Career Overview

Environmental designers can also be called urban or regional planners. Environmental designers specialize in helping communities plan for the best usage of land for residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational purposes. They do studies and then create reports that include information about different locations, street capacities, highways, airports, schools, libraries, cultural sites, and recreational sites. They can also create plans in regards to locations of new buildings for schools, hospitals, community centers, large businesses, and other important community buildings. Environmental planners can also be involved in environmental planning to ensure that sensitive natural areas near communities are adequately protected and preserved. They can also help to ensure that communities develop and preserve green spaces. 66 percent of environmental designers are employed by local municipalities.

Education & Licensing Requirements

Master’s Degree in Urban or Regional Planning

Most entry level environmental planning jobs require a master’s degree from an accredited urban or regional planning program.  To get admitted into a graduate program, students need an undergraduate degree from a variety of different backgrounds including geography, economics, political science, or environmental design. Many colleges offer a bachelor’s degree in regional, environmental, or urban design but getting hired is difficult without a master’s degree. The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), a professional institute within the American Planning Association, has a certification for designers who have the right education and professional experience and pass an examination.

Coursework

Urban Policy Processes
Economics of Urban Development
Politics of Urban Development
Community Planning and Vision
Green spaces in Urban Planning
Environmental Spaces
Environmental Planning for the Future

Employment Trends

Job Availability as of May 2008 for: 38,400
Projected Employment in 2018 of: 45,700
Average Annual Salary for Environmental Designers in U.S. in 2008: $59,810

Top Colleges

Clemson University
Clark University
Northeastern University
Pratt Institute
St. Louis University

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Article Reference: Bureau of Labor Statistics