Individuals who wish to assume roles as city planners or work in similar professions can acquire the knowledge they need in an urban planning program at the master's level. With the skills students gain in graduate school, they are equipped to meet the developmental needs of urban and rural communities. Master's courses may focus on, but are not limited to, urban sociology, economics, finance, management, physical design and environmental studies. Regional planning programs go beyond urban areas and focus on larger environments at a less detailed level. Graduates of doctoral programs in this area can go on to work in research, education and policy development.