Environmental Planning University of Northern British Columbia

Overview

The Environmental Planning programme at the University of Northern British Columbia offers a comprehensive education focused on the complex relationship between human settlements and the natural world. This degree prepares students to address critical global challenges such as biodiversity loss, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development.

Students at the University of Northern British Columbia benefit from a challenging academic environment that integrates scientific data with technical expertise. The curriculum emphasises practical application, teaching students how to identify key environmental issues and develop actionable recommendations for real-world implementation.

The learning experience is highly interactive, featuring in-class discussions, collaborative group work, and community-based projects.

Why Environmental Planning at the University of Northern British Columbia?

The University of Northern British Columbia provides a unique undergraduate experience through its School of Planning and Sustainability. The programme is distinguished by its focus on northern, rural, and Indigenous contexts, offering specialised streams that are rarely found in other institutions.

A significant advantage of this programme is its professional accreditation by the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Planning Institute of British Columbia. This status ensures that the curriculum meets rigorous national standards and provides a direct pathway to becoming a Registered Professional Planner.

Graduates benefit from reciprocal agreements with the American Institute of Certified Planners, which expands their career opportunities across North America. The university’s strong links with professional bodies and emphasis on "real world" projects provide students with a competitive edge in the global job market.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 963 per credit
• National fee: CAD 204 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to cover diverse aspects of environmental and social governance. Modules may include:

• Environmental Assessment
• Ecological Design
• Local Economic Development
• First Nations Planning
• Land Use Planning
• Sustainable Communities
• Professional Practice

Students can choose to concentrate their studies within specific thematic streams to align with their career goals. These specialised areas of focus include:

First Nations Planning

• Infrastructure Development
• Housing
• Health Planning
• Traditional Knowledge
• Land Management

Natural Resource Planning

• Provincial Land Use Planning
• Watershed Planning
• Integrated Resource and Environmental Management
• Natural Sciences
• Social Processes

Northern Rural and Community Planning

• Bioregionalism
• Sustainability
• Landscape Design
• Physical Land Use Planning
• Social Planning

Careers with Environmental Planning

Graduates of the Environmental Planning programme are well-prepared for diverse roles in the public and private sectors. Many find employment as professional planners within municipal, provincial, or federal government agencies, focusing on land use and environmental protection.

Opportunities also exist within non-governmental organisations and private consultancy firms specialising in environmental assessment and resource management. The accreditation of the degree allows graduates to pursue the Registered Professional Planner designation after two years of experience.

The specialised training in First Nations planning and natural resource management opens doors to careers in Indigenous community development and watershed management. Employers frequently seek out graduates from this programme due to their eligibility for professional membership in national planning institutes.