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Environmental Planners

Education and Training Requirements

High School

Environmental planners rely on solid math, science, and communication skills in their work. Be sure to take classes in math, ecology, geology, natural sciences, environmental studies, history, political science, English, and software and design programs.

Postsecondary Training

Federal, state, and local governments require environmental and urban planners to have a master's degree from an accredited program in environmental or urban planning. A bachelor's degree in economics, geography, political science, or environmental design provides a solid foundation for graduate studies. The Planning Accreditation Board (PAB, http://www.planningaccreditationboard.org) accredits undergraduate and graduate degree planning programs. Many schools now offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in resource and environmental planning and environmental studies. Graduates can specialize in such areas as land-use or code enforcement, community development and redevelopment, natural resources and environmental planning, urban planning, transportation planning, and economic planning and development.

In addition to course work in environmental planning, undergraduates also study earth sciences, architecture, economics, law, finance, health administration, and management. Environmental planners regularly use computer models and statistics in their work, so these classes as well as computer science and geographic information systems classes are recommended.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer certificate programs in environmental planning. For example, the University of California at Davis provides a Land Use and Environmental Planning Certificate Program that features required and elective classes, and the option to complete a three-year or five-year program. Contact schools in your area to learn more about available programs.

Other Education or Training

The American Planning Association offers audio/Web conferences, workshops, self-directed study options, and online courses. Recent offerings included Smart Growth in Small Towns and Rural Areas, Planning Ethics and the Law, Sustainable Zoning and Development Controls, Planning for Climate Change: Adaptation and Mitigation, and Managing Complex Relationships in Planning. The Canadian Institute of Planners also provides continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.

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