Do you ever wonder how you can improve the layout and traffic of your hometown? Are you interested in how public transportation affects a community? Are you interested in a career that balances design, organization, science and technology? If so, consider becoming a city, community and regional planning major in college! In this field of study, you will learn how to create healthy, thriving and environmentally-friendly communities.
Education
According to the College Board, you can earn either an undergraduate or a graduate degree in city, community and regional planning. To prepare for this college program, consider taking classes including AP Art History, computer-assisted drafting and physics in high school. In college, some courses you will probably encounter include transportation planning, land use regulation and law and economic development.
What to know before you apply
Before you decide on a specific program, consider whether you are most interested in art, science or technology. You may have the chance to concentrate on one area of city, community and regional planning, and learning what you want now will help you in the long run. Also, reach out to some prospective professors and ask them about their background and experience. They could give you some insight into what to expect from the education and what options you will have after you earn your degree. Finally, decide what sort of community you are most interested in planning. Are you partial to small towns or rural villages? Or would you prefer larger cities? Since you will be helping to change and improve these communities, it is important to know which you are most passionate about.
Colleges with a field of study
ITT Technical Institute has multiple campuses offering programs related to city, community and regional planning! They are located in: California | Massachusetts | New York | Pennsylvania | Texas
Salary
Studying city, community and regional planning will prepare you for careers in architecture, urban and regional planning and surveying/mapping technology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, architects earned an average annual salary of $79,300 in 2011, while urban and regional planners earned $67,350. Survey and mapping technicians earned an average of $42,050 in 2011.
> For more information about careers visit NextStepU.com.
