Regional and Community Planning — Bachelor's degree
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
| 2024-05-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning (BRCP) at the University of the Fraser Valley is an interdisciplinary program that integrates various fields to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for professional planning careers. The program emphasizes theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and experiential learning opportunities, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in planning and related fields. The BRCP also incorporates Indigenous Ways of Knowing into its curriculum and actively seeks accreditation from the Planning Standards Board (PSB) and the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Program Outline
Regional and Community Planning — bachelor's degree at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)
Degree Overview
The Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning (BRCP) at UFV is an interdisciplinary program that integrates environmental studies, art, natural sciences, policy and law, urban design, history, and communications. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to work as professional planners in Canada or abroad. The BRCP also prepares graduates for further studies or other professional designations.
Objectives:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of regional and community planning.
- Gain proficiency in research, analysis, and problem-solving skills relevant to planning issues.
- Cultivate critical thinking and communication skills to effectively present and advocate for planning initiatives.
- Acquire hands-on experience through practical projects and internships.
- Foster a commitment to ethical and sustainable planning practices.
Program Description:
The BRCP curriculum emphasizes theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and experiential learning opportunities. Students gain exposure to various planning areas, including:
- Land-use planning
- Environmental planning
- Transportation planning
- Economic development
- Social planning
- Urban design
- Public engagement The program also incorporates Indigenous Ways of Knowing into its curriculum, recognizing the importance of Indigenous perspectives in planning. Graduates of the BRCP will be eligible to pursue professional designation as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) after fulfilling the certification criteria established by the Planning Standards Board (PSB) or similar boards in other countries.
Outline
Program Structure:
- Four-year program
- Full-time format
- Intake in year 2 after meeting prerequisites
Program Content:
- Lower-level courses provide a foundation in geography, communication, and academic writing.
- Upper-level courses delve deeper into specific planning areas, including:
- Planning Law and Ethics
- Planning for Housing: Affordability, Design, and Policy
- Resiliency and Land-Use Planning
- Theories in Urban and Regional Planning
- Indigenizing Planning: Indigenous Land-Use and Community Planning
- Introduction to Regional and Community Planning and Policy
- The Canadian State and Indigenous Governance
- Geographies of Poverty and Development
- Conservation GIS
- International Planning and Development Policy: Adapting to Climate Change
- Climate of Cities
- Agriculture and Rural Life
- Geography of Food
- Environmental Assessment and Management
- A 4-credit practicum provides students with valuable work experience and industry contacts.
- Students can choose between various electives to tailor their learning experience to their interests.
Course Schedule:
The program offers courses throughout the year, with start dates in January, May, and September. Each course syllabus provides a detailed description of the module content, learning outcomes, assessments, and teaching methods.
Assessment
The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Examinations: written, oral, or a combination of both
- Assignments: essays, research papers, case studies, projects
- Presentations: individual or group presentations
- Practicum report: reflecting on the work experience and learnings from the practicum
- Portfolio: showcasing the student's planning skills and knowledge The specific assessment methods and criteria vary depending on the course and instructor.
Teaching
The BRCP program features a diverse team of faculty with expertise in various planning areas. The faculty employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, discussions, group work, and field trips. The program also emphasizes experiential learning through guest speaker presentations, case studies, and the practicum.
Careers
Graduates of the BRCP are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in:
- Consulting firms
- Development firms
- International development agencies
- First Nation governments
- Local/provincial/federal governments
- Nonprofits and non-governmental organizations Potential career titles include:
- Community planner
- Development planner
- Emergency planner
- Environmental planner
- Heritage planner
- Parks planner
- Planning consultant
- Social planner
- Transportation planner
- Rural planner
- Urban designer The program also prepares graduates for further studies in planning or related fields.
Other
- The BRCP program actively seeks accreditation from the Planning Standards Board (PSB) and the Canadian Institute of Planners.
- The program integrates Indigenous Ways of Knowing into its curriculum, recognizing the importance of Indigenous perspectives in planning.
- Graduates of the BRCP have the opportunity to pursue professional designation as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) after fulfilling the certification criteria.
- The program offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries to support students.
Note:
The program may implement changes to its admission requirements and structure in Fall 2024. For the most up-to-date information, please contact the program coordinator.
Overview:
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a public university located in British Columbia, Canada. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. UFV is known for its commitment to accessibility and its focus on providing a student-centered learning experience.
