The School of Planning is the only planning school in Canada to offer programs at the Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD levels. With the exception of the Master of Planning program (MPlan), the academic programs offered by the School are recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). The School’s programs and courses provide students with skills and perspectives necessary for successful careers as professional planners. Students are encouraged to explore widely the various academic offerings throughout the University in order to achieve their unique intellectual potential as individuals.
Welcome to the School of Planning at Waterloo
As Canadian and global communities evolve, there is an increasing need to consider and make informed decisions on critical issues of our time: affordable housing, climate change, environmental conservation, sustainable transportation, equity and inclusion.
Together, the School's faculty members and our students study, carry out research, and mobilize our knowledge into practice, enhancing the well-being of society and the environments in which we live and work. The School also advances the practice of Planning, by developing more inclusionary practices and public engagement, such that our learnings can improve the way in which all community planning is informed by local voices.
Waterloo's School of Planning has a strong foundation, having been established in 1969. We have evolved into Canada's largest Planning program, with broad impacts.
Located in the Faculty of Environment's LEED Platinum certified Environment 3 building, we are the only Planning School in Canada to offer programs at the Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels. Our undergraduate and Master's (Planning) programs are accredited by the Canadian Planning Profession. Our students explore Planning practice and theory, and they gain practical, applied skills, through experiential learning opportunities that include co-op jobs or internships. The PhD program welcomes scholars with career aspirations in academia or the policy world.
Within the School, we create a community that focuses on students' attainment of their goals - personal, professional and academic. We are enormously proud of our School, most notably its past (and future!) catalyzing of students' success. We invite you to learn more about the work that we do, and how we might collaborate to build a better future for your communities, and ours.
Why Study at Waterloo
The School of Planning at Waterloo is a unique blend between municipal, urban and regional planning. The program aims to expose students to a number of areas of planning while helping them develop their skills in their area of choice. The School also aids students in achieving their full potential through the bright faculty, excellent facilities and collaborative student life.
Faculty
The faculty in the School of Planning are comprised of some of the most experienced professionals in both Planning and teaching. With numerous CIP accredited members and world renowned researchers, the faculty contributes to the uniqueness and diversity of the School.
Facilities
The School of Planning offers a range of facilities for student success. Students will study in the LEED Platinum accredited Environment 3 building. Some of the main facilities Planning students will be using on a regular basis include the design studio and specialty computer labs, to name a few!