The focus of the? program is on the growing intersection of these skills and knowledge in today?s vibrant and increasingly complex development environment. CPAD is jointly housed in the College of Charleston.

The program provides:

• a rigorous core curriculum that will empower students to design cities, districts, and neighborhoods, and fortify their design skills with a practical knowledge of law and economics.
• a ?progressive traditional? design ethos that is unique in the world, drawing upon the cosmopolitan classical architecture of Charleston to teach forward-looking, culturally pluralistic, sustainable, and beautiful architecture and urbanism.
• an in-depth engagement with the major components of modern public policy. Working with the Riley Center, students will build upon the legacy of famous Charleston mayor Joe Riley, learning the goals and instruments of local government in creating and sustaining healthy public life.
• a firm commitment to teaching sustainability in all realms, across the board, using both traditional methods and high technology.
• a rigorous study of Charleston?s booming real estate market, so that the economic realities of development are woven into design education from the start.
• the possibility of concurrently earning an additional graduate certificate in Urban and Regional Planning.
• a choice of electives dedicated to cutting-edge emerging issues, such as the transformation of dead shopping centers or designing for automated vehicles, allowing each student to develop a program of study best suited to his or her career goals.
• internship opportunities with the City of Charleston and local design and development firms.

Graduates of the program work in city governments, development companies, architecture/urban design firms, and businesses in other areas.