Urban Planning vs. Civil Engineering?
Hello,
I am hoping to get some honest feedback on different educational tracks for a career in planning. Ultimately, I'd like to be involved in sustainable urban regeneration (either public or private sector). From the job postings I've been reviewing, it's begining to look as though 1) a bachelors in civil engineering might be more usefull than one in urban planning and 2) getting a masters is unavoidable (I hope to complete that overseas, possibly in Scotland).
I am currently at the College of Charleston in South Carolina (non-accredited) and am worried that perhaps I should switch schools and maybe even majors. Given that I am 30 and this is my second career, I am keenly aware of how I am spending my time and don't want to waste any of it. If anyone can give me some insight into which degree program will ultimately prove more useful and/or recommend undergrad programs, I would *greatly* appreciate it! Or if you just want to throw out any other nuggets of advice, I'll take those too!
Thanks so much,
Rachel Anne
- Login or register to post comments
- Email this page
Transportation
If your interest is in urban regeneration, I would say a degree in civil engineering wouldn't hold much value. A civil eng undergrad with a planning masters would be perfect for someone looking to move into transit and transit oriented design fields. For your path though, an architecture, public policy, or finance undergrad with a planning masters might be a better route.
exciting time to be in planning
A lot has changed just in the last few years in the field of planning. I work as a planner for a public agency, and a lot of attention has been given to sustainability and compact growth. This is no longer just theory at an academic level, but is quickly being embraced by all involved in development. With that said, it's an exciting time to be an urban planner. As a civil engineer, you may be exposed to some innovative projects, depending on the firm you work for, but you may find yourself spending time on just the technical details. Planning may give you greater flexibility in your career. If you plan on getting a master's in planning, it may be okay to branch out a bit and finish your bachelor's with a degree in something else. I have a BA in public policy and an MCRP, and it has worked out just fine.