01/02/2026
What is Planning?
At its core, Planning addresses how we live, work, and interact within our environments. The American Planning Association (APA) defines planning’s goal as “maximizing the health, safety, and economic well-being of residents in ways that reflect the unique needs, desires, and culture of those who live and work within the community.”
The profession balances technical analysis with policy development to address issues including but not limited to:
- Land Use: Regulating zoning, density, and site design.
- Resilience: Mitigating flood risks, heat islands, and climate impacts.
- Equity: Ensuring access to housing, transportation, and public services.
- Economic Development: Attracting investment while preserving community character.
Also see: 2025 Trend Report for Planners
Why study Planning?
A degree in planning provides the theory and knowledge to serve as a professional planner. It demonstrates to employers that you possess:
- Technical competency in zoning codes and GIS analysis.
- Legal knowledge of property rights and municipal governance.
- Project management skills for complex, multi-stakeholder developments.
What topics will you study?
Planning programs accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) typically cover the following areas:
- Planning History and Theory: The evolution of the profession and its critical role in advancing equity, justice, and climate resilience across diverse contexts.
- Planning Law and Institutions: The legal frameworks, governance structures, and ethical mechanisms that guide equitable decision-making in U.S. and international settings.
- Urban and Regional Development: The political, economic, and environmental forces shaping the built environment to develop strategies for community health and climate mitigation.
- Planning Process and Engagement: Plan creation and implementation through inclusive stakeholder engagement and strategic design interventions.
- Analytical Skills and Tools: Apply quantitative and qualitative research methods, including geospatial analysis and data visualization, to collect evidence and forecast trends.
- Professional, Communication, and Leadership Skills: The leadership and communication abilities needed to collaborate across disciplines and present complex ideas clearly.
What skills will you acquire?
Majoring in planning equips you with a versatile toolkit valued across all sectors. Successful students develop:
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: The ability to tackle "wicked problems" by identifying root causes and developing evidence-based solutions.
- Social Awareness & Advocacy: An "equity lens" to analyze how policies impact different populations and the skills to advocate for social justice.
- Spatial & Data Analysis: Technical proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and demographic forecasting to make data-driven decisions.
- Public Engagement: Mastery of facilitation techniques to involve diverse stakeholders in the decision-making process.
- Effective Communication: The ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear presentations and reports for public officials and citizens.
What Can You Do With a Planning Degree?
Planning graduates work in three primary sectors:
- Public Sector (Local Government): The most common path, working as city planners, transportation planners, or community development directors to review proposals and create long-term vision plans.
- Private Sector (Consulting & Development): Working for private firms to assist municipalities with specific projects, or for real estate developers to navigate regulatory processes.
- Nonprofit Sector (Advocacy): Serving as housing advocates, policy analysts, or community organizers to push for equity and environmental justice.
Also see: 2025 Planners' Salary and Benefits Survey
For those starting off: