Regional planning can cover learning about where to place settlements, how to efficiently dispose of the waste of a given community, or when to adjust previous plans to protect the environment. Programs around the world may be specific to the area where the class is offered.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.