The knowledge of data analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), economics, land development, and regional growth activity gained from a major in Regional Development provides a strong career foundation. Graduates in this major may work in planning, development, consulting, and land acquisition and/or protection for local and regional agencies, firms, and institutes. This major is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in geography, arid lands resource science, planning, and landscape architecture.
Potential Career Areas:
- Planning
- Development
- Project management
- Geographic information systems (GIS)
- Land acquisition
- Land management
- Environmental enforcement
- Consulting
- Maintenance/operations
Sample Employers:
- City councils
- Local and regional government agencies
- Planning/revitalization alliances
- Consulting firms
- Development firms
- Land trusts and preserves
- Environmental agencies
- Research institutes
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Regional Planner
|
$40,400 - $63,000
|
|
City and Regional Planning Aide
|
$21,400 - $37,200
|
|
Community Development Associate
|
$25,000 - $40,000
|
|
Land Development Project Manager
|
$65,000 - $100,000
|
|
Sustainability Specialist
|
$33,800 - $62,400
|
|
Urban Planner
|
$46,500 - $65,500
|
|
Community Planner
|
$33,840 - $82,610
|
|
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist
|
$36,177 - $46,279
|
|
Environmental Planner
|
$37,960 - $59,810
|
|
Natural Resources Technician
|
$22,000 - $49,000
|
|
Environmental Compliance Inspector
|
$34,500 - $58,700
|
|
City Manager
|
$40,000 - $94,992
|
|
Land Trust Manager
|
$35,190 - $58,720
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).