New Online MS in Planning and Development

The Board of Governors recently approved the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment’s request to establish an MS degree in Planning and Development.

“We’re very excited to be able to offer a new online master’s degree in planning and development. The program builds on our BS in Community and Regional Planning [formerly known as the BS in Urban and Regional Planning], the only accredited undergraduate planning program in North Carolina,” said Dean of Graduate Studies Dr. Paul Gemperline.

The program will offer students three areas of emphases, including coastal/environmental planning, rural/regional planning, and urban/community planning. All three fit well with ECU’s mission of public service and regional transformation, and “will meet the needs of working professionals who seek to advance their career,” said Gemperline.

“North Carolina is a rapidly growing state, and the future growth of community and regional planners are higher than average,” said Dr. Misun Hur, associate professor of geography and director of the community and regional planning program. “Many graduates from planning programs find their job in rural communities in North Carolina. A master’s degree has become the gold standard in the planning workforce for an individual’s successful employment, and for applying to higher ranking and managerial positions. But for many BS graduates, attending traditional face-to-face degree programs is not an option due to job or family responsibilities. Although various schools offer distance education courses for students, there are very few online master’s degree programs. There is a great need for a fully online master’s program that focuses on N.C.’s unique characteristics and responds to the needs of the job market. ECU’s online MS in Planning and Development will help meet the demand.”

Gilbert Combs, associate planner for the city of Wilmington, N.C., and ECU alumnus (‘16) said, “My bachelor’s degree in planning changed my life and allows me to impact my community in a positive way. I am excited about the online master’s degree and the ability to finish it while working a full-time job as a city planner. I know obtaining this degree will accelerate my career and will help me become a better planner.”

“The planning profession has quickly grown into one in which a master’s degree is preferred,” said alumnus (‘07) Stephen Penn, who serves as city planner and economic development planner for the town of Winterville. “Having a master’s program at ECU also will help eastern North Carolina and the state as a whole. North Carolina is one of the most populous and fastest-growing states in the country. North Carolina’s extremely diverse demographic and its abundance of rural land, against its tremendously rapid growth, presents a vulnerable future if not planned correctly. Luckily, the state’s demographics, rural land and growth are also among its most promising qualities. Today, careful planning is required to ensure that existing and future citizens of North Carolina live in sustainable, equitable and working communities. Adding a master’s degree in planning and development to ECU will undoubtedly help the future of North Carolina, its citizens and its communities.”