History

Candido Mendes University was one of the first institutions to implement higher education in Campos dos Goytacazes in 1975. For over 15 years, the Research Department Candido Mendes – CEPECAM has deepened the knowledge of relevant issues in the northern Rio de Janeiro State, highlighting the significant emphasis on academic and technical research. This reality, associated with good academic performance, as attested by the results that its undergraduate courses have always obtained, according to the criteria of MEC, has led to the development of collaborative relationships between public institutions in the region and the University management.

The Master’s Program in Regional Planning and City Management, established in 2000, was accredited by the Comissão de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – CAPES (Commission for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) in 2000, starting its first class in 2001. The commemorative edition of the first 50 theses reassured the outstanding academic activity of the course in 2006.

For most of the students connected to local public agencies, these factors have ensured some assistance for the Master’s course, which includes release from working hours, the partial or total payment of tuition fees, and the financing of research to develop the thesis.

It should be mentioned that the Program is a reference in discussing the distribution of royalties and conducting research on other relevant themes to Regional Planning and City Management, such as housing, education, health, historical heritage, and other social demands. Many studies are sponsored by federal, state, and regional funding agencies.

After 14 years and over 100 theses defended, the need for a doctoral program became apparent. In 2015, the Doctoral Program in Regional Planning and City Management was established and evaluated under grade 4 by CAPES, starting its first class in 2016.