School of Planning students may choose to graduate with up to two specializations.
A minimum cumulative specialization average of 75% is required.
Decision Support and Geographic Information Systems Specialization
Geographic information systems (GIS) are used commonly by planners to manage, analyze, and visualize data related to urban planning and resource management. Students completing this Specialization will have a sound grasp of the principles of GIS and the means to apply this technology effectively in research capacities and in planning practice. The Diploma of Excellence in Geographic Information Systems is not available to students graduating with this Specialization.
- ENVS 278 Applied Statistics for Environmental Research
- PLAN 281 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- At least 2.5 units from (see Note):
- PLAN 381 Advanced Geographic Information Systems
- PLAN 387 Spatial Databases
- PLAN 481 Geographic Information Systems Project (1.0 unit)
- PLAN 487 Management Issues in Geographic Information Systems
Environmental Planning and Management Specialization
The Environmental Planning and Management Specialization is for students intending to integrate ecology and environmental management into their career plans. It is intended for those with an urban focus as well as for students with rural, resource hinterland, or park planning interests.
- ENVS 200 Field Ecology
- PLAN 340 Canadian Environmental Policy and Politics
- PLAN 341 Conservation/Resource Management of the Built Environment
- At least 2.0 units from (see Note):
- PLAN 432 Health, Environment, and Planning
- PLAN 440 Urban Services Planning
- PLAN 451 Tools for Sustainable Communities
- PLAN 452 Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
- PLAN 453 Urban Stormwater Management
- ENVS 401 Canadian Law, Indigenous Peoples, and Natural Resource Development
- ENVS 433 Ecotourism and Communities (1.0 unit)
- ENVS 444 Ecosystem and Resource Management in Parks/Natural Areas
- ENVS 469 Landscape Ecology, Restoration and Rehabilitation
- ERS 315 Environmental and Sustainability Assessment 2
- ERS 316 Urban Water and Wastewater Systems: Integrated Planning and Management
- ERS 382 Ecological Monitoring (1.0 unit)
- ERS 404 Global Environmental Governance
- ERS 484 Soil Ecosystem Dynamics
- GEOG 459 Energy and Sustainability (1.0 unit)
Land Development Planning Specialization
The Land Development Planning Specialization trains planning students to develop or redevelop land in communities. Land development planners practice in complex, high-profile, and often contentious decision-making environments. To be effective practitioners in this planning context, students acquire a good working knowledge of land use planning regulations, planning law, policy, and land development issues. Graduates with this Specialization would be ready to work in the land development industry, municipal planning, or private planning practice.
- PLAN 103 Planning, Administration, and Finance
- PLAN 233 People and Plans
- PLAN 261 Urban and Metropolitan Planning and Development
- PLAN 346 Advanced Tools for Planning: Public Participation and Mediation
- PLAN 401 Planners and Planning Tribunals
- PLAN 483 Land Development Planning
- ENVS 201 Introduction to Canadian Environmental Law
- At least 2.0 units from (see Note):
- PLAN 320 Economic Analyses for Regional Planning
- PLAN 349 Urban Form and Internal Spatial Structure
- PLAN 362 Regional Planning and Economic Development
- PLAN 450 Changing Form and Structure of Metropolitan Canada
- PLAN 471 Planning Law
- PLAN 478 Transit Planning and Operations
- PLAN 484 Physical Infrastructure Planning
Urban Design Specialization
The Urban Design Specialization acknowledges the student's competence in design and prepares them for work in public and private practice. Urban design focuses on the look and feel of our communities. An urban designer might be part of creating, for example, public squares, urban streetscapes, or urban parks. This Specialization also provides a sound foundation for graduate studies in urban design.
- PLAN 110 Visual Approaches to Design and Communication
- PLAN 210 Community Design Fundamentals for Planners
- PLAN 211 Design Studio Foundations
- PLAN 409 Urban Design Studio (1.0 unit)
- At least 1.5 units from (see Note):
Note for all Specializations
PLAN 490 Senior Honours Essay (1.0 unit) topics - if related to the specialization - may be approved as an elective course requirement by the associate director, undergraduate studies, School of Planning.