Planning Specializations
Most planners perform their work in one or more particular fields of specialization within the larger planning profession.
Collaboration Among Planners
These specializations represent specific areas of planning knowledge. Planners from different specializations work together to better the welfare of people and communities. While some planners spend their entire career within one of these specializations, most will move between them or find employment opportunities that combine specializations.
APA has 24 divisions that cover planning specialty and interest areas. Each division is a community of professionals with shared interests.
See All 24 Special Interest Divisions
Most Common Specializations
Here are several of the most common specializations within the planning profession:
Community Activism / Empowerment / Community Development
APA Housing and Community Development Division
Economic Development
Environmental / Natural Resources Planning
Environment, Natural Resources and Energy Division
Food Systems Planning
Hazard Mitigation / Disaster Recovery Planning
Hazard Mitigation/Disaster Recovery Planning Division
Historic Preservation
Urban Design and Preservation Division
Housing
Housing and Community Development Division
Transportation Planning
Transportation Planning Division