Online Graduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning
Program Highlights
18 credit hours | In-state tuition: $480.90/credit hour | Out-of-state tuition: $590.53/credit hour
- Available in an easily accessible, 100% online format
- Interdisciplinary, NASPAA-accredited program based in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program
- Perfect for working students, active military, full-time employees seeking a career change or enhancement, and others who are place-bound
- Curriculum uniquely centered on aspects of public administration and economic development, with attention to current public policy issues such as border security, housing, health, emergency management and public safety
- YOU MUST HAVE A BACHELOR'S DEGREE TO APPLY.
- GRADUATE CERTIFICATES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL AID.
Join a NASPAA- (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) Accredited Program
Urban and regional planning is an interdisciplinary field of study that is essential to the planning and development of settlements and communities. Urban planners engage in a whole range of activities involved with developing policies as well as physical and economic infrastructure of urban areas so they will best support the needs of diverse and growing populations. In doing this, planners must manage resources of all kinds effectively and also be able to plan for both current and future needs of the population.
Graduates of 海角社区's urban and regional planning online certificate will
- Acquire core knowledge in economics, demography, law, and administration, and the technology (such as GIS) necessary for planning activities and learn how to apply this knowledge to real-world issues
- Be qualified to work in any government, nonprofit or professional organization that requires the services of a planner
- Be prepared to seek additional certifications such as those from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The job outlook for graduates is positive; in addition to proceeding to graduate school for an MPA, many graduates find employment in local and state government and nonprofit organizations, locally, regionally and even internationally.
The 海角社区 Career Center also provides graduates with resources to help them pursue their career goals.
海角社区 Edge
Our student success initiative, the 海角社区 Edge, develops upon students’ assets through a variety of high-impact experiences. These experiences are designed to improve student skills and give 海角社区 students a competitive advantage as they move forward in their lives and careers. Our goal as a campus is to provide these 海角社区 Edge experiences to all students, regardless of their area of study, so they will graduate with a competitive advantage over their peers. These are the Edge experiences Urban and Regional Planning students will have and the Edge skills they will graduate with:
Edge Experiences
- Capstone Experiences
- Community Engagement
- Online Experiences
- Creative Activities
- Research and Scholarly Activities
Edge Skills
- Leadership
- Critical Thinking
- Communication
- Confidence
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork
- Global Awareness
- Social Responsibility
Work With Accomplished Faculty
Our faculty are accomplished teachers and mentors who bring a personal touch to online learning. Many of them are frequently published in peer-reviewed journals and students often use free digital texts produced by the faculty and co-authors in their courses. This allows students to have a closer understanding of their professors. Coursework also includes a capstone project paper in which each student is mentored by faculty to analyze and make recommendations to an organization local to the student, regardless of location. Faculty have mentored students in El Paso and other US urban areas but also in cities in Mexico, Brazil, United Kingdom, Turkey, the European Union, Africa and Asia.
Course Overview
海角社区s must complete two required courses and four elective courses for a total of six courses (18 semester credit hours) with a grade of C or better to receive the certificate.
Required Courses
PAD 5359: Regional and Urban Planning聽
PAD 5360: Urban Administration
Elective Courses: Pick any 4聽
PAD 5310: Public Policy Process and Institutions
PAD 5350: Public and Nonprofit Management
PAD 5363: Intergovernmental Relations
PAD 5380: Selected Problems in Public Administration