Buffalo State's Urban and Regional Planning program offers the only undergraduate urban planning degree in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Students join our program because they want to make a positive difference in their neighborhoods. They care about cities, housing, sustainability, transportation, and working with community members.
Our program gives students a strong foundation in planning and the skills professionals use every day. We provide a challenging, hands-on education that prepares students to work locally and globally. Graduates find jobs in government, consulting, community development, transportation planning, housing, and GIS. Many also go on to graduate school.
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Degree Offered
Urban and Regional Planning, B.S.: With a curriculum that includes planning for society, planning analysis, and public policy, the Urban and Regional Planning bachelor of science degree provides comprehensive training in community development, land use, and sustainability.
Who Hires Our Students?
3,800
Annual Job Openings (2024-2034)
$83,720
Median Pay (2024)
8-24
Student class size
Planning is an interdisciplinary field where planners, and our graduates, work in a number of the profession’s focus areas:
- Local and state planning
- Housing and community development
- Sustainability and environmental planning
- Geographic information technology and analyses
- Commercial real estate and development
- Transportation
- Economic development
- Historic preservation
We have graduates working around the United States and internationally. Our recent graduates are working at:
Western New York
- Erie County Department of Environment and Planning
- Buffalo Erie Niagara Land Improvement Corporation
- Orleans County Planning and Development Department
- Town of Orchard Park
- City of Buffalo
- City of Rochester
- Lumber City Development Corporation
- Clark Patterson Lee
National Metros
Students learn skills that are global and transferable, as evidenced by recent graduates working in:
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Seattle
- New York City
- Phoenix
Graduate Students: Students who attend graduate school typically specialize in any number of planning’s disciplines, including community development; real estate development, historic preservation; environmental planning; or geographic information systems, among others.
There are numerous opportunities for applied learning experiences for planning majors. Our students have recently completed internships at:
- Erie County Department of Environment and Planning
- City of Buffalo’s Office for Strategic Planning
- Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council
- Niagara County Center for Economic Development
- Richardson Center Corporation
- Westminster Economic Development Initiative
Students have the opportunity to conduct independent research projects, working with faculty to develop a project that suits their professional interest and supports the development of skills necessary to success in the workforce. Often these projects work with and support local governments, nonprofits, or community groups. Recent independent study topics have included:
- Zoning and Land Use
- Economic Development
- Historic preservation
- Vacant lot and housing condition inventories
- Neighborhood planning
- Land banks and vacant land
- Fair housing
- Online web story mapping
Additionally, the capstone experience for students in their last semester offers two pathways to complete their coursework. The first is via an internship. Students interested in an internship and who are well-prepared will work with faculty to identify and secure an internship with a local government or organization.
The second option is via the Planning Practicum course, where students work with a local government or nonprofit organization on a real-world planning project. Recent Practicums have completed projects for:
- Town of Amherst
- Town of Pendleton
- Village of Williamsville
- City of Tonawanda
- People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH)
- Grassroots Gardens and Habitat for Humanity
Our program has two annual awards, given to our graduating seniors who have excelled in and out of the classroom.
Western New York American Planning Association Student Merit Award
This is our most prestigious award and is given annually to the most outstanding Planning senior. The student chosen receives a certificate of award from the WNY APA at their annual awards dinner.
National Center for Geographic Education Excellence of Scholarship Award (Planning)
This award recognizes the outstanding academic achievement of a Planning major. The primary criterion of this award is academic performance. Secondary criteria can include departmental service, dedication, and enthusiasm. The student receives a certificate from the NCGE.
Small Class Size, Individual Attention
The vast majority of our courses have small class sizes, typically between 8 and 12 in planning courses and no more than 18 in geographic information systems courses. Only two courses in the program have enrollments exceeding 18 students. Our students benefit from small classes and close interaction with faculty and fellow students.
A Reputation of Success
Our program is recognized locally by planning agencies and departments, as well as by nonprofit organizations, for preparing undergraduates to enter the workforce directly.
In fact, of our 10 graduates in 2024-2025, 8 went right to work after graduation. Additionally, our students are well-prepared for graduate school, with some recent graduates accepted into the University at Buffalo’s Master's in Urban Planning program through our direct admit agreement. Our graduates continue to excel in the profession, locally, and nationally.
Award Winning, Experienced Faculty
Our primary faculty worked in the profession, and in the cases of our adjuncts, continue to work in the field. As individuals and project team members, our faculty have won numerous Upstate and Western New York American Planning Association awards. They are involved in a variety of activities, including research and community work. Areas of interest in planning include housing and community development; land-use planning and zoning, transportation planning, and GIS.