Regional and Community Planning — bachelor's degree

QUICK FACTS

• Credential: Bachelor's degree
• Duration: 4 years (Intake: year 2, after meeting prerequisites)
• Format: Full-time
• Start date: January, May, September
• Location: Abbotsford campus
• Cost: Fees and costs

FEATURES

• Practicum provides work experience and industry contacts
• Integration of Indigenous Ways of Knowing
• Builds towards a registered planning status

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This program provides students with the skills, experiential learning opportunities, and valuable work experience needed to work as a planning professional in Canada or abroad or pursue graduate studies or another professional designation. Combining regional and global perspectives, the BRCP prepares students to work both locally and internationally. Students benefit from courses that address current industry concepts, including human-centered design, sustainability, and smart cities — meaning they graduate ready to make a positive change in the communities and projects they serve.

The University of the Fraser Valley’s Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning (BRCP) is an interdisciplinary program that builds connections between environmental studies, policy and law, urban design, history, art, natural sciences, and communications. The BRCP faculty bring diverse skills and knowledge to the program, both in teaching and planning practice. In addition, the BRCP program incorporates Indigenous ways of learning and knowing thanks to collaboration with the Stó:lō First Nation.

COURSES

View the program outline for the Bachelor of Regional & Community Planning in the Academic Calendar.

CAREER EXPECTATIONS

The new planning degree prepares students for a career as a Registered Professional Planner working with international organizations, First Nations Governments, and governments at all levels. The degree also qualifies students to work with nonprofits, policymakers, private firms, and private firms and developers locally and globally to tackle challenges such as transportation, public spaces and parks, housing affordability, and food security.

Planning opens opportunities to explore various career pathways depending on interest.

As a Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning graduate, students will be well-equipped to work as Professional Planners in a variety of fields.

For example, students may find work with:

• Consulting firms
• Development Firms
• International Development Agencies
• UN-Habitat or C-40
• First Nation Governments
• Local/Provincial/Federal Governments
• Nonprofits and Nongovernmental Organizations

Students may find employment as a:

• Community Planner
• Development Planner
• Emergency Planner
• Environmental Planner
• Heritage Planner
• Parks Planner
• Planning Consultant
• Social Planner
• Transportation Planner
• Rural Planner
• Urban Designer

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

View entrance requirements in the UFV Academic Calendar.

Regional and Community Planning — bachelor's degree at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)

Degree Overview

The Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning (BRCP) at UFV is an interdisciplinary program that integrates environmental studies, art, natural sciences, policy and law, urban design, history, and communications. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to work as professional planners in Canada or abroad. The BRCP also prepares graduates for further studies or other professional designations.

Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of regional and community planning.
• Gain proficiency in research, analysis, and problem-solving skills relevant to planning issues.
• Cultivate critical thinking and communication skills to effectively present and advocate for planning initiatives.
• Acquire hands-on experience through practical projects and internships.
• Foster a commitment to ethical and sustainable planning practices.

Program Description:

The BRCP curriculum emphasizes theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and experiential learning opportunities. Students gain exposure to various planning areas, including:

• Land-use planning
• Environmental planning
• Transportation planning
• Economic development
• Social planning
• Urban design
• Public engagement
The program also incorporates Indigenous Ways of Knowing into its curriculum, recognizing the importance of Indigenous perspectives in planning. Graduates of the BRCP will be eligible to pursue professional designation as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) after fulfilling the certification criteria established by the Planning Standards Board (PSB) or similar boards in other countries.

Outline

Program Structure:

• Four-year program
• Full-time format
• Intake in year 2 after meeting prerequisites

Program Content:

• Lower-level courses provide a foundation in geography, communication, and academic writing.
• Upper-level courses delve deeper into specific planning areas, including:
• Planning Law and Ethics
• Planning for Housing: Affordability, Design, and Policy
• Resiliency and Land-Use Planning
• Theories in Urban and Regional Planning
• Indigenizing Planning: Indigenous Land-Use and Community Planning
• Introduction to Regional and Community Planning and Policy
• The Canadian State and Indigenous Governance
• Geographies of Poverty and Development
• Conservation GIS
• International Planning and Development Policy: Adapting to Climate Change
• Climate of Cities
• Agriculture and Rural Life
• Geography of Food
• Environmental Assessment and Management
• A 4-credit practicum provides students with valuable work experience and industry contacts.
• Students can choose between various electives to tailor their learning experience to their interests.

Course Schedule:

The program offers courses throughout the year, with start dates in January, May, and September. Each course syllabus provides a detailed description of the module content, learning outcomes, assessments, and teaching methods.

Assessment

The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Examinations: written, oral, or a combination of both
• Assignments: essays, research papers, case studies, projects
• Presentations: individual or group presentations
• Practicum report: reflecting on the work experience and learnings from the practicum
• Portfolio: showcasing the student's planning skills and knowledge
The specific assessment methods and criteria vary depending on the course and instructor.

Teaching

The BRCP program features a diverse team of faculty with expertise in various planning areas. The faculty employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, discussions, group work, and field trips. The program also emphasizes experiential learning through guest speaker presentations, case studies, and the practicum.

Careers

Graduates of the BRCP are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in:

• Consulting firms
• Development firms
• International development agencies
• First Nation governments
• Local/provincial/federal governments
• Nonprofits and non-governmental organizations
Potential career titles include:
• Community planner
• Development planner
• Emergency planner
• Environmental planner
• Heritage planner
• Parks planner
• Planning consultant
• Social planner
• Transportation planner
• Rural planner
• Urban designer
The program also prepares graduates for further studies in planning or related fields.

Other

• The BRCP program actively seeks accreditation from the Planning Standards Board (PSB) and the Canadian Institute of Planners.
• The program integrates Indigenous Ways of Knowing into its curriculum, recognizing the importance of Indigenous perspectives in planning.
• Graduates of the BRCP have the opportunity to pursue professional designation as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) after fulfilling the certification criteria.
• The program offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries to support students.

Note:

The program may implement changes to its admission requirements and structure in Fall 2024. For the most up-to-date information, please contact the program coordinator.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver