Careers with an urban planning & urban studies degree
Studying Urban Planning & Urban Studies means learning how residential, commercial and public spaces interact to shape a city's identity. You'll analyze city systems, tackle real-world planning challenges and use GIS tools to create inclusive, sustainable communities.
What can I do with my degree? Urban Planning & Urban Studies leads to careers in municipal planning, urban design, transportation planning, community development and environmental policy.
Skills you'll develop
Your degree builds more than academic knowledge, it shapes the way you think, communicate and collaborate. Throughout your studies, you'll develop key skills for your career, such as:
Functional knowledge:
Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map, analyze, and visualize urban data
Communication:
Draft clear planning documents, policy reports and urban design proposals
Management and organization:
Organize and synthesize research to create recommendations for urban policies and initiatives
Teamwork:
Navigate differing perspectives during team-based projects to come up with inclusive solutions
Critical thinking and problem solving:
Evaluate the impacts of different policy choices and land-use strategies over time
As a Concordia student, you will develop valuable skills to bring to any career opportunity.
Beyond the classroom: Build your career path
Getting involved outside of the classroom can help you discover your interests, develop new skills and build a network of peers and professionals in your field.
First year
- Get support organizing your busy schedule at the Time Management Clinic.
- Explore research opportunities at one of the department research labs.
- Join Geography Undergraduate Student Society or explore other clubs that interests you.
- Improve your language fluency in French or English through conversation practice.
- Browse the CAPS online job bank for opportunities to gain work experience.
Middle years
- Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.
- Help make campus greener at Concordia.
- Enrich your global perspective by studying abroad for an academic term.
- Get paid work experience and tackle real-world challenges with District 3’s 12-week summer residency program.
- Join the community-based internship program to drive meaningful change while building professional skills.
Final year
- Explore experiential learning opportunities in the program.
- Consider research assistant positions in the department.
- Use digital tools like Excel and Power BI to organize your research and streamline assignments through FutureBound’s digital skills workshops.
- Explore leadership opportunities in Geography Undergraduate Student Society.
- Network with potential employers at recruitment events and career fairs.
Specialize your studies
Minors & elective groups
You can customize your degree by adding a minor or elective group. Popular choices with this program include:
Graduate studies and certifications
Graduate studies can help you specialize in a subject you love, engage in meaningful research or open doors to new career paths. Certifications are a great way to build new skills that complement your degree.
Talk to your professors or a career counsellor at the Student Success Centre to find programs that fit your goals.
Start exploring:
- Universitystudy.ca: A data base of graduate programs in Canada
- Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies: Graduate programs offered at Concordia
- Graduate funding and awards: Scholarships and awards, research and teaching assistantships, and other financial supports for Concordia graduate students
- Concordia Continuing Education: Courses, workshops and programs to advance your career
Career exploration resources
Professional associations
Access professional associations to explore opportunities and expand your network.
Job Banks
Career counselling & advising
Want tailored career advice? Book an appointment with one of our career counsellors or career advisors.
Start your job search
Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) can help you find opportunities and support you with networking, applications and interviews.
