Skip to main content
students on a green rough

Sustainable Urban and Regional Planning

Undergraduate Certificate

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 12 Credits

Sustainable urban and regional planning involves designing and managing urban and regional spaces to balance social, environmental, and economic priorities for long-term sustainability.

Overview

Grand Valley's Sustainable Urban and Regional Planning Undergraduate Certificate equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for effective urban and regional development. The program focuses on best practices, strategies, and techniques for smart and green infrastructure, integrating social, environmental, and economic priorities in planning. It is offered through the Geography and Sustainable Planning department and is available to all degree-seeking students at Grand Valley.

Students will complete courses such as Introduction to urban and regional planning, sustainability and place, cities, towns and villages, urban and regional environmental planning, and GIS for economic and business decision making. These courses provide a comprehensive understanding of planning terms and concepts, preparing students to engage in local planning and zoning discussions and qualify for internships and jobs in the field.

Sustainable urban and regional planning students gain practical experience through participation in regional and state planning conferences and exposure to guest speakers who are real-world practitioners. The program also provides a strong foundation in the history and theory of planning, and students can build a network of alumni in planning-related fields, enhancing their job-hunting and career development opportunities.

Admission Information

For new students, visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements. Upon acceptance and for current students:

  • Declare your certificate via myBanner (Login to Banner Self-Service, click on Student, Student Records, Add a Certificate or Badge to your Program, Select the appropriate certificate from the drop down list, and click Submit)
  • Speak with the appropriate certificate coordinator to ensure criteria are being met (you will be able to track your progress toward the certificate in myPath as well!)
  • Once you are done with the requirements, apply to receive the certificate via myBanner.
  • Once the completion of your certificate has been verified, the certificate will be posted to your student record and will be viewable on your transcript. 

Department of Geography and Planning

gvsu.edu/geography
B-4-105 Mackinac Hall
(616) 331-3065
[email protected]

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

 

Career Opportunities

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Top skills
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 46,857.74 10%
$ 58,750.92 25%
$ 76,377.18 50%
$ 89,572.34 75%
$103,053.50 90%

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 49,942.27 10%
$ 60,906.49 25%
$ 76,657.20 50%
$ 96,563.00 75%
$108,798.69 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 72,969.08 10%
$ 86,121.85 25%
$106,572.51 50%
$142,328.21 75%
$179,378.03 90%

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Persuasion
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 36,807.07 10%
$ 48,019.11 25%
$ 64,087.97 50%
$ 79,607.67 75%
$103,482.81 90%

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Top skills
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 55,567.35 10%
$ 66,197.03 25%
$ 83,722.99 50%
$104,564.03 75%
$128,720.94 90%

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 49,976.96 10%
$ 61,976.78 25%
$ 80,085.03 50%
$104,039.97 75%
$135,767.09 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

Top skills
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 73,415.29 10%
$ 92,597.60 25%
$123,219.62 50%
$166,377.68 75%
$216,706.50 90%

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Persuasion
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 43,126.89 10%
$ 52,588.09 25%
$ 66,596.52 50%
$ 85,494.92 75%
$107,442.36 90%
85%
GVSU Students Receive Offers Before Graduation
117K
GVSU Alumni in Michigan
"One of the Best Value Colleges in Michigan"
By Direct Parent

Request Information

Loading...


Page last modified May 20, 2025