Master of Community Planning

Year 1

Year 2

 * The number of elective credits required will vary. Students must complete 48 credits in the program. 
 

Completion Requirements

Grades for individual courses are awarded as described in the Grading Scale section of this Calendar. The Thesis and Major Project will be graded as a Pass or Fail.

Graduation requires the successful completion of 48 credits including all required courses, sufficient optional and specialization courses, and a Thesis or Major Project.

To be admitted into the program, students must hold a baccalaureate degree from a recognized university in any discipline, and meet the following admission criteria:

• A minimum average of "B" calculated in the last two years of the undergraduate degree, with a review of the entire degree.
• Applicants whose previous degree was obtained in a country where English is not the primary/official language and from a university where English was not the language of instruction must meet one of VIU’s English Language requirements for Graduate Programs.
• Acceptance and satisfactory review of the following items by the Admissions Committee:
  • Résumé
  • Three letters of reference (from academic or professional referees) as well as a statement of interest addressing each of the following areas:
    • Areas of research interest;
    • Statement of career interest; and
    • Statement of volunteer and/or career experience.

Meeting these minimum requirements is no assurance of admission: admission will be a competitive process with the selection of candidates depending on an intensive review process. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Recommendations for Admission

It is recommended that students interested in admission to the Master of Community Planning obtain volunteer or paid experience relating to the specialization areas of this program prior to submitting their application. Students must also give careful consideration to their proposed area of research interests: lack of an interest that fits with the focus of this program may negatively impact the student's application.

Notes on Admission

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• An area of research interest that meshes with the focus areas of the Program.
• A statement of career interest that shows a clear understanding of the opportunities available in Planning.
• A statement of volunteer or career experience that supports the two previously referenced documents.
• Evidence of high academic achievement.

Transfer from other Institutions

All requirements for the Program must be completed at Vancouver Island University; transfer from other institutions will be accepted only in extraordinary circumstances.

Applicants whose previous degree was obtained in a country where English is not the primary/official language and from a university where English was not the language of instruction must meet one of VIU’s English Language requirements for Graduate Programs.

Graduates from accredited planning programs work in a variety of placements, from local governments (current and long range planning, sustainability planning, parks, heritage, social planning, and more) to provincial agencies (community affairs, environment, lands, and parks) to federal and international organizations (non-profit and non-governmental organizations, international government agencies). Accredited planners also work in private industry, providing skills and advice to all levels of government, developers, citizens, and agencies.

In addition, planners may be employed in less traditional environments where they can apply their skills in policy development and change management. They work in both private and public agencies across a wide spectrum– on issues such as economic development, social sustainability, environmental protection, and cultural awareness. In short, the knowledge and skills gained at an accredited program are highly transferrable to many career and employment opportunities.

Domestic (Canadian)

International