Overview

The Community and Regional Planning at South Dakota State University provides students with the essential skills to lead community-based development and foster sustainable, economically vibrant environments. This comprehensive programme focuses on the intersection of public service, critical thinking, and spatial problem-solving to address the evolving needs of modern society.

Students enrolled in this course develop a deep understanding of how local and regional systems function, gaining the expertise required to manage complex planning projects. The curriculum emphasises leadership and interpersonal communication, ensuring that graduates can work effectively with diverse stakeholders to implement meaningful change in urban and rural settings.

Why Community and Regional Planning at South Dakota State University?

Choosing this programme means joining a department dedicated to geospatial excellence and practical application. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with the technical skills needed for modern planning, supported by a university environment that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across geography and social sciences.

The university provides a supportive academic atmosphere through the Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center, ensuring students have access to the resources necessary for academic achievement. Additionally, the Brookings campus offers a vibrant setting for students to engage with local planning initiatives and participate in extracurricular activities like the Geography Club.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 387 per credit
National fee: USD 387 per credit
Local fee: USD 267 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to build foundational knowledge in planning and development. Modules may include:

Community and Regional Planning
Geographic Information Sciences
Sustainability
Public Service
Land Valuation and Rural Real Estate
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
Professional Communication
Political Science
Sociology

Careers with Community and Regional Planning

Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles within public agencies and private firms. The programme qualifies individuals for positions such as city managers, community planners, and environmental consultants. Many alumni find success working for municipal planning offices, housing authorities, and economic development agencies at local, state, or regional levels.

Recent graduates have secured employment with prominent organisations, including the City of Sioux Falls Planning Office and the City of Fargo Planning Office. The degree also prepares students for careers in neighborhood development corporations, federal agencies, and private development foundations, focusing on sustainable growth and community leadership.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Urban History

Research Methods in Geography

Sustainable Communities

Urban Geography

Site Analysis
Site Planning

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

National: SDSU accepts applications on a rolling admissions timeline.

Language

English

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IELTS

5.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Brookings, United States

Disciplines

Urban Planning View 191 other Bachelors in Urban Planning in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.6

English requirements

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

5.5

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

For admission to SDSU, we look for one of the following academic achievements:

An ACT composite score or ACT superscore of 18 or SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscore total of 970 or
Level 3 or higher on Math and English Language Arts Smarter Balance Assessment or
A high school cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher or
A ranking in the top 60 percent of graduating class.

Students should also complete the following core courses with a “C” average or above:

4 years of English (or ACT English subscore of 18 or above).
3 years of advanced math—Algebra I and higher (or ACT math subscore of 20).
3 years of laboratory science (or ACT science reasoning subscore of 17).
3 years of social science (or ACT reading subscore of 17).
1 year of fine arts (or AP Fine Arts score of 3 or above) Includes vocal, instrumental and studio arts.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11610 USD / year

≈ 11610 USD / year
Out-of-State

11610 USD / year

≈ 11610 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8010 USD / year

≈ 8010 USD / year

Additional Details

Minnesota Resident: $312.25 per credit.

Living costs

Brookings

United States

1085 - 1888 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Community and Regional Planning.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Brookings

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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