Major: Urban and Regional Planning (Şehir ve Bölge Planlama)
Program Overview
A multidisciplinary, solution-oriented program that focuses on designing sustainable, functional, and equitable cities and regions. Combines urban design, geography, sociology, economics, and environmental science to prepare graduates for careers in government agencies, consulting firms, NGOs, and real estate development in Turkey and globally.
Key Learning Objectives
- Master principles of urban and regional development.
- Learn land use planning and zoning regulations.
- Gain expertise in sustainable urban design and smart cities.
- Develop skills in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and spatial analysis.
- Understand transportation planning and infrastructure development.
- Explore housing, economic development, and social equity in urban areas.
- Apply participatory planning and community engagement strategies.
Core Courses
- Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning
- History, theories, and global trends in urbanization.
- Urban Design and Landscape Architecture
- Public spaces, streetscapes, and urban aesthetics.
- Land Use Planning and Zoning
- Legal frameworks, zoning codes, and land development regulations.
- GIS and Spatial Analysis
- Mapping, data visualization, and spatial modeling using GIS software.
- Transportation Planning
- Public transit, traffic management, and sustainable mobility.
- Housing and Real Estate Development
- Affordable housing, urban renewal, and real estate markets.
- Environmental Planning and Sustainability
- Climate change, green infrastructure, and resilient cities.
- Economic Development and Urban Economics
- Local economic strategies, gentrification, and urban poverty.
- Social and Community Planning
- Participatory planning, social equity, and inclusive development.
- Infrastructure and Public Services
- Water, waste management, energy, and digital infrastructure.
- Heritage Conservation and Urban Revitalization
- Preserving historical sites and revitalizing urban areas.
- Practicum in Urban and Regional Planning
- Internships with municipal governments, consulting firms, or NGOs.
- Capstone Project
- Develop a comprehensive urban plan, design a smart city initiative, or analyze a regional development strategy.
Assessment Methods
- Urban design and land use planning projects
- GIS mapping and spatial analysis reports
- Case studies on transportation or housing planning
- Community engagement and participatory planning simulations
- Capstone project presentations
Tools & Resources
- Software: ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Illustrator
- Databases: Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), UN-Habitat, World Bank Urban Data
- Books:
- The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs
- Urban Planning and the Future of Cities by Carlo Sessa
- GIS for Urban and Regional Planning by Yichun Xie
Prerequisites
- Interest in urban studies, geography, or environmental science.
- Basic knowledge of social sciences, economics, or engineering (helpful but not required).
Program Duration
- 4 years (bachelor’s) or 1–2 years (master’s), including fieldwork and internships.
Certifications (Optional)
- Certified Urban Planner (e.g., by the American Planning Association)
- GIS Certification (e.g., Esri Certified Professional)
- LEED Green Associate (for sustainable planning)
Career Paths
- Urban Planner (municipal governments, private firms)
- Regional Planner (government agencies, NGOs)
- Transportation Planner (ministries of transport, consulting firms)
- GIS Specialist (mapping, data analysis, urban analytics)
- Housing Policy Analyst (government, think tanks)
- Environmental Planner (sustainability, climate resilience)
- Real Estate Developer (private sector, urban renewal projects)
- Community Development Specialist (NGOs, local governments)
- Heritage Conservationist (cultural institutions, UNESCO)
- Urban Designer (architecture firms, public space projects)
Why This Major?
Turkey’s rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and focus on smart cities create high demand for urban and regional planning professionals. This program provides practical training in sustainable development, spatial analysis, and community engagement, preparing graduates for impactful careers in shaping the future of cities and regions. Ideal for those passionate about creating livable, equitable, and sustainable urban spaces.
