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This question is about urban planner education.
What degree do you need to be an urban planner?
You typically need a master's degree to be an urban planner. While it is possible to work in the field with a bachelor's degree, most entry-level positions require a postgraduate degree.
Acquiring a bachelor's degree in urban planning is often a necessary step to becoming an urban planner. There are occupations that you can secure that are related and require only a bachelor's degree.
Both project coordinators and assistant planners can be hired with a bachelor's degree and perform many of the duties of an urban planner. Many times candidates will work as assistant planners while pursuing their master's degree and gain the necessary experience to eventually work as an urban planner.
Traditionally, candidates in this career field begin with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental design, or public administration, and they then enroll in a master's program for urban design. It is important that these degrees are obtained through accredited bodies such as the Planning Accreditation Board or PAB.
The APA, or American Planning Association, is the largest certifying body associated with urban planning. As of 2021, nearly 60% of its members hold at least a master's degree from an accredited institution.
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