There are two types of doctorate degrees in urban planning. Clement Lau, a Los Angeles County planner with one of them, explains the difference and why, with no plans to be a professor, he pursued one of these degrees.
A professional doctorate in urban planning is not a Ph.D. It's a relatively rare degree. The University of Southern California has a professional doctorate degree program, but even that program was only recently reinstated after being terminated for a few years. Ph.D.s are typically pursued by those who plan on careers as tenured professors in universities. In contrast, a professional doctorate or more formally, Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development (D.P.P.D.), is designed more for the planning professional. However, in the planning profession, a master's degree unlocks access to the highest levels of the profession. So why would anyone in the planning profession pursue a D.P.P.D. degree? Well, in short, for the love of learning, writes Clement Lau, a Los Angeles County planner and holder of such a degree from USC's D.P.P.D. program. Lau goes on to explain his own experience in attaining the degree, and some of the options for those who might want to do the same.
FULL STORY: Becoming a Scholar-Practitioner in Urban Planning
Twelve 'Can't Miss' Planning and Design Conferences in 2017
L.A. County Planner Clement Lau issues his annual list of his favorite conferences for urban design professionals in the upcoming year.
How to Decide if Planning is for You
At this time of year, many prospective graduate students are asking themselves if they should apply to planning programs. This is a good question. Planning is a diverse field and it can be hard to figure out if it will be the right fit.
Should USC Axe Its Unique Planning Doctoral Program?
Dr. Clement Lau, a Los Angeles County Planner, describes what the threatened USC Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development (DPPD) program meant to him and why he thinks it's worth saving.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service