Preparing Planners: The Role of Graduate Planning Education
Journal of Planning Education and Research
Published online on February 22, 2016
Abstract
Little is known about the factors influencing the skills that planners utilize in practice. This study draws upon national survey data to identify the factors influencing skill acquisition and use, paying particular attention to the role of graduate planning education. The results of the analysis suggest that those holding a Planning Accreditation Board–accredited planning degree utilize a larger number of skills in practice, particularly skills pertaining to the core domains of planning knowledge. These findings suggest that PAB accreditation plays an important role in shaping the types of planners sought by employers.