Hi guys long time no chat. Well fate brought me to Los Angeles and as of now I am looking at options here. One of which is a program in Urban Studies and Planning at Cal State Northridge which then leads to an MPA- Urban Planning track.
I already have a BA in Economics/Government. Most of my work has been in research for policy tanks, non-profits and law firms. So I am going into a totally different field.
Would the BA/MPA track be a good in road in planning in California?
Check the various masters programs' admissions policies, you may not need the second BA.
I know that I could get into the MPA program but I just want a BA/BS in Urban Planning. The undergrad has courses in urban design, sustainability, housing, etc.
Anyone?
What are you career goals?
I personally don't see the value added for the second bachelors in Planning. The MPA is what will open the most doors, even to planning jobs.
The content contrarian
Well, I didn;'t want to be limited to the policy side of planning only. I am really interested in urban design too. I mean does a Bachelors provide that kind of training, education?
Your best bet would be to go into a masters program with a strong design component. Since you can already do policy, you're not really losing out by pursing a more a design oriented degree. A second bachelors honestly seems like a waste when a masters can open so many more doors.
So basically a BS in urban Planning is not considered a professional enough degree to get involved with planning?
Entry level planning jobs typically require a Master's - http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Life-Physical...l-planners.htmOriginally posted by manoverde84
An MPA by itself would open the door to planning, especially if you take planning-related coursework. There is little value added with a second social science bachelors. What type of design work do you want to do when you graduate? Some planning schools are heavily oriented in policy, so it's important to know the curriculum before you commit.
Cismontane is from California(?) and is in the design + planning field and may be a good contact for your situation.
The content contrarian
2nd bachelors is a waste of your time. What are your career goals? What do you want to do when you graduate? Do you want to stick in CA? Honestly, if you want design you need to hightail out of Northridge and into one of the Polys or USC. Those are the strongest design schools in the state.
Brotip #2418 - know when it's time to switch from being "the little engine that could" to the "little engine that said, 'f*ck it'"
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