Education · 1 of 4

The path

A degree, then a first government job, then certification.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Geography, government, statistics and any course that makes you argue a case in public.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Planning, geography, economics, political science, environmental studies or architecture all work. A few schools offer planning as an undergraduate major.

3. 3

   Master's in planning

   2 years

   The standard credential for this field. Accredited programs exist at schools like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and many public universities. Expect studio projects with a real client city.

4. 4

   First planning job

   After graduation

   Assistant planner at a city or county, reviewing site plans, writing staff reports and presenting to a planning commission.

5. 5

   Get certified

   1 to 3 years in

   Pass the AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) exam, then submit your education and experience for assessment.