Program Overview

Online Graduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning

Program Highlights

The Online Graduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning is an 18 credit hour program with in-state tuition at $480.90/credit hour and out-of-state tuition at $590.53/credit hour. The program is available in a 100% online format and is interdisciplinary, NASPAA-accredited, and based in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program. It is perfect for working students, active military, full-time employees seeking a career change or enhancement, and others who are place-bound. The curriculum is uniquely centered on aspects of public administration and economic development, with attention to current public policy issues.

Program Admissions Requirements

To apply, students must have a Bachelor's degree. Students must also be full-time to be eligible for financial aid.

Program Description

Urban and regional planning is an interdisciplinary field of study essential to the planning and development of settlements and communities. Urban planners engage in a range of activities involved with developing policies and physical and economic infrastructure of urban areas to support the needs of diverse and growing populations. Planners must manage resources effectively and plan for both current and future needs of the population.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the program will acquire core knowledge in economics, demography, law, and administration, and the technology necessary for planning activities. They will learn how to apply this knowledge to real-world issues and be qualified to work in any government, nonprofit, or professional organization that requires the services of a planner. Graduates will also be prepared to seek additional certifications, such as those from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Job Outlook

The job outlook for graduates is positive, with many finding employment in local and state government and nonprofit organizations, locally, regionally, and internationally.

UTEP Edge

The UTEP Edge is a student success initiative that develops students' assets through high-impact experiences designed to improve student skills and give UTEP students a competitive advantage. Urban and Regional Planning students will have the following Edge experiences and skills:

• Edge Experiences:
  • Capstone Experiences
  • Community Engagement
  • Online Experiences
  • Creative Activities
  • Research and Scholarly Activities
• Edge Skills:
  • Leadership
  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication
  • Confidence
  • Problem Solving
  • Teamwork
  • Global Awareness
  • Social Responsibility

Faculty

The faculty are accomplished teachers and mentors who bring a personal touch to online learning. Many are frequently published in peer-reviewed journals, and students often use free digital texts produced by the faculty and co-authors in their courses. Faculty mentor students in a capstone project paper to analyze and make recommendations to an organization local to the student.

Course Overview

Students must complete two required courses and four elective courses for a total of six courses (18 semester credit hours) with a grade of C or better to receive the certificate.

Required Courses

• PAD 5359: Regional and Urban Planning
  • Study planning topics associated with satisfying area-wide service needs in urban and regional environments.
• PAD 5360: Urban Administration
  • Examine public administration at the level of service delivery with emphasis upon the management of and policy problems facing local agencies.

Elective Courses

Students must pick any four of the following courses:

• PAD 5310: Public Policy Process and Institutions
  • Explore the history of public administration and the basic issues confronted, both legal and political.
• PAD 5350: Public and Nonprofit Management
  • Introduction to contemporary theories of leading and managing in public and nonprofit organizations.
• PAD 5363: Intergovernmental Relations
  • Examine the interrelationships among international, national, state, and/or local governmental institutions.
• PAD 5380: Selected Problems in Public Administration
  • Undertake independent study, research, and writing on a topic agreed upon with the professor.

Other Online Graduate Certificate Programs

• Graduate Certificate in Technical and Professional Writing
• Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering
• Graduate Certificate in Construction Management
• Graduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning
• Graduate Certificate in STEM Education
• Graduate Certificate in K-12 Bilingual Education
• Graduate Certificate in K-12 English Language Learning (ESL)
• Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
• Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Administration
• Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration