## [Your many route options](/your-many-route-options) There are many grassroots ways to do Planning, and people plan together every day. But if you want to work as a professional Planner, a degree at UBC SCARP is to many a gold standard in the Planning world! Image ![Young people peering into sunny distance and writing, overlayed with signpost symbol](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2025-09/2-your-many-route-options-banner.png.webp?itok=jTGcOXfY) ###### Where are you in your journey? Choose your path: - Going into Undergrad? - Going into Masters? - Getting your PhD? ##### Going into Undergrad? ###### Get an impressive Planning foundation in… Image ![Student presenting project poster to professor](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2025-09/student-presenting-square.jpg.webp?itok=DAcUNClJ) ### The Bachelor of Arts, Urban Studies Investigate the forces that shape cities and how to redirect those forces. Become specialized in technical data analysis, development finance strategies, dialogue and engagement, and political/policy communication. [Learn all about our undergrad in Urban Studies](/urban "Undergrad Major in Urban Studies") This exciting undergrad major is jointly run with UBC's Department of Geography. If you take this route, normally you’ll choose a major near the end of your first year at UBC. This gives you some time to get grounded in your university experience and dip your toes into things – what courses get you really excited about the world and your life? Or, if you're taking another field like Architecture, Engineering, Geography, Political Science, or countless others, taking courses in Urban Studies gives you a fulsome understanding of the issues that affect cities, politics, economics, and the environment. ##### Going into Masters? You can either... ###### Excel in professional Planning in: Image ![Student speaking at UBC lectern](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2025-09/speaker-square.JPG.webp?itok=8uWD2ksq) ### The Master of Community and Regional Planning Get accredited Professional Planner status in both Canada and the USA. Form partnerships and institutional networks before you even graduate. Actualize comprehensive planning theory to support the well-being of communities and natural and built environments. [Learn all about our professional-oriented master's degree](/mcrp "Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP)") or MCRP's even more Indigenous-oriented Concentration... ![Indigenous man explaining Musqueam statue to crowd of students](/sites/default/files/inline-images/musqueam-students-square.JPG) ### Indigenous Community Planning Join a new generation of Planners to break with the colonial legacy, working in respectful partnership with Indigenous communities in alignment with their values and priorities. ICP teaches you to walk in two worlds, honouring all ways of knowing and being, learning to be on this planet as a healing presence. [Learn all about MCRP's Indigenous Community Planning concentration](/icp "Indigenous Community Planning") or... ###### Add your research insights to the planning conversation in our: Image ![Woman in graduation regalia holding diploma in front of SCARP logo](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2025-09/savonnae-street-square.JPG.webp?itok=3c9vrbAW) ### Research Masters (Master of Arts or Master of Science) A research-based degree for either practicing professionals wishing to strengthen their research skills, students with undergraduate planning degrees from accredited programs, and students looking to one day pursue doctoral research. [Learn all about our research-oriented master's degree](/research-masters "Research Masters (MAP/MScP)") or... Join Planning and Civil Engineering perspectives with: ![Picture of man in hardhat and hazard vest with downtown Vancouver in distance](/sites/default/files/styles/square_200/public/MEL_URSY_Page_1.jpg.webp?itok=JRSWWbke) ### The Master of Engineering Leadership in Urban Systems Jointly run by Civil Engineering and SCARP. An intensive one-year program that equips you with the technical skills to develop practical and sustainable solutions associated with large urban infrastructure systems. [Learn all about this mid-career technical degree](/mel "Master of Engineering Leadership in Urban Systems (MEL)") ##### Getting your PhD? ###### Conduct and mobilise original research with cunning new insights in our: Image ![People in PhD regalia](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2025-09/maged-meryem-and-peyvand.JPG.webp?itok=LnO3XuQP) ### PhD in Planning Pursue the latest in interdisciplinary research at the intersections of Planning theory and practice. Join a research conversation asking the most fundamental questions about today and tomorrow’s world. [Learn all about our PhD program](/phd "PhD Program") [< Previous: Discover your destination](/discover-your-destination "Discover your destination") [Next: Preparing to join >](/preparing-to-join "Preparing to join")