MS Planning and Development

The MS in Planning and Development program focuses on the foundational knowledge and skills to prepare students looking to enter the planning field and advance their careers in this field. It is a 30-hour online program taught from the main East Carolina University campus in Greenville, North Carolina. Students can choose one of the three concentration areas: Coastal and environmental planning, Rural and regional planning, and Urban and community planning. Because there are no cohorts or a dictated pace, meaning you can select the academic load that fits your life, this program is a good option for working professionals. Courses may be taken in any order, provided prerequisites are met. An internship is not required.

Degree Requirements

The degree requires a minimum of 30 s.h. as follows:

 

Core (15 s.h.)

  • GEOG 6401: Geographic Information Systems (3) OR
  • PLAN 6301: Computer Applications for Planning and Development (3)
  • MPH 6027: Mixed-Methods Research (3) OR
  • PLAN 6150: Quantitative Methods in Planning (3)
  • PLAN 6003: City Planning and Design (3)
  • PLAN 6065: Growth Management (3)
  • PLAN 6110: Research Design in Planning (3)

Concentrations (9 s.h.) – Choose one

I Coastal and Environmental Planning
Choose 9 s.h. from the following:

  • PLAN 6015: Disaster Planning, Policy, and Practice
  • PLAN 6020: Seminar in Environmental Planning
  • PLAN 6029: Research in Coastal and Environmental Planning
  • PLAN 6032: Administrative and Legislative Aspects of Planning
  • PLAN 6045: Environmental Planning and Policy
  • PLAN 6055: Coastal Planning and Policy
  • PLAN 6270: Advanced Water Resources Management and Planning

II Rural and Regional Planning
Choose 9 s.h. from the following:

  • GEOG 6350: Seminar in Rural Development
  • PADM 6123: Economic Development
  • PLAN 6010: Seminar in Regional Planning
  • PLAN 6019: Research in Rural and Regional Planning
  • PLAN 6032: Administrative and Legislative Aspects of Planning
  • PLAN 6035: Economic Development Techniques
  • PLAN 6045: Environmental Planning and Policy
  • PLAN 6075: Transportation Planning and Policy

III Urban and Community Planning
Choose 9 s.h. from the following:

  • PLAN 5985: Historic Preservation Planning
  • PLAN 6000: Seminar in Urban Planning
  • PLAN 6009: Research in Urban and Community Planning
  • PLAN 6025: Housing and Community Development
  • PLAN 6032: Administrative and Legislative Aspects of Planning
  • PLAN 6035: Economic Development Techniques
  • PLAN 6040: Community Facilities and Capital Budgeting
  • PLAN 6075: Transportation Planning and Policy

Electives (6 s.h.) – Choose two electives

Choose two course that do not count towards the core or concentration requirements from the following:

  • GEOG 6350: Seminar in Rural Development
  • GEOG 6355: Rural Development Practicum
  • MPH 6027: Mixed Methods Research
  • PADM 6123: Economic Development
  • PLAN 5985: Historic Preservation Planning
  • PLAN 6000: Seminar in Urban Planning
  • PLAN 6010: Seminar in Regional Planning
  • PLAN 6015: Disaster Planning, Policy, and Practice
  • PLAN 6018: Internship in Planning
  • PLAN 6020: Seminar in Environmental Planning
  • PLAN 6025: Housing and Community Development
  • PLAN 6028: Internship in Planning
  • PLAN 6032: Administrative and Legislative Aspects of Planning
  • PLAN 6035: Economic Development Techniques
  • PLAN 6038: Internship in Planning
  • PLAN 6040: Community Facilities and Capital Budgeting
  • PLAN 6045: Environmental Planning and Policy
  • PLAN 6046: Advanced Planning and Design Studio
  • PLAN 6050: Seminar on World Architecture and Urbanism
  • PLAN 6055: Coastal Planning and Policy
  • PLAN 6075: Transportation Planning and Policy
  • PLAN 6150: Quantitative Methods in Planning
  • PLAN 6250: Advanced Environmental Impact Analysis
  • PLAN 6270: Advanced Water Resources Management and Planning
  • PLAN 6305: Developmental Planning and the Environment

Comprehensive Assessment Requirement

All ECU graduate programs require students to successfully complete a comprehensive assessment. The assessment for this non-thesis program includes a curated portfolio submitted by students that showcase their work over the course of their degree program. The portfolio may include research papers/posters, professional reports, and design posters. All submitted portfolios must follow the degree program’s portfolio guidelines.