Bachelor of Urban Planning
The Urban Planning program is one of the most well established and respected programs in the United States and has been accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board for nearly 30 years. The University of Cincinnati's program stresses planning as a problem-solving activity oriented toward the future with special emphasis on the built and natural environment and improving the quality of life.
Areas of specialization for planners include:
- economic development
- environmental planning
- historic preservation
- housing and community development
- international planning
- land use and zoning
- urban design
The program is studio-based and graduates earn a Bachelor of Urban Planning degree, which qualifies them to apply for the American Institute of Certified Planners Board (AICP) examination.
The curriculum is designed to introduce beginning students to the general knowledge required by the profession, as well as to ground students in physical, economic, sociological, computer, graphic design, analytical and communication skills. The upper division professional sequence includes three years of study and cooperative education work experience - co-op. The curriculum consists of general and specialized professional planing lecture or seminar courses and a sequence of studio courses, which are real-world projects worked on by students in small groups. Studios give students an opportunity to try out techniques of urban planning in a creative team setting, usually for real clients.
Upper division students alternate school with work co-op every quarter. Urban planning requires six quarters of co-op. Transfer students may petition for up to two quarters of reduction of this requirement. The University of Cincinnati School of Planning is the only urban planning program in the country, which requires a co-op experience.