Dalhousie University
School of Planning
Halifax, Nova Scotia
About the University
Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research university, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Halifax is a growing port city of more than 500,000 people, known for its natural harbour, history, and role as the region’s academic, cultural, and economic hub.
About the Planning School
Located in the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, the School of Planning provides accredited education for future planners from Canada, the United States, and around the world. The Bachelor of Community Design and the Master of Planning are accredited by the Professional Standards Board. Graduates are eligible to pursue professional certification and membership in both the Canadian Institute of Planners and the American Institute of Certified Planners.
The School is situated in O’Brien Hall on Morris Street, in the heart of Halifax. Teaching emphasizes experiential learning, with studio projects completed in cooperation with community groups, nonprofit organizations, and industry.
Degrees & Programs
The professional (accredited) degree is the Bachelor of Community Design (BCD), Honours, a four-year undergraduate program. Students choose a major in Environmental Planning or Urban Design and Planning, and may combine either with a major in Sustainability.
The honours year lets students who excelled in the first three years deepen their knowledge and refine the skills that lead to a career in planning.
The Master of Planning (MPlan) is a first professional degree accredited by the Professional Standards Board and recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners. The program typically spans two academic years plus a summer co-op (about 20 months, 60 credit hours).
Students expand their knowledge through collaborative classroom work and real-world studio projects with community groups, nonprofit organizations, and industry.