What I wish I knew before I went to planning school

Greetings Planetizen members, first time posting here.

I am in the midst of choosing between getting a BA in Architecture and then an MA in urban planning/design, or vice versa. What I'd like the most from my education/degree is flexibility throughout my career to practice any form of design if I should so happen to change my mind, which has led me to extensively consider opting for an arts or design program (like one of these: http://www.businessweek.com/interactive_reports/talenthunt.html) prior to specializing in urban design or architecture. I am 90% certain I want a career in design.

curious about this program

could anyone tell me about their experience with the planning program there? i'm applying to their m.u.p. program. thanks.

Looking for feedback on new program

Water and oil do not mix, everybody knows this. IMO one excellent example of this is the eternal, futile attempt to get wild west capitalism complete with its massive ego's and classic Tory mindsets to get in the same bed with the known discipline and social control essential to create a Paris or a Canberra or any well ordered, livable environment that are exemplified in all your useless textbooks.

I'm looking for a program to compliment my degree. However, I'm not exactly sure what field I want to specialize in. I have a lot of interests in dif. pieces (as it's an umbrella of a field). I just want to be smart about my choice, and make a good one. Please, please help. I need to apply by this December. I'm young and a bit confused.

Really need some feedback...

To Whom It May Concern:

I am going to UC Davis for Fall 2011. I am going to be majoring in Community and Regional Development B.S. Emphasis in Policy And Planning w/ a Minor in Environmental Analysis & Planning. Has anyone heard about this program and where students are getting jobs after they graduate? I heard many graduates are going into environmental planning or military planning. I heard many people get jobs in Sacramento working for federal planning offices like CalTrans or CalOPR. Can somebody give me some insight?

Thank you very much,

David

Hi, I am currently enrolled in an undergraduate program for urban planning and have been considering doing my master's degree in Norway. I am wondering if anyone knows what the job market in Europe is like, or has any advice. The two major factors for me are cost, and wanting to study (possibly work) abroad. I know the job market here sucks because of the economy, and it seems almost impossible to land a job (other than internships) without a master's degree.

I'm also wondering if anyone knows how well accepted a European degree would be in the event I decided to work here instead.

What graduate planning programs offer the best financial aid packages?

Hello, this site is quite impressive for me(Korean). I've searched for lots of you guy's concerns, then I try to ask all you good adivisers my concerns.

I live in Korea(South) working at the public company, Korea National Land&Housing Corp, as a structural engineer(3yrs), a construction supervisor on a construction site(2yrs), and a project manager(1yr) in Korea.

Recently, I am seriouly considering in Master's degree of Urban planning and policy in states cuz my final destination is working at the UNDP. Is this move profitable or possible? ...If I stay at the current job, everthing is gonna be fine because the biggest merit of my job is stability(able to work by 59 if I do not commit a crime or get some briberies).

I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some insight on studying at University College London (UCL) for MSc in Sustainable Urbanism and MSc in International Planning. I'm from the U.S. and have recently been accepted to Columbia University for the MSc in Urban Planning program. I'm still waiting to hear back from UCL, but I am contemplating which I should choose if I do get in.

Can anyone provide any insight on the level of difficulty of finding a job in the U.S. after graduating from a school in the U.K.? Does anyone know anything about the two programs I mentioned at UCL (i.e.

Can anyone provide me with some insight on studying at University College London (UCL) for MSc in Sustainable Urbanism and MSc in International Planning?

To be or not to be....

I am a mid-20s guy with a BA in Religious Studies who is interested in getting a Masters in Planning. However, I don't have any relevant experience yet, and was wondering if y'all had any advice about how to get jobs/internships for someone like myself, who is not affiliated with a university or anything like that, but just a guy interested in Planning?

Ideally, the job would be paid, but I'll take what I can get if it lets me see the profession from the inside before I commit to grad school.

Thanks!

Rutgers vs U of Colorado at Denver

...How do they measure up?

Hey guys,

I've been thinking about doing a Urban Studies / Urban Planning undergrad. for a few years now. I've visited some schools and asked loads of questions, but one question still remains unanswered. Which is the following:

How much (hand)drawing is involved in the urban studies/urban planning profession? Since im not quite an artist concerning making drawings sketches i would really like to know whether this will be a major problem for me or not.

I'm more the type to research and making plans on how to do something, more than actually drawing the designs.

I would like to hear your professional opinion on this.

Thanks in advance,

Tim

I have been working in planning since 2004. I will be taking the AICP exam this spring. I am considering entering a maters program in the fall. Obviously, it is very expensive. I just want to know if it's financially a good investment. Does having a graduate degree set applicants apart for mid-level and higher positions? Is an advanced degree any more or less important in the private sector vs. the public sector? I would really appreciate any feedback anyone has based on their experience.

Dear Friends,

I am a civil engineer with about 4+ years experience( and 3+ of that in GIS). I am interested in enrolling for a
Masters programme in planning in this year. I have looked at the details of Masters programme in Urban Planning offered in UK (since UK is one of my preferred destination), But was not able to find a suitable course.
Can someone please help me on this predicament by suggesting some universities, which offer the kind of course I am looking forward to?