Explore the best online urban planning courses

Urban planning shapes sustainable communities that meet residents' needs. Explore online urban planning courses from edX to build foundational knowledge and career-ready skills.

Key takeaways

  • Urban planning courses can teach you about sustainable cities, transportation planning, and urban infrastructure.
  • Studying urban planning develops valuable project management, public policy, and economic development skills.
  • Online urban planning courses from edX can help you build practical skills in planning, sustainability, and infrastructure.

Popular online urban planning courses with certificates

What is urban planning?

Urban planning is the field that designs cities that run smoothly and meet residents' needs. Schools, fire stations, parks, sidewalks, and other public spaces all fall under the umbrella of urban planning. So do transit, water, and waste systems.

Urban planners work closely with policymakers and developers to ensure public areas meet the needs of their communities.

Why learn urban planning?

  • Understand cities: Studying urban planning can help you better understand cities and the challenges they face.
  • Project management: Urban planning develops strong project management and organizational skills that transfer across many industries.
  • Public policy: Urban planning combines policy, economic development, and environmental considerations, and applies to many career paths.

Browse online urban planning certificates

Find new interests and advance your career opportunities

Stand out in your field

Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

Learn at your own pace

On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

Earn a valuable credential

Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.

Careers in urban planning

Careers related to urban planning can offer competitive salaries. An urban planning background can also pay off if you're interested in project management and public sector careers.

Urban planner

Urban planners develop land use projects, including housing, parks, and urban infrastructure, to meet the needs of cities and regions.

  • Required education: Master's degree
  • Median annual salary (2024): $83,720

Why learn urban planning online with edX

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Steps to get started in urban planning

Want to learn about urban planning? Regardless of your background or prior knowledge, online edX courses can help you build foundational knowledge and practical skills. Here's a roadmap to get started.

1. Learn how cities work and the challenges they face

Start by learning how modern cities function, the challenges they face, and how urban planners address those challenges. These courses introduce key concepts such as sustainable development, smart cities, and the built environment.

Featured courses


Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a degree to work in law?

Urban planners need a strong understanding of city planning theory, land use regulations, and GIS. They draw on their analytical and planning skills to develop urban plans. Because they work closely with policymakers, developers, and the public, urban planners also need exceptional communication skills.

Can you learn urban planning online?

Yes. Online urban planning courses covering topics such as transit systems, sustainable development, and GIS can help you build foundational knowledge for careers in urban planning and related fields.

What's the difference between urban planning and urban design?

Urban planning focuses on long-term growth and land use policy, while urban design focuses on the look and feel of public spaces. For example, urban planners evaluate data on public infrastructure, create zoning maps, and develop city growth plans. Urban designers create layouts for parks and streetscapes.

What qualifications do you need to become an urban planner?

Urban planners typically need a master's degree, though a bachelor's degree may meet the qualifications for some entry-level roles. Most urban planners attend an accredited urban and regional planning program, which develops the knowledge and skills required for this career path.