Urban planning courses can help you learn zoning regulations, land use strategies, transportation systems, and community engagement techniques. You can build skills in spatial analysis, environmental impact assessments, and urban design principles. Many courses introduce tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and modeling software to visualize urban layouts and analyze demographic data, enabling you to apply your skills in real-world planning scenarios.

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Traffic Flow Optimization, Architectural Design, Sustainable Development, Stormwater Management, Building Codes, Community Development, Land Development, Public Works, Sustainable Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Transportation Operations, Civil Engineering, Case Studies, Environmental Engineering, Building Design, Economic Development, Land Management, Sustainable Design, Sustainable Technologies, Environmental Science
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Development, Transportation Operations, Case Studies, Economic Development, Land Management, Growth Strategies, Community Development, Geographic Information Systems, Environment and Resource Management, Stakeholder Engagement
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Skills you'll gain: Energy and Utilities, Transportation Operations, Governance, Systems Thinking, Technology Roadmaps, Emerging Technologies, Technology Strategies, Innovation, Internet Of Things, Digital Transformation, Sustainable Systems, Case Studies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Lund University
Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Development, Climate Change Adaptation, Sustainable Design, Sustainable Technologies, Community Development, Governance, Socioeconomics, Water Sustainability, Environment, Sustainable Business, Social Impact, Systems Thinking, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Climate Change Mitigation, Case Studies, Water Resources, Multimedia, Business Modeling, Innovation
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Amsterdam
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Advocacy, Transportation Operations, Change Management, Community Development, Sustainable Development, Social Impact, Innovation, Public Policies, Case Studies, Experimentation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Land Development, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Case Studies, Community Development, Public Works, Sustainable Design, Environment and Resource Management, Building Codes, Cultural Diversity
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Quality Management, Project Management Life Cycle, Requirements Analysis, Project Scoping, Project Closure, Project Management, Project Planning, Agile Project Management, Continuous Improvement Process, Project Controls, Backlogs, Milestones (Project Management), Project Risk Management, Stakeholder Analysis, Quality Assessment, Team Management, Agile Methodology, Change Management, Interviewing Skills, Applicant Tracking Systems
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: People Analytics, Descriptive Analytics, Financial Statement Analysis, Business Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Customer Analysis, Human Capital, Human Resource Strategy, Financial Analysis, Marketing Analytics, Analytics, Operational Efficiency, Predictive Analytics, Customer Insights, Financial Data, Operational Analysis, Peer Review, Human Resources, Business Operations, Process Optimization
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Supplier Management, Project Schedules, Project Closure, Milestones (Project Management), Scheduling, Engineering Management, Procurement, Quality Management, Project Planning, Risk Management, Risk Analysis, Budget Management, Cost Estimation, Risk Mitigation, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Timelines, Quality Control
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of California San Diego
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Program Development, Bioinformatics, Data Storage, Development Testing, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Network Analysis, Test Case, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Python Programming, C and C++, Java, Rust (Programming Language), Javascript, Software Testing, Debugging
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Lund University
Skills you'll gain: Climate Change Adaptation, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Design, Governance, Water Sustainability, Sustainable Technologies, Environment, Systems Thinking, Environmental Science, Climate Change Mitigation, Case Studies, Water Resources, Business Modeling, Stakeholder Engagement
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Lund University
Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Development, Sustainable Design, Sustainable Technologies, Community Development, Environmental Issue, Governance, Systems Thinking, Climate Change Mitigation, Case Studies, Stakeholder Engagement
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Urban planning is the process of designing and organizing urban spaces to create functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing environments. It involves the strategic allocation of resources and land use to accommodate growing populations, enhance quality of life, and promote economic development. Urban planning is crucial because it addresses challenges such as traffic congestion, environmental sustainability, and social equity, ensuring that cities can adapt to changing needs and improve the well-being of their residents.‎
A career in urban planning can lead to various roles, including urban planner, transportation planner, land use planner, and community development director. These positions often involve collaborating with government agencies, private developers, and community organizations to create plans that guide the growth and development of urban areas. Additionally, urban planners may work in sectors such as environmental consulting, real estate development, and public policy, providing diverse opportunities for professionals in this field.‎
To succeed in urban planning, you should develop a range of skills, including analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) is essential for mapping and analyzing spatial data. Additionally, understanding zoning laws, environmental regulations, and community engagement techniques will enhance your ability to create comprehensive plans. Skills in project management and collaboration are also valuable, as urban planners often work with diverse stakeholders to implement their strategies.‎
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in urban planning. For instance, the African cities: An Introduction to Urban Planning course offers insights into the unique challenges faced by urban areas in Africa. Additionally, the HEALTHY URBAN SYSTEMS Specialization focuses on the intersection of urban planning and public health, providing a comprehensive understanding of how urban environments impact health outcomes.‎
Yes. You can start learning urban planning on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in urban planning, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
To learn urban planning, start by exploring online courses that cover foundational concepts and practical applications. Engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments to reinforce your understanding. Additionally, consider joining local planning organizations or attending workshops to network with professionals in the field. Gaining real-world experience through internships or volunteer opportunities can also enhance your learning and provide valuable insights into the planning process.‎
Urban planning courses typically cover a variety of topics, including land use planning, transportation systems, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Students may also learn about zoning regulations, urban design principles, and the impact of policy decisions on urban development. Furthermore, courses often emphasize the importance of data analysis and GIS technology in making informed planning decisions.‎
For training and upskilling employees in urban planning, the HEALTHY URBAN SYSTEMS Specialization is particularly beneficial, as it addresses the integration of health considerations into urban planning. Additionally, the Project Management and Planning Specialization can provide essential skills for managing urban development projects effectively, making it a valuable resource for workforce development in this field.‎