Getting an Undergraduate Degree in Planning from West Chester University

There are a number of options for getting a planning degree in Pennsylvania. Mack Breech, class of 2022 from West Chester University, offers insights on his search for the right place for a planning degree and his experience at the school of his choice.

Mack notes that “West Chester University offers a high-quality planning degree at an affordable price. Finding the right planning program as an undergraduate is challenging and something I went through myself very recently. One major thing that drew me to West Chester’s program was the large variety of courses offered. The program is extensive and provides the opportunity to discover what topics you are passionate about. The department offers courses in land use planning, transportation planning, land development controls, planning theory/ethics, and many more practical hands-on classes. Two planning studio courses are required as capstones for the program and tie together all prior courses into an immersive and realistic planning experience. The program does a good job weaving GIS into the curriculum. It highlights the importance of ever-changing technology in the field of planning.”

“Another aspect of the program that drew me to West Chester is the department is extremely skilled at helping students grow professionally. Most professors have deep roots in the Pennsylvania planning community, and the internship opportunities are top-notch. The department works hard to ensure its students have every opportunity to network and build professional connections. The department holds a multitude of events with local planners and alumni, helping students regularly interact with professional planners. Guest speakers are fixtures in planning courses, providing students with additional resources and knowledge bases. Personally, I have made so many strong professional connections due to the resources that were at my disposal at West Chester. I graduated from the program feeling prepared for my career in planning due to my education at West Chester.”