Sustainable Urban Planning Master of Professional Studies
Give Cities Something to Dream About
Our complimentary Sustainable Urban Planning Program Sampler addresses the complex challenges of urbanization, such as economic pressure, inequality, and environmental degradation. Modern urban planners now go beyond guiding land use—they’re shaping more competitive, inclusive, and ecological cities while tackling the dominant issue our time: climate change.
Be a part of the solution as we face the future.
Time to Invest in You
Our Complimentary Master’s Program Sampler
In our master’s course sampler in Sustainable Urban Planning, you’ll explore cities through the lens of economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Learn from world-class faculty who offer cutting-edge courses, personalized mentoring, and real-world insights from their work across sectors. Collaborating with faculty and peers, you’ll gain the skills to shape policies and actions that drive global progress.
Enroll Now“We’re extremely proud of Grace’s accomplishments and are grateful to APA for recognizing her. I am also grateful to Professor Gearin for encouraging Grace to submit her work and for her mentorship.”
Sandra Whitehead, Sustainable Urban Planning Program Director
Career Growth Potential
Our Sustainable Urban Planning program sampler offers unique opportunities for everyone, whether you’re just starting your career or are a seasoned professional. Kickstart your career growth with our program samplers, which provide valuable insights into this dynamic and rapidly evolving field. Our alumni serve in positions that lead change, like sustainability officer, director of equity, community engagement manager, and long-range planner.
Urban Land Institute
Trust for Public Land
Nature Conservancy
UN Habitat – UNHCR
China Fortune Land Development
The World Bank
Asian Development Bank
DC DOT
DC Southwest Business Improvement District
Fairfax County
Top of Alabama Regional Planning Council
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
U.S. Department of State
US AID
US EPA Sustainable Communities Program
ICF, International
Michael Baker International
Gannet Fleming, Inc.
Ian Thomas Group
Island Press
HKF Group
Master's Program
Our complimentary Sustainable Urban Planning samplers are an invaluable resource, offering tailored opportunities for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. These samplers are designed to elevate your career by providing deep insights into the rapidly evolving field of urban planning. Whether you're seeking to broaden your knowledge or refine your expertise, these distinctive samplers will equip you with the tools and understanding needed to thrive in a discipline that is crucial to shaping the cities of tomorrow.
Program Competencies
By the end of the program, learners will:
- Formulate evidence-based policy in the arena of sustainable urban development.
- Demonstrate an ability to connect planning theory to practice to produce answers to urban planning problems.
- Develop an understanding of professional ethics set forth by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Meet the Program Director
Sandra is the Program Director for the Sustainable Urban Planning Program. Prior to joining GW full-time, she worked as the Director of Partnership Development at the National Environmental Health Association where she created tools and trainings for environmental health professionals.
Dr. Whitehead also worked at the National Association of County and City Health Officials and the Florida Department of Health. While working at the Florida Department of Health she provided capacity building assistance to the 67 local health departments.
Sandra has been teaching for GW since 2015. She teaches PSUS 6204: Land Use Law and PSUS 6230: Studio in Sustainable Urban Planning. She has also taught at the University of Florida and Florida State University.
More Information on Program
Dr. Sandra Whitehead
Program Director
