.
  • Some programs may require SAT or ACT scores as part of the application.
  • Interest in urban issues and is valued.
  • Applicants might need to provide recommendation letters or attend interviews.
  • Deadlines and requirements vary by institution but generally follow standard US college admissions procedures.

Day to day

A typical academic year includes a mix of lectures, seminars, and practical work. Students engage in individual and group assignments, with opportunities to participate in internships or community projects. The workload involves studying theoretical concepts and applying them to planning scenarios.

  • Students attend regular classes covering theory and methods.
  • They work on projects that simulate real urban planning challenges.
  • Internships or fieldwork provide hands-on experience in planning offices or agencies.
  • Some programs offer summer internships to gain professional exposure.
  • Students develop skills in data analysis, GIS software, and community engagement.

Careers this degree leads to

Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors related to urban and regional development. They often work for local governments, planning agencies, or private consulting firms. The job market typically values candidates who can combine technical knowledge with communication and project management skills.

  • Common roles include urban planner, community development coordinator, and regional analyst.
  • Employment sectors include public administration, real estate development, and environmental consulting.
  • The demand for planners is linked to urban growth and sustainability challenges.
  • Insertion into the workforce is generally smooth for those with internship experience.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills improve job prospects.

Careers after further study

Continuing your studies

After earning this bachelor's degree, students can continue their studies with graduate programs in urban planning, public policy, or related fields. Pursuing a master's degree can deepen expertise and open more advanced career opportunities. Some may also choose to specialize in areas like transportation planning or environmental management.

  • Graduate studies in urban and regional planning are common next steps.
  • Other options include public administration or environmental policy programs.
  • Some graduates may shift toward architecture or geographic information systems studies.
  • Further education often requires a relevant bachelor's degree and a strong academic record.

Where to study this degree (54)

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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University
📍Urbana, 🇺🇸 United States
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Michigan State University
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Michigan State University
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📍East Lansing, 🇺🇸 United States
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The University of Texas at Austin
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The University of Texas at Austin
University
📍Austin, 🇺🇸 United States
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Haverford College
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Haverford College
School
📍Haverford, 🇺🇸 United States
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Arizona State University Digital Immersion
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Arizona State University Digital Immersion
college
📍Scottsdale, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Arizona
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University of Arizona
University
📍Tucson, 🇺🇸 United States
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California State Polytechnic University
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California State Polytechnic University
University
📍Pomona, 🇺🇸 United States
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Arizona State University Campus Immersion
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Arizona State University Campus Immersion
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📍Tempe, 🇺🇸 United States
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California Polytechnic State University
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California Polytechnic State University
University
📍San Luis Obispo, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
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📍Seattle, 🇺🇸 United States
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Ohio State University-Main Campus
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Ohio State University-Main Campus
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📍Columbus, 🇺🇸 United States
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Texas A & M University-College Station
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Texas A & M University-College Station
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📍College Station, 🇺🇸 United States
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Iowa State University
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Iowa State University
University
📍Ames, 🇺🇸 United States
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Cornell University
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Cornell University
University
📍Ithaca, 🇺🇸 United States
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Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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📍New Brunswick, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Cincinnati
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University of Cincinnati
University
📍Cincinnati, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of North Texas
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University of North Texas
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📍Denton, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Virginia-Main Campus
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University of Virginia-Main Campus
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📍Charlottesville, 🇺🇸 United States
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East Carolina University
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East Carolina University
University
📍Greenville, 🇺🇸 United States
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West Chester University
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West Chester University
University
📍West Chester, 🇺🇸 United States
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Florida Atlantic University
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Florida Atlantic University
University
📍Boca Raton, 🇺🇸 United States
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Temple University
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Temple University
University
📍Philadelphia, 🇺🇸 United States
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Texas State University
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Texas State University
University
📍San Marcos, 🇺🇸 United States
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Westfield State University
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Westfield State University
University
📍Westfield, 🇺🇸 United States
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Miami University-Oxford
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Miami University-Oxford
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📍Oxford, 🇺🇸 United States
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Ball State University
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Ball State University
University
📍Muncie, 🇺🇸 United States
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
School
📍Cambridge, 🇺🇸 United States
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Appalachian State University
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Appalachian State University
University
📍Boone, 🇺🇸 United States
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Brigham Young University
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Brigham Young University
University
📍Provo, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of New Hampshire
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University of New Hampshire
University
📍Durham, 🇺🇸 United States
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Eastern Washington University
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Eastern Washington University
University
📍Cheney, 🇺🇸 United States
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California State University, Fresno
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California State University, Fresno
University
📍Fresno, 🇺🇸 United States
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Salisbury University
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Salisbury University
University
📍Salisbury, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Missouri-Kansas City
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University of Missouri-Kansas City
college
📍Kansas City, 🇺🇸 United States
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Eastern Michigan University
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Eastern Michigan University
University
📍Ypsilanti, 🇺🇸 United States
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Indiana University of Pennsylvania
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Indiana University of Pennsylvania
University
📍Indiana, 🇺🇸 United States
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Yale University
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Yale University
University
📍New Haven, 🇺🇸 United States
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Rowan University
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Rowan University
University
📍Glassboro, 🇺🇸 United States
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Northland College
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Northland College
School
📍Ashland, 🇺🇸 United States
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Missouri State University
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Missouri State University
University
📍Springfield, 🇺🇸 United States
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Plymouth State University
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Plymouth State University
University
📍Plymouth, 🇺🇸 United States
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South Dakota State University
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South Dakota State University
University
📍Brookings, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Southern California
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University of Southern California
University
📍Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 United States
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Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
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Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
University
📍Normal, 🇺🇸 United States
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Western Washington University
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Western Washington University
University
📍Bellingham, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Nevada, Las Vegas
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University of Nevada, Las Vegas
University
📍Las Vegas, 🇺🇸 United States
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New Mexico State University
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New Mexico State University
University
📍Las Cruces, 🇺🇸 United States
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Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico
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Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico
college
📍Hato Rey, 🇺🇸 United States
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Western Michigan University
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Western Michigan University
University
📍Kalamazoo, 🇺🇸 United States
TypeUniversity
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University of Maryland-College Park
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University of Maryland-College Park
college
📍College Park, 🇺🇸 United States
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Frostburg State University
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Frostburg State University
University
📍Frostburg, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
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University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
University
📍Oshkosh, 🇺🇸 United States
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New School
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New School
School
📍New York, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Davis
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University of California-Davis
college
📍Davis, 🇺🇸 United States
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Liste des 54 établissements

Frequently asked questions

What skills do I need to succeed in this degree?

You should be interested in social sciences, geography, and design. Skills in analysis, communication, and teamwork are important for success.

Are internships required during the program?

Many programs encourage or require internships to provide practical experience in real planning environments.

Can I study this degree online?

Some universities offer online courses, but urban planning often involves practical work best done on campus or in the field.

Is this degree suitable for working in environmental planning?

Yes, environmental sustainability is a key part of the curriculum, preparing students for roles that address environmental impacts in planning.

What types of projects will I work on?

Projects often involve designing plans for land use, transportation, or community development, sometimes simulating real-world challenges.

How competitive is admission to this program?

Admission is selective, with universities looking for strong academic records and interest in urban and community issues.

Can I switch to a related field after starting this degree?

It is possible to reorient toward related fields like geography or environmental studies, but this depends on university policies.

What career support is available during the degree?

Many programs offer career counseling, internship placement assistance, and networking opportunities with professionals.