Program Coordinator/Contact
Robert Watrel, Interim Department Head
Department of Geography
109 Wecota Hall
605-688-4511
E-mail: robert.watrel@sdstate.edu
Click here for additional information.
Program Information
The Community and Regional Planning major prepares students for careers in planning agencies where they can attain positions as city managers and community planners at the city, county, state or regional level. The program also qualifies graduates to hold positions in organizations such as housing agencies, community and neighborhood development corporations, economic development agencies, federal agencies and private development firms and foundations. The core requirements consist of such topics as planning theory and law, plan development, quantitative and qualitative skills, and values and ethnics. The City/Community Design, Environmental, and Land Use emphases give students the opportunities to cultivate specialized knowledge and skills in domains that range from social and political aspects of planning to technical areas based on engineering and design that best prepares them for more focused career pathways.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Community and Regional Planning major, students will:
- Acquire general planning knowledge, comprehend, represent, and use ideas and information in the planning field, including appropriate perspectives from history, social science, and the design professions.
- Develop planning skills that can be used and applied to perform specific tasks required in the practice of planning.
- Include values and employ ethical and normative principles in guiding planning in a democratic society. Incorporate issues of diversity and social justice.
- Explore other areas such as exposure to other professions, other specializations, and emerging trends and issues.
Course Delivery Format
The Community and Regional Planning program includes lectures, discussions, fieldwork, and travel, with limited online coursework.
