WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING?
Environmental Planning is the process of creating and/or carrying out programs, policies and regulations which consider the current and future impact of human development on the natural environment. The field is closely related to the concepts of sustainable development and growth management, including a wide range of environmental issues such as air quality, habitat conservation, solid and hazardous waste, water quality, and natural resources.
Environmental Planning plays a vital role in balancing the needs of society, as environmental planners must have a broad understanding of environmental, social, political and economic factors. These professionals must also understand how to balance the conflicting pressures and interests of these stakeholders.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
Environmental Planning students can expect an interdisciplinary program which incorporates scientific knowledge and social implications of planning decisions. Environmental Planning majors are most often found in either Urban and Regional Planning or Environmental Architecture and Design departments, but they are also sometimes found in Geography or Environmental Studies departments.
Programs often examine the conflicts between the demands of development and economic growth and the need to maintain a healthy environment, while studying ways to resolve these ongoing problems. Specific courses we've seen include:
- Community Analysis
- Research Methods
- Dimensional Drawing
- Site Planning and Infrastructure
- Landscape Design
- Planning Law
- Environmental Impact Statements
- Environmental Politics
- Map and Image Interpretation
- Public Participation in Planning
- Environmental Design
- Urban Housing Analysis
- Transportation Planning
- Development Control
- Preservation Planning
- Data Inventory and Analysis
- Quantitative Planning Analysis
- Land Economics
- Public Sector Planning
CAREERS AND SALARY OUTLOOK
Environmental Planning graduates can expect to find planning, design, and environmental positions in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. The job market is expected to improve as urban and suburban landscapes increase in complexity and the public continues to demand environmentally-sound development. Graduates will find work in city, county, or regional planning agencies, as well as with state and federal government, international development agencies, developments firms, utility companies, planning and design firms, banks, property management firms, and industries. The nonprofit sector also requires the expertise of Environmental Planning professionals to evaluate the environmental impact of a wide array of issues, particularly construction projects.
Projects range in scale from single site and landscape development to the design of entire communities and the formulation of policies that shape urban and regional growth. Specific job titles we've seen include:
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- Landscape Architect
- Land-use Planner
- Conservation Program Director
- Development Director
- Urban Housing Planner
- Natural Resource Manager
- Urban Transportation Planner
- Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist
- Water Resources Technician
- Air Quality Specialist
- Waste Management Supervisor
- Parks and Recreation Manager
- Wetlands and Floodplain Manager
- Planning Consulting
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have specific statistics compiled for environmental planners. However, environmental planners are included in the outlook for urban and regional planners. BLS reports that median annual earnings of urban and regional planners were about $49,880 in 2002, with the middle 50 percent earning between between $39,210 and $62,710 a year. Check out full report from BLS on careers in Urban and Regional Planning here.
RELATED AREAS OF STUDY
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