More than half of the world’s people live in cities, and the United Nations projects the share will reach 68 percent by 2050. That growth keeps urban planners in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected employment of urban and regional planners to grow about 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, roughly in line with the average for all jobs.
Urban planners shape how cities use land. They write zoning rules, plan transportation networks, and work on housing, parks, and public facilities. Most employers want a master’s degree from an accredited planning program, and many prefer candidates with professional certification.
Chicago is a strong place to study the field. The city has a long history of large-scale planning, from the 1909 Plan of Chicago to ongoing transit and waterfront projects. Students can intern with city agencies, nonprofits, and private firms working on real neighborhoods.
A typical master’s curriculum covers planning law, land use, statistics, and geographic information systems (GIS). Many programs add a studio course where students draft a real plan for a client. An internship is often required and usually leads to the strongest job offers.
Look for programs accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board, the recognized accrediting body for planning degrees in the United States. Accreditation signals that the program meets national standards.
When you apply, compare programs by cost, format, and placement rates. Learn about public sector career paths, the industry-specific benefits of a master’s degree, and internships and the post-master’s job search.
