interested in developing/planning - what major will benefit me the most?

[stavros]

As I just explained in my 'intro thread' I'm going through a transition phase in my life where my family sold our restaurant business which I ran during the past several years. During this time, I've been doing a decent amount of property management, a full home renovation, and am in the process of developing a 'troubled' property that we own, and I've learned a good amount about real estate issues (on a small scale) and have enjoyed doing so.
More recently I'm looking to get involved in development and/or some level of urban planning. I like the idea of putting a project together, and also doing something good for the community. Specifically I have an interest in higher-density mixed-use buildings/areas, and the benefits they can have for local communities and their appeal to a more sustainable way of living, which seems to be a growing trend. I like and appreciate new technologies that come out which make buildings more efficient, and also have an interest in design (on a larger scale, like the design of a building block, rather than an individual structure). My question is, what would be a good master's program to study, and/or which career path did I describe above?
Sorry for the long thread. I welcome any feedback/perspectives that anyone may have. Thank you.

[jobaba]

As I just explained in my 'intro thread' I'm going through a transition phase in my life where my family sold our restaurant business which I ran during the past several years. During this time, I've been doing a decent amount of property management, a full home renovation, and am in the process of developing a 'troubled' property that we own, and I've learned a good amount about real estate issues (on a small scale) and have enjoyed doing so.
More recently I'm looking to get involved in development and/or some level of urban planning. I like the idea of putting a project together, and also doing something good for the community. Specifically I have an interest in higher-density mixed-use buildings/areas, and the benefits they can have for local communities and their appeal to a more sustainable way of living, which seems to be a growing trend. I like and appreciate new technologies that come out which make buildings more efficient, and also have an interest in design (on a larger scale, like the design of a building block, rather than an individual structure). My question is, what would be a good master's program to study, and/or which career path did I describe above?
Sorry for the long thread. I welcome any feedback/perspectives that anyone may have. Thank you.

What you described pretty much describes what they teach you in Urban Planning Masters programs to a tee. However, it will be difficult to get a job doing that where you see tangible results after school, which I believe is the general sentiment around here.

It would seem to me the best way to be a real 'planner' is to get a law degree and win public office. Then, you could dictate what gets built and what doesn't. Of course, this is all hearsay.