There are two types of doctorate degrees in urban planning. Clement Lau, a Los Angeles County planner with one of them, explains the difference and why, with no plans to be a professor, he pursued one of these degrees.
A professional doctorate in urban planning is not a Ph.D. It's a relatively rare degree. The University of Southern California has a professional doctorate degree program, but even that program was only recently reinstated after being terminated for a few years. Ph.D.s are typically pursued by those who plan on careers as tenured professors in universities. In contrast, a professional doctorate or more formally, Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development (D.P.P.D.), is designed more for the planning professional. However, in the planning profession, a master's degree unlocks access to the highest levels of the profession. So why would anyone in the planning profession pursue a D.P.P.D. degree? Well, in short, for the love of learning, writes Clement Lau, a Los Angeles County planner and holder of such a degree from USC's D.P.P.D. program. Lau goes on to explain his own experience in attaining the degree, and some of the options for those who might want to do the same.
FULL STORY: Becoming a Scholar-Practitioner in Urban Planning
Twelve 'Can't Miss' Planning and Design Conferences in 2017
L.A. County Planner Clement Lau issues his annual list of his favorite conferences for urban design professionals in the upcoming year.
How to Decide if Planning is for You
At this time of year, many prospective graduate students are asking themselves if they should apply to planning programs. This is a good question. Planning is a diverse field and it can be hard to figure out if it will be the right fit.
Should USC Axe Its Unique Planning Doctoral Program?
Dr. Clement Lau, a Los Angeles County Planner, describes what the threatened USC Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development (DPPD) program meant to him and why he thinks it's worth saving.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service