Northern and Rural Community Planning University of Northern British Columbia

Overview

The Northern and Rural Community Planning programme at the University of Northern British Columbia offers a specialised path for students interested in the unique challenges of smaller settlements. This degree integrates social and physical sciences to address the complex ecological and economic issues facing northern regions.

Students explore the intricate relationship between human activity and the natural world, focusing on reducing environmental impacts. The curriculum emphasises strategic thought and professional practice, ensuring graduates can navigate public policy and decision-making processes effectively within rural resource regions.

The course is designed to foster an appreciation for community change processes and inclusive design.

Why Northern and Rural Community Planning at the University of Northern British Columbia?

This programme is professionally accredited by the Professional Standards Board, which is recognised by the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Planning Institute of British Columbia. Such accreditation ensures that the education meets high national standards for performance, integrity, and quality.

Students benefit from a learning environment that prioritises Indigenous reconciliation and First Nations planning perspectives. The university’s location provides a living laboratory for studying northern and circumpolar issues, offering unique insights that are not easily replicated in urban-centric institutions.

Enrolled students are eligible for student membership in professional planning institutes, providing early access to networking and industry resources. This connection to professional bodies significantly enhances job prospects and facilitates the transition into full professional membership after graduation.

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 structured to provide a foundation in environmental planning followed by specialised major requirements. Modules may include:

Lower-Division Requirements

• Microeconomics
• Planning for Transformation
• Dynamics of Community Planning
• Aboriginal Peoples of Canada
• Writing and Communication Skills
• How to Shape the Future
• Land and Indigenous Reconciliation Studio
• GIS
• Earth Science
• Canadian Government and Politics
• Statistics
• Ecology
• Environmental Citizenship
• Social Geography

Upper-Division Requirements

• Sustainable Communities
• Community Engagement and Inclusion Studio
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Professional Planning Practice
• Land Use and Development Studio
• Research Methods in First Nations
• Law and Indigenous People
• Environmental Law
• Housing
• Applied Land Use Planning in British Columbia
• Philosophy of Community Change
• Environmental and Professional Ethics
• Northern Communities
• Sustainable and Inclusive Design Studio
• Law and Municipal Government
• Indigenous Planning Studio
• Local Climate Action Studio
• Society, Policy and Administration
• Municipal Government and Politics
• Canadian Politics and Policy

Careers with Northern and Rural Community Planning

Graduates are well-prepared for roles in municipal government, environmental consultancy, and resource management. The accredited status of the degree allows alumni to pursue careers as professional planners in both public and private sectors across Canada.

Common career paths include land use planning, environmental assessment, and community development. Employers frequently seek graduates from this programme due to their specialised knowledge of rural infrastructure, housing, and the unique planning requirements of northern indigenous communities.