1. The Urban and Regional Planning Program provides an integrated curriculum with courses that complement and build upon each other in developing a full range of planning knowledge and skills.

Objectives 

1.1 Develop an integrated approach to student curriculum that incorporates recommended and suggested general education courses, planning major requirements, students' selected minor programs and suggestions for university (free) electives. 

1.2 Continue to work with general advising to improve advising for students expressing interest in the planning program and develop a sample/suggested course of study that students may follow as a guide. Periodically update this guide as needed. 

1.3 Develop a learning outcomes driven approach to curriculum development and student attainment. This will include clear measures that will allow the program to assess how well it is doing in training its students to meet the needs of professional planning practice.

2. The Urban and Regional Planning Program maintains relationships with other programs and departments in the University in order to supplement the planning curriculum, and to enhance the student experience in planning-related areas.

Objectives

2.1 Continue the strong curricular ties with geography, GIS, historic preservation and earth science programs within the Geography and Geology Department.

2.2 Continue the strong curricular ties with programs outside the Geography and Geology Department, including Public Administration, Sociology and other social sciences.

2.3 Develop and maintain a listing of recommended general education and university elective courses appropriate as enhancements to the planning major.

2.4 Periodically review EMU minor program offerings and assess their suitability as planning-related "specializations." Incorporate this information with student advising.

3. The Urban and Regional Planning Program maintains contact with other planning programs and with professional planning organizations and practitioners in order to enhance academic and professional opportunities for students during and immediately following their academic preparation.

Objectives

3.1 Provide students with opportunities for cooperative and intern placements to complement academic training and facilitate student entry into professional practice.

3.2 Maintain relationships with planning professionals and educators who can be brought into the program as guest lecturers/speakers and as adjunct faculty to teach specialized planning courses as needed.

3.3 Maintain the active presence of both students and faculty in the Michigan Association of Planning, and participate in APA activities through membership, conferences, etc.

3.4 Continue the strong connection with program graduates, encouraging students to interact and develop professional relationships with program alumni and other planning professionals throughout the region and the country. 

3.5 Collaborate with a Professionals Advisory Board composed of active program alumni, which meets as needed to consult with program faculty and administration on academic and professional practice matters.

3.6 Encourage all planning students (majors and minors) to participate in the student club PLACE (Planning Awareness Club of Eastern) and its various activities such as field trips, student/professional mentoring, social events, etc.

4. Urban and Regional Planning Program faculty enhance their teaching through participation in professional planning activities and organizations, applied research activities and planning-related service to the University and the broader community.

Objectives

4.1 Faculty maintain an active presence in various professional and academic organizations, including Michigan Association of Planning, American Planning Association, American Institute of Certified Planners, Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning and other appropriate professional organizations. 

4.2 Increase the number of program faculty with professional certifications. 

4.3 Engage students with faculty research and outreach efforts whenever possible.

Explore this Program

Goals and Objectives

Read the specific objectives of the Urban and Regional Planning Program.

Student Satisfaction and Achievement in the Urban and Regional Planning Program


Learn about students' opinions and achievements in the Urban and Regional Planning Program.

Current Students

Find information on internship procedures, the paper requirement and the oral requirement.