Urban planning encompasses all of the tasks and processes involved in designing the environment of a specific area in a community, city or large metropolitan area. Urban planners focus on creating sustainable, healthy, comfortable places for people to live, work and enjoy themselves.
Anyone interested in learning how to become an urban planner should consider pursuing a relevant graduate degree such as a Master of Public Administration (MPA). Earning an MPA degree prepares individuals for urban planning roles by helping them gain the skills and ethics they need to create resilient, livable communities.
Urban planners work with large teams of professionals to plan communities in a way that facilitates the communities’ growth and success. Their projects can involve anything from mapping out a new housing development to drawing up a plan to revitalize a segment of a city’s downtown. Some urban planners choose a specialty, such as historical preservation, economic development, food systems development, hazard mitigation or housing and community development.
Though their exact duties vary based on their specialty, the project and the community’s needs, most urban planners carry out the following tasks regularly:
Those interested in learning how to become an urban planner should know that this is a highly skilled role that requires extensive education, skills development and work experience.
The first step toward becoming an urban planner is earning an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as civil engineering, public administration or environmental design. Of the three, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration is the most common, with the coursework in these programs preparing individuals with skills and knowledge that can be advantageous if they choose to pursue a graduate degree in the field.
Although a graduate degree is not required for employment or certification, many employers prefer to hire master’s degree graduates for their enhanced professional knowledge and skill set. A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is an excellent choice as it provides individuals with the training they need to become ethical community leaders.
Individuals who graduate with a degree other than a master’s in urban planning are often required to gain at least two years of work experience in a related field, such as public policy, transportation planning or project planning, to qualify for an urban planner role.
Urban planners need skills in several critical areas to be successful in their jobs, including the following:
Urban planners make crucial decisions regularly as they plan the scope of cities, towns, communities and neighborhoods. They must consider many aspects of a project, from safety to the project’s economic impact, and they must do so on a budget. Decision-making skills are critical to this role.
Because urban planners interact with large teams of professionals, stakeholders and entire communities, their ability to communicate clearly and effectively and to work well with others is vital to the success of their projects.
Urban planners often work on massive projects with many moving parts. As highly skilled project managers, they know that leadership skills are key to being able to delegate tasks and ensure they are accomplished safely, on time and on budget.
In recent years, urban planners have been called upon to transform urban areas from stale, economically depressed zones to vibrant, flourishing neighborhoods. Urban planners must be able to visualize different potential outcomes for a location and find creative solutions to what can often be big issues.
Designing buildings, roads, highway systems and parcels of land requires high-level mathematics and engineering skills. These skills are needed to ensure a project’s safety and efficacy in the long term.
The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), a subsidiary of the American Planning Association, is the only organization to offer a national verification of an urban planner’s education, skills and other qualifications. Becoming a certified urban planner can open the door to more employment opportunities, higher salaries and a better overall job outlook.
There is no minimum education requirement to become a member of the American Planning Association, but candidates with less education must show evidence of several years of professional planning experience. For example, a certified planner candidate with a master’s degree from a school accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) needs only two years of work experience, while someone with an undergraduate degree must have much more.
When researching how to become an urban planner, it is important to consider the salary and employment outlook for the role. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), urban and regional planners have a median annual salary of $81,800 as of May 2023. The median salary for those who work in management, scientific and technical consulting roles is $86,980 per year, and for those who work for state government agencies outside of education and hospital settings it is $80,160 per year.
The BLS projects that employment of urban and regional planners will increase by 4 percent between 2023 and 2033. New environmental laws requiring community compliance, increasing traffic and changing demographics within cities and neighborhoods are expected to drive this growth well into the future. Furthermore, urban planners are likely to be pivotal as governments look to revamp and overhaul their outdated infrastructure.
Urban planners are responsible for shaping the future of cities and communities in sustainable and exciting ways. As an urban planner, you can influence the growth and development of neighborhoods and cities as you address traffic congestion, environmental impacts and population shifts.
Earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Augusta University Online can prepare you for a high-paying, challenging and fulfilling career as an urban planner. Discover how you can make a difference for generations to come by designing the communities of tomorrow.
Recommended Readings
What Is Civic Engagement?
MPA vs. MBA: Differences and Outcomes
Why Is an MPA Degree Important, and What Are the Benefits?
Sources:
American Planning Association, AICP
American Planning Association, Planning Specializations
Buildstream, Urban Planner
Indeed, “How to Become an Urban Planner”
Indeed, “Learn About Being an Urban Planner”
International Facility Management Association, Urban Planner Overview
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Urban and Regional Planners
