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Next Session(s):

Fall or Spring

Time Commitment:
2-3 semesters
Format(s):
In-person
Digital Badge:
Learn more on Credly
Program Contact:
Dr. Catherine T. Lawson at [email protected]
Open Beyond Existing Students:
Yes
Community Planning microcredential badge.

Learn skills you need for a career in community planning, including how to bring together residents, experts and local governments to guide the physical, economic and social growth of a neighborhood or city.

The 10-credit, graduate-level Community Planning microcredential — offered by the Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability in UAlbany's College of Arts and Sciences — includes three graduate courses and a Capstone project.

You will learn strategies to help stakeholders define shared goals, manage land use, create equitable housing and improve local infrastructure. The microcredential will include theory and practice on how to manage public engagement to ensure that neighborhood development reflects the needs of its residents and businesses. 

Upon completion, you will have strong foundation in balanced growth that strategically connects housing, transportation and green spaces to build a sustainable community and helps municipalities to identify funding opportunities and align short-term actions with long terms goals, with an eye towards resource alignments and funding allocations for multi-generational community visions.

 

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Handbook, employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034. 

Some job opportunities for learners with a bachelor's degree and microcredential in Community Planning include Junior/Assistant Planner, Community Development Coordinator and Zoning Inspector. 

Professionals already working in the public and private sectors may move into policy-related positions or pursue promotion after finishing the microcredential. 

Other learners can go on to earn graduate degrees and become employed as social science researchers or senior urban and regional planners and administrators. 


Cost

This microcredential is based on graduate master’s tuition rates. 

Note: New York State and SUNY employees may be eligible for Public Employees Federation (PEF) tuition reimbursement, and eligible SUNY employees represented by United University Professions (UUP) can receive full tuition waiver assistance for one course per semester or special session on a space-available basis through the UUP Tuition Waiver Program.

Completion Requirements

This three-course, graduate-level microcredential can be completed in two to three semesters. 

The ten total credits are stackable into a Certificate of Graduate Study (CGS) in Urban Policy and/or the professionally accredited Master of Regional Planning (MRP) in Urban and Regional Planning. 

Completion requirements for this microcredential include:  

  • Complete the following three courses (or an equivalent course, subject to departmental approval) with a passing grade:
    • APLN 505: Planning Processes, Plans, and the Design of Communities (4 credits)
    • APLN 523: Urban Community Development (3 credits)
    • APLN 540: Urban Policy in the United States (3 credits)
  • Individual Capstone project: Conduct an independent project and present the project as a poster presentation or demonstration at a department meeting or UAlbany Showcase to demonstrate applied skills to faculty and/or subject matter experts with specific knowledge of skills and competences in community planning.

Visit the Schedule of Classes to explore upcoming course offerings. Register for classes.

Learning Objectives

By completing this microcredential you will be prepared to:

  • Identify the key issues facing community development professionals
  • Produce analysis of the effectiveness of one or more community development programs
  • Create community development plan(s) with strategies and evaluation of impact

Eligibility

You can complete this microcredential on the way to earning a Certificate of Graduate Study (CGS) in Urban Policy and/or a Master of Regional Planning (MRP) in Urban and Regional Planning, since all courses are stackable, or you can earn it as a stand-alone credential as a non-degree professional learner with an accredited bachelor's degree or equivalent with department permission. 

To register for the courses in this credential:

  • Current UAlbany students: Contact your graduate advisor to register for the required courses.  
  • Professional learners: Apply for non-degree graduate study to register for the required courses.

Earning the Badge

Once you successfully complete all required courses, please email [email protected] to request access to the completion form so you may apply to receive your Credly badge.

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