Northern and Rural Community Planning
Engage with the unique social, economic and ecological issues northern and rural communities face as you discover how to develop and implement solutions.
Learn how to translate your ideas into meaningful, impactful, and positive on-the-ground change that improves environmental conditions and people’s quality of life.
When you make a positive change, you will know because you will see it in the community you work in.
120 credits, 4 Years,
Part-time available
Program Details
Northern and Rural Community Planning is the application of planning principles and practices to the often unique social, economic, and ecological issues confronting northern and circumpolar communities. Many of the principles and skills you learn will prepare you to work in communities large and small in different regions and countries.
Our degree provides you with a thorough understanding specific to the unique planning requirements of those communities while developing practical knowledge to address those issues. You will study both physical and social science knowledge as it relates to community planning, and develop an understanding of the relationship between northern communities and surrounding rural resource regions.
Through experiential learning, gain experience in applying your learning to designing and creating policy that is appropriate and responsive to northern and rural community needs.
Gain an appreciation of how and why communities change and of the place and function of northern communities and rural regions in the global environment.
Career Paths
- Registered Professional Planner
- Community planner
- Neighbourhood planner
- Housing planner
- Planning consultant
- Project manager
- Community development planner
- Economic development officer
- Provincial or federal civil service
Why at UNBC
- Study sustainability within the context of land use planning, social planning, and local economic development
- Fast track your career as a Registered Professional Planner by earning a degree from British Columbia’s first accredited undergraduate planning program
- Gain practical skills by completing one or more internships and engaging in applied, skills-based learning
- Develop an understanding of the complexity and diversity of environmental problems and develop an appreciation of community change processes
- Learn planning and design skills that enhance the sustainability and resilience of the built environment while improving the health and well-being of people and the ecosystems that sustain them
- Work on a real-world planning project in a workshop-style, field-based course
'En Cha Huná
UNBC’s motto, from the Dakelh (Carrier) Elders, reminds us that all people have a voice and a viewpoint. Interpreted as “respecting all forms of life,” 'En Cha Huná encapsulates the spirit of academic freedom, respect for others, and willingness to recognize different perspectives.
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Admission Requirements
High School Requirements (applicable for BC and Yukon)
Overall average of 65% minimum in the following:
- English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
- Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
- Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
- Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
- Additional Grade 12 Course (Elective or Academic)
Domestic Admission Requirements
View the full list of Approved Academic Grade 12 Courses
More high school admission requirements (including out-of-province, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement)
Transfer Requirements
- Have attempted at least 15 credit hours of post-secondary transferrable coursework from a recognized institution
- Be in good academic standing at the transfer institution
- Have a 2.0 GPA from the most recent 30 credits prior to transfer
- For the purposes of verifying any outstanding first-year prerequisites, high school transcripts may be requested
International Admission Requirements
International Student Requirements
- Meet UNBC's English language requirements
- Meet the international admission requirements by country or meet the admission with a General Certificate of Education (or equivalent)
- Complete the required high school course equivalencies outlined in the Domestic tab prior.
Transfer Requirements
- Have attempted at least 15 credit hours of post-secondary transferrable coursework from a recognized institution
- Be in good academic standing at the transfer institution
- Have a 2.0 GPA from the most recent 30 credits prior to transfer
- For the purposes of verifying any outstanding first-year prerequisites, high school transcripts may be requested
Tuition and Fees
Approximate Costs per Academic Year
(30 credit hours, 10 courses)
| Domestic | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition* | $5,985 | $26,750 |
| Student fees* | $1,125 | $1,315 |
| Books* | $1,400 | $1,400 |
* Tuition, fees and books are subject to change and vary among programs.
Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards
View the hundreds of available scholarships, bursaries, and awards.
- 1 in 4 students receive a UNBC financial award.
- $3,500,000 in financial awards given each year.
Important Dates
We Are Here to Help
This is your personal guide through every step of the admissions process. We are here for one reason: to support you. We help every part of the admissions process make sense. Just ask us.
Email: futurestudents@unbc.ca
Phone: 250-960-6306