Urban planners develop plans for new buildings, zoning, environmental rules, and building codes. A PhD in urban planning increases job prospects, and an undergraduate degree in economics, political science, geography, or environmental design can be helpful. After a master’s degree, working in urban planning can build a portfolio for doctoral programs. Applicants need transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and samples of work. Urban planners use computers to analyze data and complete research projects, internships, and a final dissertation to earn a PhD.
Urban planners are responsible for developing plans relating to the construction of new buildings in order to meet the specific needs of the population of a city or town. They are experts when it comes to zoning, environmental rules and building code rules. Additionally, they are involved in pollution control, conservation efforts, or drafting legislation related to building or landmark planning. Often, individuals who want to become urban planners will pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, because graduate school increases the likelihood that they will be considered for employment. It is true that earning a doctorate in urban planning requires several years of work.
Completing an undergraduate degree with a focus on urban planning can be helpful if you want to pursue a doctorate in urban planning. Of course, not all universities offer undergraduate courses in urban planning. If there isn’t a degree in urban planning available at your university, a major in economics, political science, geography or perhaps environmental design could be helpful.
Upon completion of the undergraduate degree, you can obtain a Master’s (MS) degree that focuses on urban planning or public affairs. Also, you can work on an urban planning job for a few years after your master’s degree. Working after your Masters can be valuable for you as it will allow you to gain real-world experience as well as build your portfolio. These samples of your work can be shown to future doctoral programs when it comes time to apply to a doctoral program in urban planning.
Applying for a doctoral program in urban planning will require you to collect materials such as your college transcripts, Graduate Records Examination (GRE) scores, letters of recommendation from professors and former employers, and samples of your urban planning work. In addition, you will need to complete an application for each school you apply to. Typically required for each application is a statement of purpose that highlights your reasons for applying to the doctoral program, along with your short-term and long-term research interests and professional goals.
If you want to earn a PhD in urban planning, you’ll need to be very comfortable using computers. Urban planning professionals often use computers to record information and analyze data. For example, urban planners often use computers to analyze information, map areas of land, make forecasts, prepare reports and make recommendations.
Once accepted into a doctoral program in urban planning, you will have to successfully complete the required courses, which may include courses such as urban theory, history of urban planning, and quantitative analysis as it applies to urban planning. In addition, you will be expected to complete several research projects, possibly a teaching assistantship, an internship, comprehensive written and oral examinations, and a final dissertation done under the supervision of a dissertation chair or faculty mentor and other committee members. If you can successfully complete these requirements, you will earn a PhD in urban planning.
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