Urban Planning

Page address: http://www.mnsu.edu/ext/offerings/programs/urban.html

Degree Program	Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning
Subject Area	Urban and Regional Studies
Program URL	http://sbs.mnsu.edu/ursi/
Location	Off-Campus: Twin Cities Metro
Degree Type	Graduate - Certificate
Total Number of Credit Hours	12 Credits
Course Rotation	Fall 2009	4/531 Design
		6661 Long Range
	Spring 2010	4/501 Foundations
		4/557 Econ Develop
		602 Planning Process
		4/502 Analysis
	Fall 2010	662 Oper Planning
		4/537 Historical
		489 Capstone
	Spring 20011	4/571 Transportation
		4/535 Downtown
		604 Zoning
Career Outlook	Careers involving Urban Planning primarily revolve around local governments, as well as management, scientific, and technical consulting services. Employment for planners in the private sector has also been increasing. Urban Planning training can also lead to careers in the state government agencies dealing with housing, transportation, or environmental protection.
Program Description	This graduate certificate program provides the basic concepts, skills, techniques and values for pursuing a career in local government planning. The program is designed to meet the basic standards of professional competency specified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). The program is appropriate for students who wish to develop a local government planning focus within a graduate degree program, or for students who have already earned their degrees and wish to prepare for a career shift. Courses are offered in blocks of time during the afternoons or evenings.
Admission Requirements	In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of College of Graduate Studies, admission to the program as a degree-seeking student requires: Undergraduate course in research methods/statistics, or equivalent Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 in the last two years of coursework Two recommendations assessing potential for successful graduate study Personal statement describing applicant's interest and experience Admission to the program on a provision al basis may be approved for applicants with a GPA of at least 2.6 in the last two years of coursework and who demonstrate special circumstances and potential. Absence of specific undergraduate coursework in urban studies or statistics may result in the assigning of deficiency coursework which must be completed before graduation. To apply online, go to https://secure.mnsu.edu/gsr/gaapp/
Other Requirements	Curriculum: URBS 602 Planning Process Survey of the history, concepts, values and ethics of public-sector planning. Through a case-study approach, emphasis is on a practical and comprehensive approach to developing and implementing plans. URBS 604 Zoning & Legal Issues Zoning theory, concepts and techniques, and procedures with an emphasis on the practice of zoning in a planning office. URBS 661 Long-Range and Strategic Planning Comprehensive planning process in urban areas, including exercises in basic studies, capital improvement programming, smart growth, sustainable development, strategic planning, community visioning. URBS 662 Operational Planning Day to day activities of a planning office, with an emphasis on subdivision regulations and design, annexation, and infrastructure.
Program Contact Information	Department of Urban and Regional Studies Minnesota State University, Mankato 106 Morris Hall Mankato , MN 56001 507-389-1540 david.laverny-rafter@mnsu.edu