The Community Planning Certificate is ideal for practitioners seeking advanced careers in municipal or county management. This certificate offers training in economic development, housing policy, transportation analysis, environmental planning and urban design.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $6,408/yr*
Online: $6,917/yr*
Duration
1 year
Credit Hours
18

Calendario

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
Agosto 10, 2026

Start Date:
Agosto 24, 2026

Apply Today!

Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

On-campus $6,408/yr*
Online $6,917/yr*

Based on 18 credit hours over 1 year.

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Urban and Regional Planners

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Median Annual Wage $89,320
Wage Range $60,010 – $134,490
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Professional degree

Community Health Workers

Bright Outlook

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communic

Median Annual Wage $51,850
Wage Range $38,810 – $77,180
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, Master’s degree

Social and Community Service Managers

Bright Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement,

Median Annual Wage $80,390
Wage Range $53,150 – $132,260
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Learning
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree

Health Education Specialists

Bright Outlook

Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, im

Median Annual Wage $64,070
Wage Range $42,990 – $118,200
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Writing
Typical Education: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Healthcare Social Workers

Bright Outlook

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with in

Median Annual Wage $67,880
Wage Range $46,220 – $100,360
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Service Orientation
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate

Public Relations Specialists

Bright Outlook

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

Median Annual Wage $74,750
Wage Range $44,110 – $135,150
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
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