Bachelor of Arts in Planning Degree Program Guide

Planning degree program guide header

The School of Urban and Regional Planning educates students in the scientific, aesthetic, and orderly disposition of land, resources, facilities and services to secure the physical, economic and social efficiency, health and well-being of communities. Planners work for all levels of government and in professional planning consultancies.

Students interested in the aesthetic, economic, and social issues of planning should consider this exciting Bachelor of Arts professional degree program. Graduates of the BA Planning program will receive an accredited degree and can go on to pursue membership and training with the Alberta Professional Planners Institute and Canadian Institute of Planners immediately after completing an undergraduate degree.

Academic Requirements for Planning Majors

Year 1
  • EAS 100 - Planet Earth
  • HGEO 100 - Introduction to Human Geography and Planning
  • 6 units junior ENGL OR 3 units junior ENGL and 3 units junior WRS
  • ECON 101 - Introduction to Microeconomics
  • STAT 151 - Introduction to Applied Statistics I
  • 6 units in options or minor
  • 6 units in One Language Other than English (LOE) unless waived, then may take options or courses for minor
Year 2
  • EAS 221 - Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
  • PLAN 210 - Introductory Planning History and Practice
  • PLAN 211 - Introduction to Design Fundamentals for Planners
  • HGEO 240 - Cities and Urbanism
  • HGEO 250 - Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
  • 15 units in Minors and Options
Year 3
  • PLAN 310 - Land Use Planning and Policy
  • PLAN 315 - Community Planning and Engagement
  • PLAN 316 - Planning Law
  • PLAN 317 - Planning Theory
  • PLAN 355 - Environmental Planning
  • PLAN 399 - Research Methods in Planning
  • 12 units in options or minor
Year 4
  • PLAN 410 - Professional Planning Practice and Ethics
  • PLAN 412 - Finance for Planners
  • PLAN 495 - Planning Studio
  • 6 units in PLAN 485 (Variable Topics Course, may be repeated)
  • 9 units in options or minor
Additional Requirements
  • 6 units selected from any HGEO or PLAN 300- or 400-level courses
  • Students who are majoring in Planning cannot minor in Human Geography

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of courses can Planning students take?

  • PLAN 210 - Introductory Planning History and Practice
  • PLAN 211 - Introduction to Design Fundamentals for Planners
  • PLAN 310 - Land Use Planning and Policy
  • PLAN 315 - Community Planning and Engagement
  • PLAN 316 - Planning Law
  • PLAN 355 - Environmental Planning
  • PLAN 410 - Professional Planning Practice and Ethics
  • PLAN 495 - Planning Studio

What kinds of careers can you pursue with a Planning degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with a Planning degree. From urban and regional planning to public policy, graduates are equipped with critical thinking, analytical, design and consultation skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information. 

  • Urban & Regional Planner
  • Zoning Policy Specialist
  • Transportation Analyst
  • GIS Specialist
  • Environmental Planner
  • Sustainability Coordinator
  • Environmental Policy Specialist
  • Equity Consultant
  • Non-profit Coordinator
  • Community Development Officer
  • Housing Coordinator
  • Real Estate Developer
  • Land Use Consultant
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

Important Links

Department Contact Information