If you have ever played SimCity, SimFarm or SimTheme Park, you know the
gist of what urban and regional planning students train to do. They learn
how best to use land to accommodate commercial, industrial and residential
needs.
Most planning programs are offered as master's degrees, though a
few schools offer bachelor's programs.
To enter a master's program, you'll need a bachelor's degree first. "Students
may earn their undergraduate degree in any field of study," says Nancy
Frank. She is chair of the department of urban planning at the University
of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.
"We have had students in the program from fields as diverse as engineering
and art history. Having some coursework in economics, accounting and history
is useful. Courses that explore diversity are also a good preparation
for planning."
Students are encouraged to develop a broad, diverse background.
This field involves the social sciences, economics, geography, architecture,
math and engineering.
Many schools apply a broad-based education approach to their urban planning
programs. "The professional degree in planning is a master's degree, so focusing
on [specific] courses in high school is not really necessary," says Frank.
Ian Skelton is the head of the department of city planning at a university.
He agrees. "We believe that planning needs people from diverse backgrounds.
Therefore, the selection of courses, even in high school, is not something
that we think should follow a set pattern," he says.
"Students should take courses that they can argue will enhance their knowledge
of human settlements, human relationships with the ecological environment
and human utilization of space. Math is useful but not essential."
High school students could volunteer on survey crews or find a summer
job in construction.
Most programs require students to complete internships or some type
of practical experience.
Besides tuition, you'll also have to pay for books and materials.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Urban
and Regional Planners
Carfree Cities
Planning a greener urban environment
Planners Web
Provides a wide variety of resources
Urban and Regional Information Systems Association
A wealth of resources, industry news and career information
Cyburbia
A huge directory of Internet resources related to planning, architecture
and urbanism