Beginning fall 2026, this plan will no longer be offered online; it will be offered in-person at the Flagstaff campus.
Transform communities and shape the future of urban and rural environments with our Community Planning Graduate Certificate. This graduate certificate program prepares you for a rewarding career in urban and community planning, a profession dedicated to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of places. Through this program, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and training necessary to create livable communities through professional planning practices and community advocacy in specializations including land use, environmental planning, transportation planning, land use law, and community health. Discover how you can make a real impact. If you are passionate about shaping communities and the built environment, this certificate offers the opportunity to turn that passion into meaningful action.
In the Community Planning Graduate Certificate program, you will learn to:
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.
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 is for students and professionals interested in urban and community planning. Through the program, students will acquire the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for an impactful career in the planning profession, including specializations such as land use, environmental planning, transportation planning, community development, and land use law. Graduates will be well-prepared for positions in the public and private sectors dedicated to community-led design and advancement of sustainable systems.
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.
*See the application for details.
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.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
This plan is no longer offered online; it is offered in-person at the Flagstaff campus.
More Information