Current Students
Current Students
Our students come to Georgia Tech from across the US and around the world. They have varied academic experiences and professional interests that create a web of social connections that help support a strong community of current students and alumni.
From late nights in the studio to presentations at City Hall, to tours across the Great Wall, our students can experience both an exciting and academically challenging program at Tech.
The Atlanta Laboratory
Atlanta is among the most diverse and rapidly growing metropolitan areas in the country. It affords our students direct access to a vibrant laboratory for urban planning and a rich menu of academic opportunities.
Atlanta is an unparalleled laboratory, illustrating both the best and the worst of late twentieth-century urban development. The region is known for pioneering social justice, getting ahead of economic development, and pulling together for common purpose. It also “leads” in traffic congestion, and public service privatization, and has long-term water supply concerns.
We take advantage of our dynamic metropolitan setting by going out into the field and working in it. Students have the opportunity to learn from planning practitioners. Our access to a wide range of federal, state, local, and private sector planning organizations makes it easy for them to employ our students.
Student Planning Association
The Student Planning Association (SPA) is a professional organization made up of our graduate students. The School administration works closely with the elected SPA officials to ensure that students are represented in major conversations such as our recent strategic planning process and PAB reaccreditation process.
SPA plans a number of academic, professional development, and social activities every semester. Members can choose various committees—Social Justice, Professional Development, Social, Environment and Health, and Fundraising—or simply to take advantage of the augmentation to student life that SPA provides.
SPA is formally affiliated with the Georgia Planning Association and the American Planning Association.
Study Here, Live Here
Life at our School is not just about academics. Georgia Tech's campus is situated in the heart of midtown Atlanta, a vibrant, bustling area that provides a wealth of social activities, an ever-expanding food scene, year-round festivals, and a rich music experience. Venture just a few steps off campus and you find yourself in a hotbed of historical sights, a hub of innovation, and the verve of the 9th largest metropolitan area in the country.
Networking with Atlanta’s Best
Living and learning in the Atlanta laboratory means you have access to our extensive alumni network and various professional organizations.
All students are encouraged to join the Georgia chapter of the American Planning Assocation (APA). Student memberships are free and open a number of doors for you in the planning world.
GIS-specific professional organizations in Atlanta that welcome students at their meetings and events include Georgia URISA and the Atlanta Region Geospatial Community.
Both SPA and the School engage professionals from these organizations to help students develop professionally and to strengthen our academic connection to practice.
Student Impact
Our students, faculty, and alumni’s contributions impacted Atlanta's evolution throughout the years, and now current area residents and visitors can take advantage of the fruits of their labor.
Questions?
Contact Us