This plan is no longer offered at the Flagstaff Campus. See the Campus Availability tab below for alternate plan campus options.
Do you want a career in rural or urban planning—one of today’s leading fields—without pursuing a degree? Then our community planning certificate may be for you.
In this certificate program, you'll learn:
This online graduate certificate focuses on producing urban and community planners who are prepared in both fundamental and advanced knowledge for professional practice in the public planning workplace. A baccalaureate degree from any discipline is required for admission.
Professional planning jobs include local government, federal land management agencies, international development organizations, private sector land development companies, community development divisions, and city and county planning departments.
Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 15 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Fieldwork Experience/Internship may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
Purpose Statement
The Community Planning Graduate Certificate prepares students for careers in local government urban planning departments, as well as in private sector development companies who interact closely with those departments. Students gain background and experiences in urban planning, community analysis, community development, city budgeting, geospatial technologies, land use law, and current issues in urban planning. At the completion of the certificate, students will have skills to analyze and assess community needs, and to create and execute policies and plans to address those needs through positions in city and county planning and development departments, in private sector development corporations, and in non-profit organizations that support community development.
Student Learning Outcomes
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Take the following 15 units:
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.