Program Definition
The Master of Regional & Community Planning integrates the concept of comprehensive community development planning in an environmental context with considerations for social, economic, cultural and political issues in the community while recognizing the importance of financial management, private enterprise-government relations, and citizen participation in community decision making. Core courses reflect the impact of these key concerns on traditional planning activities, while exploring related ethical issues in depth.
With a firm educational foundation in basic planning and analytical techniques, management, human relations, and ethics, today’s MRCP graduate will have the skills and judgment to become tomorrow’s successful practicing planner.
Graduates of our program become directors or managers of community development / city planning departments, economic development agencies, housing or related departments and agencies in cities, small communities, counties and regions. Some graduates may use the same educational background to become directors of planning or related activities in private consulting firms and research organizations, while others may enter the field of real estate development and a host of related disciplines.
Program Mission and Objectives
We prepare graduates to be effective advocates of resilient cities and responsible for community growth and redevelopment. We engage in the exchange of ideas that develop strategic visioning to enhance quality of life in ways that are sustainable, equitable, and accessible to all our citizens. We contribute to the expansion of knowledge through research and its dissemination, outreach to various constituents, and professional education grounded in creative and critical thinking. Students and faculty engage in exploration, analysis, synthesis, and resolution of planning, design and management issues. Our aim is to help communities effectively address challenges related to resource conservation, growing of diverse populations, and continually changing technologies and value systems.
