the mcp program at viu combines research, applied learning through a variety of in-community, real-world projects, and interactions with the professional planning community to give students a wide range of skills and knowledge. this community planning program is fully accredited through the canadian institute of planners, alongside canada’s historic planning schools.

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.