Urban and Regional Planning is a profession which seeks to apply systematic thinking and cutting-edge knowledge and technology to the problems and challenges of the natural and built environment.

It seeks to manage growth and change to improve the quality of life for all members of society through short and long range public and private planning and design. From its traditional and still central concern with city design, land use and infrastructure, the scope of the planning profession has expanded to include social policy, transportation, housing, economic development, urban design, and the entire environment.

Planners work in both the public and private sectors. Two out of three professional planners are employed by government at local, regional, state, and national levels. Other planners work in the private and non-profit sectors for development and real estate firms, utilities and other corporations, or as consultants serving both the private and the public sectors. Regardless of the specialization, the best opportunities are available to individuals with a graduate degree.

Because planning is such a multifaceted profession, people with a wide range of backgrounds, skills and experiences are welcomed and encouraged to engage in graduate training. Relevant undergraduate majors include the natural and social sciences, mathematics and computer sciences, business and real estate, communications, and architecture and other design professions. Other backgrounds may also prove appropriate.