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."
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:
- Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies at Brown University;
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Management at the University of Rhode Island;
- Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Studies at Roger Williams University;
- Certificate in Undergraduate Studies in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Rhode Island College;
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration at Rhode Island College;
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration at Providence College;
- Bachelor of Science in Public Administration at Roger Williams University;
- Bachelor of Science in in Historic Preservation at Roger Williams University; and
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Rhode Island