Program Overview

Program Overview

The Planning program at the University of Waterloo is a multidisciplinary course of study that covers everything from economic and legal issues to design skills, land development, and GIS technology. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle the environmental and social challenges facing the world's urban, rural, and natural areas.

Program Details

• The program is offered as a co-op program only, with no regular program option available.
• The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Planning.
• The program is accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners, meeting many of the requirements needed to become a Registered Professional Planner after graduation.
• Students in this program will graduate with up to 20 months of paid real-world experience through the co-op work terms.

Courses

First-Year Courses

During the first year, students take a mix of foundational Planning and Environmental Studies courses, including:

• PLAN 100 – Urbanization Today: Introduction to Cities and Regions
• PLAN 107 – How Plans are Made: Processes, Stages and Strategies
• ENVS 131 – Communications for Environmental Studies
• ENVS 195 – Introduction to Environmental Studies
• One elective

Upper-Year Courses

In the upper years, most classes are Planning courses, with the option to choose electives from a wide range of subjects. Sample upper-year courses include:

• PLAN 202 – Transportation and Housing: A Systems Approach
• PLAN 210 – Community Design Fundamentals for Planners
• PLAN 300 – Planning Theory and Ethics
• PLAN 375 – Municipal Finance and Land Economics
• PLAN 471 – Planning and Municipal Law

Customizing the Degree

Students can add additional areas of expertise by including up to two areas of focus in Planning, such as:

• Environmental planning specialization
• Land use, transportation, and infrastructure planning specialization
• Social planning and community development specialization
• Urban design specialization They can also include one of the minors available to all Waterloo students, such as Geography and Environmental Management.

Co-op Program

• The co-op program provides students with up to 20 months of paid work experience.
• Sample co-op job titles include:
  • Planning policy assistant
  • Student planner
  • Planning assistant
  • Junior project manager
• The co-op work-study sequence typically starts in the second year, with students alternating between school and work every four months.

Career Opportunities

Waterloo Planning graduates have been successful in pursuing careers in transportation and transit, land development, and policy for government, conservation groups, as well as in the private sector as consultants, developers, project managers, and more. Recent graduates have found employment in roles such as:

• Development Planner
• Land Use Planner
• Senior Urban Designer
• Transportation Planner
• Senior Project Planner
• Landscape Designer
• Community Planner

Further Education

Graduates may pursue further education in areas such as:

• Politics, policy, and public administration
• Environmental planning
• Geographic information systems
• Local economic development
• Urban design
• Business (MBA)
• Architecture
• Law

Admission Requirements

• Ontario students require six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including any Grade 12 U English with a minimum final grade of 75%.
• Admission averages are typically in the low 80s.
• Students not studying in Ontario should search for specific admission requirements.

Conclusion

The Planning program at the University of Waterloo offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the challenges facing urban, rural, and natural areas. With its strong focus on co-op education and career development, this program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in a variety of planning-related careers.