Program Purpose

The Master of Science degree in Rural and Small Town Planning is designed to prepare students for a planning career in rural, regional, and public and private planning agencies. Specifically, the program is structured to provide a base in planning theory and analytical skills together with extensive preparation in the formulation and implementation of rural plans, policies and programs. Although the program is based in the social sciences, it is interdisciplinary in nature and interrelates with other academic areas of the university. A major emphasis of the program is to educate students who can respond creatively to situations rather than the development of programmed technicians.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Rural and Small Town Planning Program is to facilitate the use of the University’s intellectual resources in solving practical problems of government by:

1. Offering instruction that provides students with the theoretical, methodological and substantive knowledge base necessary to study and practice in the field of planning.

2. Providing an institutional structure for research and public service activities that focus on community and regional planning issues.

3. Using internships and other authentic learning experiences to leverage the resources of the broader community in order to provide a high-quality graduate program that contributes to the University’s vision of a proactive partnership with business, industry, government and cultural organizations.

Learning Outcomes

M.S. Rural and Small Town Planning students will demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of:

1. The theoretical foundations of public planning.
2. The methods and techniques of contemporary planning practice.
3. The substantive base necessary to study and practice in the field of planning.

Quality of Program

Currently, the Rural and Small Towns Planning Program is the recipient of a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Work Study Program Grant. Two of the major factors used by HUD in awarding the grant were: (1) the quality of course offerings in terms of depth, sophistication, quality, and emphasis on applied work and (2) the appropriateness of course offerings for preparing students for careers in community building.

The Curriculum

The Master of Science in Rural and Small Town Planning requires the completion of 36 semester hours of graduate credit. All students must take six core courses: Planning Theory and Practice, Environmental Policy, Planning Seminar, Capstone Project or Internship, Research Methods for Public Administration, and Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation. The student and his or her graduate advisor select the remaining 18 hours of electives. Electives may be selected from across the University and are used to help the student design a course of study tailored to meet his or her individual educational needs.

Faculty members who have work experience in the field of public planning teach many of the courses. Furthermore, faculty in the Rural and Small Town Planning program are continually engaged in research and public service activities to remain abreast of current professional practice.

Coordination with the Planning Profession

The Rural and Small Town Planning Program is in the process of forming an Advisory Board of practicing planners to constantly review the program and make suggestions for possible revisions and changes. Also, the Planning Program participates in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Work Study Program. Finally, faculty members and students in the Program are active in various professional organizations.

Jobs and Additional Information about Planning

Visit the Home Page of the American Planning Association at: www.planning.org

Program of Study

The Master of Science in Rural and Small Town Planning requires the completion of 36 semester hours of graduate credit.  All students must take six core courses (18 hours): See Program Sheet.
 

    Planning Theory and Practice (PLAN 5704)
    Environmental Policy (POLS 5209)
    Planning Seminar (PLAN 5784)
    Capstone Project or Internship (PLAN 5786)
    Research Methods for Public Administration (POLS 6202)
    Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation (POLS 6204)

Click on Course Descriptions for more information about the core Planning courses.

For the remaining 18 hours, students may choose graduate-level courses from Planning, Political Science, Geography, or Geology.