Services Offered:
UFV provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Guidance on program selection, course registration, and academic planning.Library:
Access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.Student Services:
Support for student life, including financial aid, career counseling, and health and wellness services.IT Service Desk:
Technical support for students and faculty.Bookstore:
Purchase textbooks, course materials, and UFV merchandise.Shuttle Bus:
Transportation between UFV campuses and surrounding areas.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UFV offers a vibrant campus life with opportunities for students to engage in a variety of activities, including:
Clubs and Organizations:
Join student groups based on interests, hobbies, and career aspirations.Athletics:
Participate in varsity sports or recreational activities.Events:
Attend campus events, concerts, and workshops.Community Engagement:
Get involved in volunteer opportunities and community initiatives.Key Reasons to Study There:
Accessible and Inclusive Environment:
UFV is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment for all students.Student-Centered Approach:
The university prioritizes student success and provides personalized support.Diverse Programs:
A wide range of academic programs cater to various interests and career goals.Strong Faculty:
Experienced and dedicated faculty members provide high-quality instruction.Vibrant Campus Life:
Opportunities for students to connect with peers, explore their passions, and build a sense of community.Academic Programs:
UFV offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Agriculture:
Agricultural Science, Agriculture Management, Agriculture Technology, and various certificates.Aviation:
Aviation Diploma, Aviation Bachelor of Business Administration, and Integrated Studies with an Aviation theme.Business and Management:
Accounting, Applied Business Technology, Aviation Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Marketing and Sales, and various certificates.Computer Systems and Technology:
Architectural Drafting Technician, Automation and Robotics Technician, Computer Information Systems, Computing Science, Digital Manufacturing, Engineering Common Core, Engineering Physics, Geographic Information Systems, Library Information and Technology, Media Arts, and Data Analysis.Creative Arts and Design:
Creative Writing, Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design, Media and Communication Studies, Media Arts, Theatre, Visual Arts, and various diplomas.Earth and Environmental Sciences:
Agricultural Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, Geography, Physical Geography, and Geographic Information Systems.Education:
Adult Education, Early Childhood Education, Education, Educational Leadership and Mentorship, Integrated Learning Design, Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning, School and Community Support Worker, and Teaching English as a Second Language.Graduate Studies:
Criminal Justice, Educational Leadership and Mentorship, Migration and Citizenship, Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning, Program Evaluation, and Social Work.Health Sciences and Services:
Certified Dental Assistant, Child Life and Community Health, Health Care Assistant, Kinesiology, Nursing, and Practical Nursing.History and Culture:
Applied Ethical and Political Philosophy, Art History, Arts, Creative Writing, Diaspora Studies, English, French, History, Indigenous Studies, Language Proficiency, Latin American Studies, Liberal Arts, Philosophy, Stó:lō Studies, and Theatre.Indigenous Studies:
Indigenous Studies, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus), and Stó:lō Studies.Interdisciplinary Programs:
Diaspora Studies, Early Modern Studies, General Studies, Global Development Studies, Graphic Design, India-Canada Studies, Indigenous Studies, Integrated Learning Design, Integrated Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and various certificates.Media and Communications:
Arts, Communications, Creative Writing, English, Essentials of Journalism, French, Graphic and Digital Design, Language Proficiency, Liberal Arts, Media and Communication Studies, Media Arts, Media Literacy, and Professional Communications Essentials.Office Administration:
Applied Business Technology, Advanced Medical Office Assistant, Bookkeeping for Small Business, Dental Office Receptionist, Legal Administrative Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Nursing Unit Clerk, Records Management, and Veterinary Administrative Assistant.Legal and Criminal Justice:
Criminal Justice, Political Science, Legal Administrative Assistant, Paralegal, and various diplomas.Sciences:
Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Engineering Common Core, Engineering Physics, Geographic Information Systems, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Geography, Physics, Data Analysis, Science, and various diplomas.Social Work & Human Services:
Child and Youth Care, Diaspora Studies, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, School and Community Support Worker, Social Service Worker, Social Work, and various diplomas.Society, Politics, and Policy:
Applied Ethical and Political Philosophy, Arts, Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, Global Development Studies, International and Development Studies, Liberal Arts, Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, Program Evaluation, Psychology, and Sociology.Trades:
Architectural Drafting Technician, Collision Repair and Refinish, Automation and Robotics Technician, Automotive Service, Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Digital Manufacturing, Electrician, Electronics Technician, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Plumbing and Piping, Trades Management, and Welding.Upgrading:
Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, and Workplace TASK.Other:
UFV is situated on the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The university acknowledges and respects the Stó:lō's historical and cultural connection to the land.
Entry Requirements:
A minimum of 45 university credits including:
- One of:
- GDS 100: A World of Development
- GEOG 109: A World of Development
- GEOG 111: Environmental Issues and Strategies (or equivalent)
- One of:
- GEOG 241: Social Geography: The Urban Experience
- GEOG 242: Economic Geography
- GEOG 260: Global Goals Studio: Sustainable Communities by Design (or equivalent)
- One of:
- ENGL 105: Academic Writing
- CMNS 125: Communicating Professionally to Academic and Workplace Audiences (or equivalent)
- One of:
- CMNS 235: Public Speaking
- CMNS 251: Professional Report Writing (or equivalent)
A minimum CGPA of 2.85 on all attempted courses
Additional Notes:
- Changes to admission requirements will be implemented in Fall 2024 to allow direct entry.
