Go beyond urban planning and learn to tackle the environmental and social challenges facing the world's urban, rural, and natural areas. Learn how to manage the growth of cities, design efficient transportation systems, protect parks and other natural areas, preserve heritage, and more.This multidisciplinary program covers everything from economic and legal issues to design skills, land development, and GIS technology. Whether you choose to put your degree to work for government, academia, or the private sector, you'll be ready to create a sustainable future through smart planning.Because this is a co-op program, youll graduate with 20 months of paid real-world experience. Use your five co-op work terms to explore the many areas within planning so that when you graduate, you have a network of potential employers and you know which career areas you'd like to pursue.<br><br>Geographic information systems (GIS) are used commonly by planners to manage, analyze, and visualize data related to urban planning and resource management. Students completing this Specialization will have a sound grasp of the principles of GIS and the means to apply this technology effectively in research capacities and in planning practice.