Applied Community Planning

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
OnlineSeptember 2025 (Online Delivery) Part Time, approx. 2 years in duration
 		 Domestic
MonctonSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 		 Domestic
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Program Overview

Communities need to grow for people to thrive. But growth needs to be carefully planned. There’s only so much space and land. The Applied Community Planning graduate certificate gives you the skills to guide rural and urban planning, community development, and public policy to help shape vibrant, healthy, and resilient communities.

Our interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes the management of land, resources, and services, covering topics including the plan-making process, community engagement and public participation, and development, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), research and data synthesis, planning policy and law, and analysis of current and emerging planning issues.

Aligned with competencies set by the National Professional Standards Board, within the program, learners engage in planning processes, group collaboration, and experiential learning environments, using modern software and applying community planning principles within professional practice in Canada. With subsequent employment experience, this program provides a pathway for graduates to pursue designation as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) in New Brunswick or any other province.

Professional planners are catalysts for change. Enrolling in the Applied Community Planning program at NBCC can prepare you to play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and thriving communities.

Duration

The requirements for this graduate certificate program may be achieved within one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. The program is available in two formats: a one-year full-time option, and a two-year part-time option. The full-time option is delivered through blended in-person instruction. The part-time option is delivered with flexible access, including synchronous sessions aligned with the full-time schedule, in-person attendance for those near the Moncton campus, as well as virtual and recorded sessions to accommodate various learning preferences.

Admission Requirements

    Profile F

  • Degree in any discipline such as but not limited to Geography, Civil / Building Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Science, Economics, and Public Administration.

    Career Possibilities

    Land zoning and use, roads and infrastructure, and housing…these are just a few of the areas that present opportunities for graduates to build a career around working for government, developers and builders, community organizations and non-profits, consulting firms and more. The term “planner” is a big word that can lead in many directions. Many graduates start as planning assistants who focus on improving infrastructure, housing, public spaces, and local services to ensure sustainable development that meets the needs of the community.

    There are also many more focused roles including transportation planning (roads), housing planners who work to ensure the proper mix of housing options including affordable housing; and environmental and sustainability experts who work on projects related to renewable energy, waste management, green infrastructure, and climate change adaptation. From bustling cities to rural towns, community development is a constant process that continues to evolve. With your skills, you can plan on a bright future.

    Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.

    Specific Considerations

    Technology Requirements
    NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.

    Areas of Study

    • Plan Making Process
    • Community Engagement and Public Participation
    • Planning Policy Interpretation and Drafting
    • Planning By-law Interpretation and Drafting
    • Development Planning
    • Planning History
    • Planning Ethics
    • Planning Law
    • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
    • Research and Data Analysis
    • Technical Communications
    • Interpersonal Communications
    • Critical Thinking
    • Project Management

    Program Courses

    Course curriculum for this program is still under development. Once the courses have been finalized, they will be posted here. Courses are subject to change.

    NOC Codes

    21202 - Urban and land use planners

    Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.

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