Regional & Urban Planning
Examine the conversion of land from natural habitats to urban built areas. Discover creative solutions to the challenges of urbanization. Explore the balance of science, aesthetics and community interests in the planning of healthy urban and rural environments. Develop strategies for environmental protection and the management of cultural and heritage resources. These opportunities and more are available to you when you choose to major in Regional & Urban Planning at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Regional & Urban Planning?
Planners direct the allocation of land, resources, infrastructure, facilities and services in order to create distinctive and resilient places. This work includes community land-use planning that maximizes travel mode choices, access to homes, work, retail, social and community services, and contributes to climate change solutions, energy conservation, protecting water supplies, and caring for natural areas. Planners bring life to cultural and heritage features, work with diverse communities of citizens and with First Nations and Métis peoples to create great places and distinctive communities. They revitalize neighbourhoods and commercial areas and undertake economic development planning and place-marketing for rural and urban communities.
The professors in the program were wonderful and very helpful; the students in the program were a closely-knit group. Professors range from academics to professionals in the planning field which allows for different teaching methods and various viewpoints. The program also allows students to follow individual interests as there are different specialty tracks students can choose from.—Kristen Wishlow
B.A. 2003
Hometown: Dalmeny, SK
A Stepping Stone...
To prepare great planners for meeting these challenges the Regional & Urban Planning Program has distinguished itself as a strong interdisciplinary professional program. Our students are a creative, talented and versatile group. They have to be in order to take a leadership role in tackling society’s most important challenges that stretch beyond single disciplinary boundaries.
An education in Regional & Urban Planning is also a solid foundation for continued studies at the Master’s level in Architecture or a variety of fields relating to urban and regional development at top universities across North America and abroad.
Career Opportunities
Professional planners use their skills in design, community engagement, policy analysis and government processes, economics, planning and development law, geomatics, conflict resolution, public speaking and applied research to link knowledge with action. Planning is an exciting vocation and a rewarding profession. Many planners have rewarding careers in the public sector, such as at urban or rural municipalities, provincial or federal government departments and conservation authorities. Many also pursue careers in the private sector, working for planning consulting firms or real estate development companies. Others start their own development or planning consulting companies and thrive on the challenges of entrepreneurship.
The U of S Advantage
The RUP Program is accredited by the
Association of Professional Community Planners of Saskatchewan and the
Canadian Institute of Planners and is one of only two professionally accredited undergraduate planning programs in western Canada. It is also one of the longest established planning degrees in Canada. It was started in 1968 by J. Howard Richards and John G. McConnell and has contributed ever since to building the planning profession in Saskatchewan, across Canada and around the world.
Choose Your Program!
Many RUP students take advantage of our international study and exchange programs to Europe, USA and Mexico to learn about planning in other places. The program also offers an opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in a practicum setting. The practicum in regional, community, or urban planning, or in urban design is intended for students in upper years who wish to attain specialist experience and apply their knowledge in a professional setting of community planning practice.
A Major in Regional & Urban Planning
Students majoring in Regional & Urban Planning can earn a Bachelor of Arts (Four-year) or a Bachelor of Arts (Honours). As a planning program accredited by the Association of Professional Community Planners of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Institute of Planners, graduates are automatically eligible for provisional membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Getting Involved!
Join the Planning Students Association, a social club created for students in the program. The group organizes activities and events that are of particular interest to students of the Planning profession, including social nights and guest lecture presentations.
Research Facilities
Students will benefit from numerous facilities and opportunities within the Department of Geography and Planning, such as the Planning Studio, equipped with workspace and computer terminals with AutoCAD, GIS and statistical analysis software. The computer facilities provided by the College of Arts & Science are also excellent and provide much of the digital capacity students need to succeed in the Regional and Urban Planning Program.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
Related Interests
If you are interested in Regional & Urban Planning,
you might also be interested in:
Relevant Links
For more information available online for Regional & Urban Planning:
Check your application status
Finish your application
Report your marks
Get help with your application
