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Planning Degree Programs in Rhode Island

What is urban (or community) planning? The American Planning Association says that "the goal of planning is to maximize the health, safety, and economic well-being of all people living in our communities. [ ] Planning helps create communities of lasting value."

Rhode Island offers many educational opportunities at every level for people interested in earning a degree or certificate in community planning.

Certificate Programs

Although Rhode Island does not have a two-year master's degree program in urban planning, it does have two graduate planning certificate programs at the University of Rhode Island (URI) in Kingston and Roger Williams University (RWU) in Bristol.

Certificate programs are ideal for people who are already working in planning or those seeking to enter this expanding and exciting field. Those just beginning their careers in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, GIS, geography, historic preservation, transportation, law, or related fields will gain a foundation in urban planning essential knowledge.

The URI Graduate Certificate in Community Planning "provides advanced instruction and training in community planning and development to address contemporary planning challenges at different geographical levels in the United States."

The RWU Graduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning "provides existing students and working professionals with the option of deepening knowledge of urban, regional, and community planning principles and processes that will complement existing skills and knowledge."

The URI Graduate School of Oceanography's Online Ocean Policy and Science Graduate Certificate provides a comprehensive exploration of critical issues at the intersection of marine science, policy, and conservation. Designed for working professionals with non-STEM backgrounds seeking to deepen their understanding of ocean governance, marine resource management, and coastal sustainability, this program provides specialized knowledge and practical skills to address complex challenges in the field.

Master's Programs

URI also offers an online accelerated Master's Degree in Public Administration.

Brown University offers a Master's Degree in Public Affairs that "prepares students to be public policy leaders, analysts and advocates in government, politics, and the nonprofit, and private sectors."

Undergraduate Programs

Although not required, an undergraduate degree is the first step towards becoming an urban planner. Here are some of the programs that are available in RI: