Program Overview
Western Michigan University's community and regional planning program equips students with expertise in planning for small cities and their regions. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum with core courses in planning theory, methods, and administration, as well as cognate courses in social sciences and statistics. Students can specialize in areas such as environmental analysis, economic development, or geographic techniques. Graduates are prepared for careers as urban planners, regional planners, and other planning professionals in government agencies, consulting companies, and other organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Western Michigan University's community and regional planning major prepares students to become professional planners with particular focus on small cities and their regional communities.
Objective:
The objective of the program is to equip students with theoretical, historical, technical, methodological, ethical, legal, and administrative expertise along with knowledge and skills relevant to planning gained from cognate social science disciplines and statistics.
Outline:
Core Courses (32 Credits):
- Planning theory
- Planning history
- Planning techniques
- Planning methods
- Planning ethics
- Planning law
- Planning administration
Cognate Courses (25 Credits):
- Social science disciplines
- Statistics
Specializations (12 Credits):
- Environmental analysis and resource management
- Local economic development
- Tourism development and planning
- Local government
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Urban planners
- Regional planners
- Transportation planners
- Environmental planners
- Economic development specialists
- Site analysts
Organizations Graduates Work For:
- Government agencies
- Travel and tourism agencies
- Research companies
- Consulting companies
Western Michigan University
Overview:
Western Michigan University (WMU) is a public research university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its commitment to student success and well-being.
Services Offered:
WMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academics:
A diverse selection of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.Admissions:
Guidance and support for prospective students throughout the application process.Financial Aid:
Financial assistance options to help students afford their education.Student Life:
A vibrant campus community with numerous clubs, organizations, and events.Athletics:
A strong athletic program with Division I teams competing in the Mid-American Conference.Research:
Opportunities for students to engage in research alongside faculty.Career Services:
Support for students in their career exploration and job search.Wellness Services:
Resources and programs to promote student health and well-being.Student Life and Campus Experience:
WMU offers a dynamic campus experience with:
A thriving community:
Students can find a sense of belonging through various clubs, organizations, and events.A new student center:
The heart of campus, providing a space for students to connect and engage.Opportunities for growth:
Students can participate in experience-driven learning, internships, and leadership development programs.A focus on well-being:
WMU provides resources and programs to support student mental and physical health.Key Reasons to Study There:
Experience-driven learning:
WMU emphasizes hands-on learning and provides opportunities for internships and real-world experience.Strong career outcomes:
A high percentage of WMU graduates are employed quickly in their field of study.A supportive campus community:
Students are encouraged to engage in campus life and find a sense of belonging.A commitment to student well-being:
WMU offers resources and programs to support student mental and physical health.The Bronco Promise:
A program offering free tuition and fees for eligible first-year students.Academic Programs:
WMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
