Urban and Regional planning.

College Majors Architecture Major
1

<p>Hi, I'm a development sociology major who has no background in architecture or urban planning. However, I spend much of my free time cruising google earth, researching census data, and studying data about different municipalities and areas. This makes me think that maybe regional planning would be a career path that would interest me. However, I'm intimidated by the fact that most regional planning programs are located in architecture schools. Architecture seems so specialized to me, I know that many architecture programs require portfolios to even apply. Is regional planning the same way? Also, does regional planning sound like a career that fits my interests? I'd be happy to provide more info if need be.</p>

<p>Btw, I'm going to stick with my current major, but am curious about studying regional planning in grad school. How difficult would it be to get in to a program without an undergrad degree in planning? Would getting a minor in it be a large benefit?</p>

2

<p>I actually think that city and regional planning fits what you are looking for. Many think that it is about design at a larger scale, but in the planning courses that I took it is really about reaching community consensus, the legislative process, the appropriate use of zoning tools, etc. I don’t believe you need an architecture undergraduate degree or a portfolio to study planning at the graduate level, though I would assume that art history and an understanding of historical patterns of city development would be useful.</p>

<p>Most of the planners I have worked with have been employed by municipalities. The best ones have been visionaries trying to guide their communities to a better future, the worst have just been bureaucrats.</p>

<p>rick</p>