PROGRAM OFFERINGS AT GRAND VALLEY

The Department of Geography and Sustainable Planning offers a certificate in sustainable urban and regional planning. Students learn the best practices, strategies and techniques required for sustainable urban and regional development, smart and green infrastructure, and sustainable integration of social, environmental, and economic priorities in planning.  

Students who seek a certificate in sustainable urban and regional planning are required to complete GPY/PA 209, a course that should be taken first. GPY 209 is followed by three or more courses for a minimum of 12 credit hours from the electives listed below.

REQUIRED COURSE (3 credits):

• GPY/PA 209 - Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning Credits: 3 

ELECTIVES (take 12 credits from the following):

• GPY 101 - Sustainability and Place Credits: 1
• GPY 310/PA 313 - Land Use Planning Credits: 3
• GPY 312 - Urban and Regional Environmental Planning Credits: 3
• GPY/PA 316 - Introduction to Transportation Planning Credits: 3
• GPY/PA 324 - Urbanization Credits: 3
• GPY/MKT 365 - GIS for Economic and Business Decision-Making Credits: 3
• GPY 381/PA 380 - Study Abroad (Summer II in the Netherlands) Credits: 3
• GPY/ECO 385 - GIS in Urban and Regional Analysis Credits: 3
• GPY 410 - Landscape Analysis and Green Infrastructure Credits: 3
• GPY 496 - Field Research Project Credits: 3

CAREER OPTIONS

Concepts and skills in urban planning are applicable to a variety of specialties that include:

• Urban planning
• Regional planning
• Green infrastructure
• Sustainability planning
• Environmental planning
• Smart infrastructure

WHY STUDY PLANNING AT GRAND VALLEY

The certificate gives students additional expertise and opportunities for applying geographic understandings and skills in the wider community. Our students:

• Gain an understanding of planning terms and concepts, which equips them to enter conversation about local planning and zoning, and qualifies them for internship and jobs.
• Build a strong foundation in the history and theory of planning and a depth of understanding that informs their analyses of local issues.
• Participate in regional and state planning conferences and are exposed to frequent guest speakers, giving them contact with real-world practitioners in the field of planning.
• Are in contact with a broad community of alumni in planning related fields - people our undergraduates come to know on a first name basis - offering our graduates a ready-made network for job-hunting and advice.

For more information visit the GVSU Course Catalog.