There is still time to register for two Bloustein Online Continuing Education Program courses, which begin on January 20. Form Based Codes Studio gives participants virtual "hands-on" learning in an innovative form of urban design. In Environmental Planning Law, participants will learn critical legal issues for the green economy, and have the opportunity to compare laws in the United States to other countries.

BOCEP Deep Learning courses are convenient, interactive and affordable. There are no scheduled meetings. Each course is 5 ½ weeks, so you get the time to put what you learn to practice, then share your experiences with your classmates. You can share ideas and insights with professionals from around the United States and other countries. In the two January courses, you can learn alongside professionals from California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as Milan, Italy. Learners say in course evaluations that they like the opportunity to interact with other professionals more than that they can participate at any time. Each BOCEP course costs $295. A few $50 scholarships are available for Environmental Planning Law. Planetizen readers can use promotion code: BGBBS

Other benefits: Each course is eligible for 14 AICP Certification Maintenance credits, and can earn 20 hours toward a Bloustein Professional Certificate.

BOCEP learners engage each other and instructors through discussion boards in online classrooms. The instructors lead and facilitate class conversations, and there are plenty of opportunities for classmates to network and discuss off-topic items.

The Form Based Codes Studio – and yes, it is a studio class – is one of our most popular courses. It is taught by Nicolas Ronderos, an expert in urban design, community development and local economic development at the prestigious Regional Plan Association. Learners will work on an urban design plan for a corridor in Virginia.

Environmental Planning Law is taught by Dawn Jourdan, a University of Florida professor who is also a land use lawyer specializing in smart growth and sustainable development. The course will explore major national and state laws, as well as model regulations in smart growth and regional planning. This year, learners will also be able to explore international laws, because Professor Jourdan also will be teaching students environmental planning law in Singapore.

Environmental Planning Law and Form Based Codes Studio are two of nearly 20 courses offered by BOCEP between January and July 2010. BOCEP specializes in community development, economic development, planning law, professional practice, sustainability and urban design.

To learn more or to register, please visit http://www.policy.rutgers.edu/bocep

BOCEP is produced by the Professional Development Institute of Rutgers University's Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.