Bloustein Online Continuing Education Program (BOCEP)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How often do BOCEP courses meet?

Most BOCEP courses are taught in an "asynchronous" format, which means that you do not have to be online at the same time as anyone else in the class.  (Studio courses may require that students schedule time to participate in videoconferences or chats.) You come to the class when it is convenient for you.  However, you should participate at least once every 48 hours to avoid falling behind in the class.

Are BOCEP classes self-paced or "webinars?"

No.  BOCEP classes are instructor-guided.  The instructor participates in the class at least once every other day during the week, and usually more than that.  So you can have frequent contact with your instructor and other students.  While future BOCEP classes may use videoconferencing or webinar methods, the bulk of the learning comes from engaging in dialogues with instructors and students.

Who can take BOCEP courses?
The courses are open to everyone, but they are designed for professionals, researchers and instructors in the field of urban planning. Instructors assume that all students have a basic knowledge of planning approaches and practices.

If you have never been an urban, city, or community planner, there are many other courses offered by various centers at the Bloustein School. (Go to Bloustein Continuing Education page.)

What are the course fees?
Each course is $295, but scholarships up to $100 are available. To get a full list of scholarships available, click here.

Are the courses eligible for graduate credit?
Although each course will be taught at a graduate level, they are not currently available for credit. However, students who complete a track of courses will receive a certificate of completion from the Bloustein School.

How are the courses taught?
All BOCEP courses are taught on the eCollege learning management system, a tool widely used for college and graduate level online courses. Anyone who has used email, been on an online discussion board, filled out a form online, or navigated web pages on the Internet should find the system easy to use.

The courses are taught in an asynchronous format. Any member of the class can access the course from any computer with an Internet connection. The instructors use online discussion boards to teach and promote dialogues. Unlike chat rooms or videoconferences, members of the class do not have to be online at the same time to engage in dialogue.

How much time do I need to spend on a course?
Students typically spend three to five hours per instructional week in their course (there are four instructional weeks). This is the same amount of time you might spend in a weekend seminar.

How will the instructor promote dialogues and problem-solving if everyone isn’t online at the same time?
In a typical class, the instructor will offer questions and comments to students. Each student will be asked to respond to the instructor’s questions and the comments of other students within two days. The instructor will then respond with more comments or questions, students respond, and so on. As with a traditional class, the more involved the students are, the better the dialogue.

Do the courses focus only on planning in New Jersey?

No.  Because most of our students are professionals from outside of New Jersey, instructors share knowledge that can be used anywhere.  However, instructors are free to use cases from communities they know well.  Most of our instructors work in New York and New Jersey.

Why did the Bloustein School choose to offer these courses?
In late 2004, the Bloustein School conducted an extensive survey and market analysis of planners’ interests in professional development. More than 110 planners responded to the survey. We learned:
• Planners are most interested in courses in land use law, urban design and placemaking, and leadership and management.
• Planners want to improve their knowledge, but have difficulty finding courses that are both reasonably priced and convenient.
• Planners said they learn best by sharing ideas and solving problems with their colleagues.

The Bloustein School strives to offer professional development courses for planners which meet their continuing education needs, are convenient, and are reasonably priced.

Who teaches the courses?
All BOCEP courses are taught by professionals in the urban planning field who have extensive professional or research experience in the subjects they teach. Click here for the BOCEP Instructor Biographies page.

Who are the students?

All students so far have been professionals working on urban planning related issues.  Most are practicing planners -- and most of them are mid- and senior-level professionals.  A significant group of students are planning officials.  The rest are what might be called "non-traditional planners" -- professionals in economic development, community development, environmental studies or other land use fields who do not have a traditional planning background.

How do I know if an online course is right for me?
You do not need any special technical skills to take an online course. You will be more successful, and enjoy the experience more, if you are comfortable communicating by writing, and you can manage your time well. To better determine if online learning is right for you, please visit the Rutgers Online site.

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