Want a career that makes an impact? We’ve got the plan.
Go beyond urban planning and learn to tackle the environmental and social challenges facing the world's urban, rural, and natural areas. Learn how to manage the growth of cities, design efficient transportation systems, protect parks and other natural areas, preserve heritage, and more.
This multidisciplinary program covers everything from economic and legal issues to design skills, land development, and GIS technology. Whether you choose to put your degree to work for government, pursue advanced study in law or politics, or work in the private sector, you'll be ready to create a sustainable future through smart planning.
Because this is a co-op program, you’ll graduate with up to 20 months of paid real-world experience. Use your five co-op work terms to explore the many fields within planning so that when you graduate, you have a large professional network and a strong sense of career areas you would like to pursue.
Jacklyn loves Planning at Waterloo. She feels like she’s at home because she’s surrounded by people who share her interests in sustainability and the environment.
Faculty:
Faculty of Environment
Degree:
Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Planning
Available as a co-op program?
Co-op only
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Jump start your career. As one of only two undergraduate programs accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners, Planning meets many of the requirements you need to become a Registered Professional Planner after graduation.
97% employment rate. The academic preparation and practical skills gained through co-op gives Waterloo Planning grads an edge. Within six months of graduating, 97% of Planning graduates were employed. (Source: Ontario University Graduate Survey 2024)
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
In the world's leading co-op program, you'll explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Read about how Jacklyn used her co-op term to create safer and inclusive communities.
Sample co-op job titles
- Planning policy assistant
- Student planner
- Planning assistant
- Junior project manager
- Coordinator land development
- Safety research assistant
- Rail operations co-op student
- Innovation operations and outreach assistant
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Study | Work |
| Third | Study | Work | Study |
| Fourth | Work | Study | Work |
| Fifth | Work | Study | - |
Your first work term will be at the end of your second year (May to August 2028).
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of 75% is required)
Admission averages: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application.
Success starts at Waterloo
As home to Canada's largest faculty of environment and the world's leading co-op program, Waterloo is the only place where you can test drive up to five careers before you graduate.
*University of Waterloo Key Performance Indicators 2024
**for social science programs, which include programs within the Faculty of Environment
Get information about programs, applying, and more!
Contact us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Megan Muir, our Faculty of Environment recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.
From the Missing Manual
While volunteering her time with local groups as a high-school student in Guelph, Jacklyn became aware of the challenges facing low-income families and those suffering from violence and abuse. Read our article on...