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, academia, or 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 20 months of paid real-world experience. Use your five co-op work terms to explore the many areas within planning so that when you graduate, you have a network of potential employers and you know which career areas you'd like to pursue.
In Canada for integrating sustainability issues in a planning degree program
Gain 20 months of paid work experience through co-op
Earn a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Planning
Planning 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
We recommend completing the Admission Information Form once you've applied.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
Planning at Waterloo
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.
Get tips from Waterloo students
Sign up for insider advice that can help you now and in the future.
Monthly topics include how to choose a university program, tips for a successful senior year of high school, and more.
Questions? Ask a student!
Contact an Environment student ambassador to learn about their experience.
Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.
Programs in Ontario recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners
Apply directly to the Planning program on your application
Offered by the Faculty of Environment
"The best thing about Waterloo is the recognition you get from employers who appreciate your high caliber education. Plus being in classes with only 90-120 students lets you get to know people who share the same interests."Alifia, third-year Planning co-op student"Co-op has given me direction and confidence. I would have felt absolutely clueless upon graduation, but now I know what kind of career I want – and I have work experience from five co-op terms that sets me apart from other job applicants."Miila, fourth-year Planning co-op student (minor in Geography) "Planning is a close-knit community. People are friendly and willing to help. I also love applying what I learn in class to creating more livable communities. Each co-op term is a new experience and gives me hands-on experience working in my field."Adrian, third-year Planning co-op student"The best part of co-op is the real-world experience. In Planning, there are different paths to take. Co-op helped me discover what areas interest me – and helped me better understand my course material by applying it during my work terms."Abby, second-year Planning co-op student Ready to learn more?
- Download our program brochure
- Visit the School of Planning website
- Email Graham Barnes, our Faculty of Environment recruitment coordinator, who can answer any questions about the program
- Related programs
See planning in action
Field trips let you see good — and bad — planning across Southern Ontario. You’ll even have the option of taking a three-week field course at Oxford Brookes University, one of the U.K.'s most highly regarded urban planning schools.
Jump start your career
And because it’s accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners, you’ll already meet many of the requirements to become a Registered Professional Planner.
