Urban Planning Degrees: Bachelor's, Associate & Online Course Info

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What will you learn in an urban planning associate and bachelor's degree program? Read about urban planning degree program requirements, the pros and cons of an associate and bachelor's degree program and potential careers.
  • At a Glance
  • Associate
  • Bachelor's

Urban Planning Associate and Bachelor's Degrees at a Glance

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Urban planners develop strategies to determine how to best use or develop land in a community. They work to grow neighborhoods, protect the environment, develop plans for residential or commercial structures and oversee traffic patterns.

Most urban planning positions require a master's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Associate and bachelor's degree programs in urban planning do exist, and can prepare students to either enroll in graduate programs or obtain some entry-level positions in the field. Urban planners work for non-profit organizations, consulting firms and local and state governmental agencies. Employment for urban and regional planners is projected to grow 16% from 2010 to 2020, according to the BLS.

Associate Bachelor's
Who is this degree for?Students who want to transfer to a bachelor's degree in urban planning or find an entry-level assistant position People who want to work as professional urban planners
Common Career Paths (with approximate median annual salary) - Planning technician (salary unavailable)
- Site planning assistant (salary unavailable)
- Assistant planner (salary unavailable)
- Urban planner ($43,000)*
- Environmental planner ($51,000)*
Time to Completion2 years 4-5 years
Common Graduation Requirements - General education courses
- Courses in subjects like codes and zoning and geographic information science
- Possible internship
- Core courses in subjects like land use planning and community development
- Professional practice in the field
Prerequisites High school diploma or equivalent High school diploma or equivalent
Online Availability No, but coursework is available No, but coursework is available

Source: *Salary.com (July 2010 figures)

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  • At a Glance
  • Associate
  • Bachelor's