We live in an urban world. Cities and city-regions around the globe face pressing social and environmental challenges linked to the climate crisis, emerging infectious disease, global displacement and migration, and deepening inequalities and racial divides. But cities are also the places where solutions to these problems can be found.
In Cities, Regions, Planning, you learn to apply inclusive and sustainable planning interventions, consulting skills, governance and political procedures and activist tools to manage urban growth (and decline), provide infrastructure, integrate newcomers, and mitigate environmental impacts.
Program Overview
The CRP program provides an innovative and intellectually stimulating curriculum that includes courses covering some of the most pressing themes and urban challenges of the 21st century from local and global perspectives. You have a variety of options on the types of degrees you wish to pursue. For example, you may wish to complete a 90-credit Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) which typically takes three years to finish, or a 120-credit degree (Honours BES or Specialized Honours BES) which typically takes four years to complete. You have several choices on how to complete the Honours BES program; for instance, you can double major or major/minor in two different programs.
Topic of study includes:
- Processes of urbanization and city life
- The regional composition of the global economy
- Planning theory and practice
- Urban and regional planning
- Urban infrastructures and mobility
- Urban health and pandemic preparedness
- Suburbanization, growth control and conservation
- Digital worlds and urban futures
- Urban care
- Urban analytics and geomatics
- Urban wildlife and habitats
- Urban risk and resilience
- Public participation in planning and governance
- Urban inequalities, gentrification and segregation
- Urban ecologies
- Communities and urban life
The program (your major) is structured around a sequence of required core courses starting in your first year of study, as well as elective courses that you can choose. These core courses will provide the foundation to your scholarly and professional development in the program.
- The Land We’re On: Treaties, art and environment
- The World Today: Introduction to World Geography
- Weather and Climate
- The Dynamic Earth
- Cities, Regions and Planning in a Globalizing World
In addition to the first year core courses which focuses on building knowledge in the field and your academic skills (i.e., research, writing, and critical thinking), the CRP program is unique because it also allows you to build your professional skills. We have integrated professional development courses that focus specifically on practical skills, networking and skill-building opportunities. The Urban Professional/Urban Consulting Practice is a mandatory fourth-year course that will help you build your professional profile, connect to a mentor and alumni, and prepare you to successfully transition from your undergraduate degree to the next stage of your journey as a working professional or as a graduate student. The placement course not only provides students an experiential learning opportunity in the field, but it allows students to gain relevant professional experience which can be a significant addition to their resumes.
2000-Level
Global urban geography
Urban planning and politics
Urban political ecology
3000 and-4000 Level
Urbanization in developing countries
Designing sustainable cities
The Urban Profesional/Urban consulting practice
Career Path
With increased urbanization around the world, the need to address issues within cities including those of equity, sustainability, policy, and environment are at the forefront of many governments, businesses, and organizations. Along with the development of practical, hands-on experiences, you will hone in-demand skills in critical thinking, communication, project management and coordination. Our graduates are working in both the public and private sector in a variety of fields including government, business, land use planning, policy, non-profit, and transportation.
Sample Career
- Urban, Land Use or Transportation Planner
- Policy Advisor and Consultant
- LEED Technical Coordinator
- Transit Supervisor or Manager
- Permits and Approvals Coordinator
- Environmental Manager
- Planning and Space Assessor
- Researchers
- Teaching
- Real estate professional
To help you succeed, our Experiential Education Coordinator provides a variety of career support services to our students including resume help, interview prep, and career planning workshops, and maintains an exclusive job board just for our students.
The Official Cities, Regions, Planning Playlist
Have you ever wondered... which songs represent #YorkUEUC programs the best? Listen to The Official Cities, Regions, Planning Playlist 🎶
Student Testimonials
Kira Jordun
3rd year Global Geography (BA)
Emily Carr Secondary School
The experiential learning opportunities offered within EUC have enabled me to build valuable connections with esteemed faculty and likeminded peers. These immersive experiences have not only equipped me with strong research skills but also instilled in me a passion for environmental stewardship, preparing me to make a tangible impact in the field.
Julian De Lisio
3rd year Cities, Regions, Planning (BES)
Father Bressani Catholic High School
Through the Cities, Regions, Planning and Schulich PMMP (4+1 Pathway) program, I aim to integrate urban planning principles with sustainable practices to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring healthy ecosystems andvibrant communities.
Luisa Regina Anota Guzman
Sustainable Environmental Management (BES ‘24)
Masters in Environmental Studies Candidate
Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
My time at the EUC has been transformative, making me feel like a true changemaker. As an international student, the welcoming community, experiential education courses, and networking opportunities have made me feel valued and helped bring my ideas, goals, and career plans to life.
Alumni Testimonials
Bachelor in Environmental Studies 2009
My journey has been driven by a passion for addressing climate change impacts, advocating for vulnerable communities and shaping international climate policy. From coordinating national climate strategies to negotiating on behalf of small island states, I’ve dedicated myself to environmental justice and sustainable development. I’m proud to have played a role in influencing global climate targets and continuing to champion critical issues in international discussions.
Bachelor in Environmental Studies 2019
[Getting involved within faculty-student programs] can be incredibly beneficial. These programs offer opportunities to build meaningful relationships beyond just academic acquaintanceships. Especially during stressful times, like navigating university life, having a supportive community can make all the difference. It's reassuring to know that others are facing similar challenges and that genuine connections can be formed.
Bachelor in Geography 2017
Bachelor in Environmental Studies 2018
Bachelor in Environmental Studies 2018
"The path to life is like entropy, order and disorder. The order is the instinctive pathway in life you choose, and the disorder is the variety of directions you take to achieve your goal."
Master of Science in Geography 2004
Bachelor in Environmental Studies 2020
“Take advantage of Student Counselling, Health & Well-being services. There are many resources available to students, ask questions and advocate for yourself, because there are staff and faculty who will help you along the way.”
Master in Environmental Studies 2022
I look at how film production integrates into community, movements, and society to create change
Bachelor in Geography 2014
My advice to students is to explore the variety of career paths that are available with a geography degree
PhD in Environmental Studies 2022
Bachelor in Environmental Studies 2012
"As you start and continue your journey at EUC, learn with a purpose because what you learn can be useful beyond your grades. Find ways to prove what you have learned in your classes and build on your learning with volunteer placements and internships. Finally, network and don’t forget to be a good friend to your peers along the way because these friendships may last you a lifetime."
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Key Contact Information
| Name | Title | Extension | Office No. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teresa Abbruzzese | Assistant Professor; Cities, Regions, Planning Coordinator; Urban Studies Program Coordinator | 77792 | Ross Building, S703 | euccrp@yorku.ca |
| Brittany Giglio | Recruitment & Admission Officer | 22671 | HNES 125 | eucapply@yorku.ca |
| OSAS Team | OSAS Team | 33510 | HNES 137B | EUAdvise@yorku.ca |