The Sustainable Transportation Networks and Streetscapes course, offered by Johns Hopkins University through Coursera, is a comprehensive online program designed to equip learners with the skills to design and evaluate sustainable transportation systems and streetscapes. Part of the Sustainable Cities Specialization, this three-week MOOC focuses on creating equitable, healthy, and sustainable communities through smart urban planning. Accessible to global learners without prerequisites, it is ideal for professionals and students interested in urban development and sustainability, requiring approximately 12 hours of study.

Core Content

The curriculum evaluates best practices in transportation networks, thoroughfares, and streetscape designs to facilitate the efficient movement of people, goods, and services. It covers sustainable public and private streetscape elements, such as sidewalks, street trees, curbs, and lighting, emphasizing multimodal connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. Learners explore topics like complete street designs, stormwater management through specialized curbs and swales, and smart growth strategies. Real-world case studies, including U.S. city examples, highlight equitable urban planning and environmental enhancement techniques.

Key Skills

Participants will develop skills to survey thoroughfare network considerations, compare complete street design options, and evaluate sidewalk and streetscape planning strategies. The course equips learners to assess water management techniques, distinguish between free-flow, slow-flow, and yield-flow thoroughfare designs, and analyze smart urban planning indicators. Through practical exercises, participants gain experience in designing sustainable, multimodal transportation systems, enabling them to contribute to healthier, more equitable urban environments.

Target Learners

This course is tailored for government officials, architects, urban planners, private sector professionals in transportation and municipal design, and academic researchers or students focused on community sustainability. It also appeals to private citizens interested in improving their communities’ livability. The program suits those involved in planning, designing, or assessing sustainable urban projects, making it relevant for a global audience committed to smart growth and environmental justice.

Learning Format

Hosted on Coursera’s platform, the course spans approximately 3 weeks, requiring 3–5 hours of study per week. It features dynamic video lectures, readings, interactive quizzes, and discussion forums, supported by expert instructors from Johns Hopkins University. The self-paced format ensures flexibility, with case studies and assignments fostering practical application. Learners can audit for free or opt for a paid certificate experience, earning a shareable certificate of completion to enhance professional credentials.

Additional Benefits

The course delivers measurable learning outcomes, enabling participants to apply sustainable transportation and streetscape design principles to real-world urban challenges, such as promoting walkability or managing stormwater. Backed by Johns Hopkins University’s academic rigor, it provides credible, industry-relevant content within a broader Sustainable Cities Specialization. Learners join a global community of over 87 million Coursera users, gaining insights from U.S.-based case studies. The certificate boosts career prospects in urban planning, sustainability, and transportation design, equipping graduates to drive equitable, sustainable urban development.

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