Planning courses
Planning courses are often considered part of the professional education portfolio of a PhD in environmental sustainability. If you're considering pursuing a PhD in environmental sustainability, planning courses can help you get your foot into the door. A recent study showed that the United States is falling behind other developed countries when it comes to implementing green building and energy efficiency standards for buildings. As a result, an increasing number of companies are choosing to build their own green homes and businesses. An education in planning could open up a whole new world of opportunities for you.
A PhD in environmental sustainability, planning courses or sustainable building will give you an edge over similar job candidates with only a bachelor's degree. It's estimated that 20% of construction projects in the US now incorporate some form of green design. The job market is ripe with opportunities for those with master's degrees in the field. A degree from a university that specializes in planning and design, for example, should open up many doors in the job market for you.
Another possible avenue to pursue in the world of education after you complete your PhD in planning courses is the realm of transportation planning and design. Rising fuel costs and concerns over climate change and environmental damage have meant that more people than ever before are paying closer attention to the role they play in the transportation of our resources. The transportation planning process includes many different factors, including fuel consumption, vehicle emissions and fuel storage. If you can demonstrate a solid knowledge and background in transportation planning, you could stand out as an expert in this growing industry.
You might want to expand your knowledge of global warming and environmental degradation in the context of your PhD. A focus on sustainable cities might allow you to take the lead in encouraging governmental and private organizations to embrace solutions that protect the planet while promoting economic development in urban centers. A Plenum conference on sustainability in June 2021 held in New York City brought together more than 250 participants from all over the world. Your dissertation could examine sustainable planning at this conference and build on previous research and case studies to create a completely new concept for sustainable cities.
Another option in the world of education after completing your PhD in planning courses is the municipal planning, design and environment field. Cities around the world are experiencing rapid population growth and the rapid growth of green buildings is creating a demand for trained professionals who have expertise in sustainable design and urban planning. Your PhD in the field of cities will introduce students to various methods and models that are being put into place in these cities to deal with the issues of environmental degradation and growing energy demand. Your research could analyze how cities are adapting to changes in technology and culture that affect city planning. You could also look at ways in which the effects of climate change are being met by existing plans and structures.
Your PhD in this field will likely focus on issues related to health and safety in the workplace, community design, environmental justice, economic development and planning. Other topics include social equity issues and access to public goods and services. If you want to have a long career in this field, it is best to choose one of the concentrations available. Some of the concentrations you can pursue are related to issues in public planning, project management and health and safety, as well as development and sustainability.
The subjects you can study include economics, statistics, business and law, environmental impact analysis, environmental quality planning, government regulation and political decision making in sustainable cities. Your PhD in the planning field may focus more on the relationship between population growth and planning strategies. Your job search will be much easier if you have a sound understanding of demographics and the issues that affect the population, including education, employment and housing. Your job search will also be easier if you are aware of what your future employers look for in an employee. Many companies conduct a comprehensive recruitment process and a company will often look for the qualities you possess that are directly related to being able to meet their goals. Many of the skills needed to be successful in a professional setting include your ability to work as an inclusive team member, problem solver and good problem-solver.
Your degree will typically take about two years to complete. You may be required to take some classes as part of your Bachelor's degree or your master's degree. Regardless of your schedule or the type of courses you choose to take, make sure you are prepared for the rigors of the exam and the assignment processes. Plan your time ahead of time and select your instructor carefully so that your project planning courses are a smooth experience.
