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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Supreme Court Ruling in Pipeline Case Guts Federal Environmental Law
The decision limits the scope of a federal law that mandates extensive environmental impact reviews of energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects.
Texas State Bills to Defund Dallas Transit Die
DART would have seen a 30% service cut, $230M annual losses had the bills survived.
Bikeshare for the Win: Team Pedals to London Cricket Match, Beats Rivals Stuck in Traffic
While their opponents sat in gridlock, England's national cricket team hopped Lime bikes, riding to a 3-0 victory.
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.
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