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  • Urban Planning

Urban Planning Courses

Urban planning courses can help you learn zoning regulations, land use strategies, transportation systems, and community engagement techniques. You can build skills in spatial analysis, environmental impact assessments, and urban design principles. Many courses introduce tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and modeling software to visualize urban layouts and analyze demographic data, enabling you to apply your skills in real-world planning scenarios.


Popular Urban Planning Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Sustainable Cities

    Skills you'll gain: Traffic Flow Optimization, Architectural Design, Sustainable Development, Stormwater Management, Building Codes, Community Development, Land Development, Public Works, Sustainable Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Transportation Operations, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Case Studies, Building Design, Economic Development, Land Management, Sustainable Design, Sustainable Technologies, Environmental Science

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    474 reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Sustainable Regional Principles, Planning and Transportation

    Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Development, Transportation Operations, Case Studies, Economic Development, Land Management, Growth Strategies, Community Development, Geographic Information Systems, Environment and Resource Management, Stakeholder Engagement

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    191 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    É

    École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

    Smart Cities – Management of Smart Urban Infrastructures

    Skills you'll gain: Energy and Utilities, Transportation Operations, Governance, Systems Thinking, Technology Roadmaps, Emerging Technologies, Technology Strategies, Innovation, Internet Of Things, Digital Transformation, Sustainable Systems, Case Studies

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.9K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Amsterdam

    Reclaiming the Street for Livable Urban Spaces

    Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Advocacy, Transportation Operations, Change Management, Community Development, Sustainable Development, Social Impact, Innovation, Public Policies, Case Studies, Experimentation

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    83 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    L

    Lund University

    Sustainable Cities and Communities

    Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Development, Climate Change Adaptation, Sustainable Design, Sustainable Technologies, Community Development, Governance, Socioeconomics, Water Sustainability, Environment, Sustainable Business, Social Impact, Systems Thinking, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Climate Change Mitigation, Case Studies, Water Resources, Multimedia, Business Modeling, Innovation

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Sustainable Neighborhoods

    Skills you'll gain: Land Development, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Case Studies, Community Development, Public Works, Sustainable Design, Environment and Resource Management, Building Codes, Cultural Diversity

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    83 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Status: AI skills
    AI skills
    G

    Google

    Google Project Management

    Skills you'll gain: Quality Management, Project Management Life Cycle, Requirements Analysis, Project Scoping, Project Closure, Project Management, Project Planning, Agile Project Management, Continuous Improvement Process, Project Controls, Backlogs, Milestones (Project Management), Project Risk Management, Stakeholder Analysis, Quality Assessment, Team Management, Agile Methodology, Change Management, Interviewing Skills, Applicant Tracking Systems

    Build toward a degree

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    139K reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    R

    Rutgers the State University of New Jersey

    Supply Chain Management

    Skills you'll gain: Strategic Sourcing, Lean Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Demand Planning, Procurement, Supplier Relationship Management, Forecasting, Lean Methodologies, Process Improvement, Supplier Management, Operations Management, Purchasing, Production Process, Supply Management, Supply Chain, Warehouse Management, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory and Warehousing, Inventory Management System, Logistics

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    16K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    C

    Columbia University

    Construction Management

    Skills you'll gain: Project Schedules, Construction Management, Construction Estimating, Project Finance, Cost Estimation, Punch Work, Construction, Project Risk Management, Bidding, Building Information Modeling, Scheduling, Cost Control, Environment Health And Safety, Project Closure, Lean Methodologies, Real Estate, Finance, Business Transformation, Innovation, Architecture and Construction

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    9.6K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U
    E
    E

    Multiple educators

    Human Mobility in Future Cities

    Skills you'll gain: Policy Analysis, Innovation, Systems Thinking, Storytelling, Visionary, Sociology, Social Sciences, Creative Thinking, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Social Impact, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Systems, Social Justice, Cultural Diversity, Critical Thinking, Case Studies, Environmental Science, Spatial Analysis, Human Centered Design, Public Policies

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    290 reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    L

    Lund University

    Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities

    Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Development, Sustainable Design, Sustainable Technologies, Community Development, Environmental Issue, Governance, Systems Thinking, Climate Change Mitigation, Case Studies, Stakeholder Engagement

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.5K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    É

    École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

    African cities : An Introduction to Urban Planning

    Skills you'll gain: Governance, Climate Change Adaptation, Land Management, Community Development, Environmental Issue, Sustainable Development, Economic Development, Transportation Operations, Finance

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    20 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Searches related to urban planning

african cities : an introduction to urban planning
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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular urban planning courses

  • Sustainable Cities: Johns Hopkins University
  • Sustainable Regional Principles, Planning and Transportation: Johns Hopkins University
  • Smart Cities – Management of Smart Urban Infrastructures: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
  • Reclaiming the Street for Livable Urban Spaces: University of Amsterdam
  • Sustainable Cities and Communities: Lund University
  • Sustainable Neighborhoods: Johns Hopkins University
  • Google Project Management: Google
  • Supply Chain Management: Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
  • Construction Management: Columbia University
  • Human Mobility in Future Cities: University of Amsterdam

Frequently Asked Questions about Urban Planning

Urban planning is the process of designing and organizing urban spaces to create functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing environments. It involves the strategic allocation of resources and land use to accommodate growing populations, enhance quality of life, and promote economic development. Urban planning is crucial because it addresses challenges such as traffic congestion, environmental sustainability, and social equity, ensuring that cities can adapt to changing needs and improve the well-being of their residents.‎

A career in urban planning can lead to various roles, including urban planner, transportation planner, land use planner, and community development director. These positions often involve collaborating with government agencies, private developers, and community organizations to create plans that guide the growth and development of urban areas. Additionally, urban planners may work in sectors such as environmental consulting, real estate development, and public policy, providing diverse opportunities for professionals in this field.‎

To succeed in urban planning, you should develop a range of skills, including analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) is essential for mapping and analyzing spatial data. Additionally, understanding zoning laws, environmental regulations, and community engagement techniques will enhance your ability to create comprehensive plans. Skills in project management and collaboration are also valuable, as urban planners often work with diverse stakeholders to implement their strategies.‎

There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in urban planning. For instance, the African cities: An Introduction to Urban Planning course offers insights into the unique challenges faced by urban areas in Africa. Additionally, the HEALTHY URBAN SYSTEMS Specialization focuses on the intersection of urban planning and public health, providing a comprehensive understanding of how urban environments impact health outcomes.‎

Yes. You can start learning urban planning on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many urban planning courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in urban planning, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

To learn urban planning, start by exploring online courses that cover foundational concepts and practical applications. Engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments to reinforce your understanding. Additionally, consider joining local planning organizations or attending workshops to network with professionals in the field. Gaining real-world experience through internships or volunteer opportunities can also enhance your learning and provide valuable insights into the planning process.‎

Urban planning courses typically cover a variety of topics, including land use planning, transportation systems, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Students may also learn about zoning regulations, urban design principles, and the impact of policy decisions on urban development. Furthermore, courses often emphasize the importance of data analysis and GIS technology in making informed planning decisions.‎

For training and upskilling employees in urban planning, the HEALTHY URBAN SYSTEMS Specialization is particularly beneficial, as it addresses the integration of health considerations into urban planning. Additionally, the Project Management and Planning Specialization can provide essential skills for managing urban development projects effectively, making it a valuable resource for workforce development in this field.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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