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Need a MA in Geography to work as an Urban Planner ?

  • Yes

    Votes: 5 50.0%
  • No a B.A would be fine.

    Votes: 5 50.0%

  • Total voters
    10
No. There are a number of other degrees that can lead you down that path. A number of schools offer a Masters in Urban Planning, Community Development, Urban Design, or some other choice of words that points to a planning emphasis.

Getting a masters isn't required but would make it a lot easier for you to get a job. I have a B.S and I'm finding very few planning jobs that I "qualify" for. Most of the jobs I do find are in less than desirable places.

Internships can also go a long way for experience too. So take advantage of them if a B.A. is as far as you want to go with your education.
 
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Do you need a masters degree in geography to work as an urban planner?
An Urban Planning or Property and Development Masters would be better wouldn't it? I don't know if they are offered in the US but I know they are in Oz (where I want to take P&D MSc once I finish my BA)
 
Waloshin.... call your local planning office, and talk to an Urban Planner. I've known a couple, and they are nice people - and will almost for sure love to talk to you. There may be some obvious education career paths, but they'll also know some of the non-traditional paths.

I think it also matters a lot where you plan to live. In the big cities, I'll bet that the requirements are higher. Cities can afford to be picky, because so many people want to live and work there.

Small jurisdictions will have a harder time - and will likely be less stringent about qualifications. Or perhaps accept a lower certificate, but then expect you to upgrade your qualifications while on the job.

In my community, I don't believe our planners have Masters... but we are not a city.

Good Luck.

ps.... you should probably note where you are, since different countries may have different expectations.

pps ... I have no idea, but I still voted.... I love polls. 🙂
 
Waloshin.... call your local planning office, and talk to an Urban Planner. I've known a couple, and they are nice people - and will almost for sure love to talk to you. There may be some obvious education career paths, but they'll also know some of the non-traditional paths.

I think it also matters a lot where you plan to live. In the big cities, I'll bet that the requirements are higher. Cities can afford to be picky, because so many people want to live and work there.

Small jurisdictions will have a harder time - and will likely be less stringent about qualifications. Or perhaps accept a lower certificate, but then expect you to upgrade your qualifications while on the job.

In my community, I don't believe our planners have Masters... but we are not a city.

Good Luck.

ps.... you should probably note where you are, since different countries may have different expectations.

pps ... I have no idea, but I still voted.... I love polls. 🙂

Thanks everybody for the responses. The region would be Canada.
 

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