Urban and Regional Planning (planning) is a collaborative and dynamic field that helps determine how communities will grow and adjust to change. It identifies current problems, analyzes trends, engages community members in dialogue about goals and issues and sets the framework for growth and change. Planning professionals help government officials and citizens create communities that offer better choices of where and how people work and live. A plan can be developed in a variety of forms, e.g., a community vision and goals, community action, policy recommendations, regulatory and incentive strategies, historic preservation, redevelopment, smart growth, economic development, and disaster preparedness.

In the coming years, planning is projected to increase in importance in the State of New Jersey and beyond. As we move to an era of decreased reliance on fossil fuels and rapidly diminish land available for development, efficiency in use of the remaining land and in the sustainability of every dimension of our lifestyle will become ever more critical. In this environment, wise planning will be necessary. Professional planners are in demand to fill positions in consulting, industry, government, and non-profit organizations. A master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning is recognized as the terminal degree for this profession. Our MS program will focus on all planning fields commonly practiced in southern New Jersey, but at the same time highlight globally significant content related to climate change, environmental degradation, sustainability, resiliency, and diversity.

For more information or to apply to the program, please visit Rowan Global. In addition, you may feel free to contact Dr. Mahbubur Meenar (meenar@rowan.edu), a faculty member who teaches in the program.