Frequently Asked Questions

Urban planning programs offer a variety of degrees. At the undergraduate level, you can pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Urban Studies or Planning. For graduate studies, there are professional master's degrees like the Master of Urban Planning (M.U.P.) and the Master of City and Regional Planning (M.C.R.P.), which typically prepare students for professional practice. For those interested in advanced research, there are Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs that focus on training for careers in teaching and research.

Most master's programs are designed to be completed in two years of full-time study. A Ph.D. program, which is an advanced research degree, can typically take five years to complete.

A normal course load for a full-time master's student is typically 12 to 15 credit hours per semester.

The minimum number of credit hours for a master's degree can range from 48 to 72, depending on the program and any dual-degree arrangements.

Applicants are often required to have completed at least one college-level course in mathematics, probability, and statistics with a satisfactory grade. Some programs may also desire basic knowledge of computer programming using a high-level language.

Programs provide a wide range of specializations for both master's and Ph.D. students. For instance, some programs offer specializations in Economic Development, Environment and Climate, Global Development, Housing & Community Development, Transportation & Land Use, and Urban Analytics. Some master's programs provide a number of distinct focus areas while also allowing students to "create your own specialization" by combining courses from multiple fields.

Core courses for a master's program often cover topics such as planning theory, urban spatial theory, applied microeconomics, analytical methods, and planning law.

A studio course is an applied course that allows students to apply their planning knowledge and skills in real-world situations, which can be local, national, or international.

Yes, many master's programs require students to complete a planning-related internship. This is often a minimum of 300 hours and can be completed in the summer between the first and second years.

Most graduate programs require a thesis, a professional report, or a research paper to demonstrate in-depth study in a specific area.

Yes, many programs are interdisciplinary and offer dual or joint degrees to broaden a student's skillset. Examples include Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) programs that can be combined with public policy, public informatics, or a Juris Doctor (MCRP/JD) degree. Other common dual-degree options include law, business administration, and environmental studies. A dual degree can save a significant number of credits and time compared to earning both degrees separately.

Planning programs teach a core set of skills, including research, written and oral communication, quantitative and qualitative methods, plan creation and implementation, and leadership.

The master's degree is typically a professional degree that prepares candidates for professional planning practice, while the Ph.D. is an advanced research degree that prepares individuals for careers in teaching, research, and policy-making.

Accreditation from a professional organization, such as the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB), is a process that ensures a program meets a high standard of quality. It provides assurance that the education you receive will prepare you with a core set of skills, theories, and methods necessary for a professional career in planning.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but generally, a research center is a large-scale, often interdisciplinary, hub that facilitates research across different departments. A lab tends to be a smaller, more focused unit, often led by a single faculty member or a small group, dedicated to a specific research topic or a set of related questions. An institute is typically a larger, more permanent body that may house multiple centers and labs.

Yes, some institutions offer accelerated programs that allow exceptional undergraduate students to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in approximately five years instead of the typical six. These programs are highly selective and may require a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

Most Ph.D. students have a previous master's degree in planning or a related field. However, some programs will consider applicants who hold a master's degree in a related field and have professional experience for direct admission.

In some cases, a previous master's degree can be used to fulfill coursework requirements for a Ph.D. program. For instance, a Ph.D. program might require students who do not have a master's in planning to first enroll in a master's program and complete the equivalent of the first-year curriculum. A limited number of graduate credits (e.g., up to eight quarter units) earned with a grade of B or better at another university may also be transferable.

Application requirements for graduate programs usually include a statement of purpose, a resume or curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Some Ph.D. programs may also require a writing sample. For undergraduate programs, requirements may include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a minimum GPA.

The likelihood of acceptance varies significantly by degree level and institution. For master's programs, acceptance rates can be highly competitive, with some selective private universities accepting as few as 7% of applicants, while some larger public universities have acceptance rates of 50% or higher. For Ph.D. programs, admission is even more competitive, with some programs admitting only six to eight students per year from a pool of up to 80 applicants, leading to an acceptance rate of about 5% or less. For undergraduate programs, acceptance rates at highly selective universities can be as low as 4-6%.

The trend across many top-tier master's programs is a move away from requiring the GRE. However, the GRE is often still a requirement for doctoral programs at some institutions.

A holistic review considers a combination of an applicant's talents, interests, passions, experiences, and skills, looking beyond just grades to admit a dynamic and talented group of students. The process considers all aspects of an applicant's record, including excellent grades in rigorous courses, participation in extracurricular activities, evidence of leadership, awards, and service.

The statement of purpose is your opportunity to tell the admissions committee who you are, why you want to join a program, what your professional interests are, and what you plan to do after you graduate. You should explain your motivations for pursuing a degree in urban planning and what you hope to achieve with it. It is also the chance to show that you have done your research on the program and to explain why it is the right fit for you. In your statement, you should mention specific faculty members whose research aligns with your interests and any research centers or labs you'd like to be involved with. You should also demonstrate the unique skills and experiences you bring that will benefit the department and your peers. You can discuss specific projects you worked on, focusing on what you contributed and the impact of your work.

Your resume or curriculum vitae should provide details of your educational and professional experiences, other jobs you have held, a list of groups or organizations you are involved in, and community involvement or volunteer work. It can also include information on programming languages or other computer skills you have.

Most programs require at least two or three letters of recommendation. These should be substantive statements from academics and professionals who are familiar with your abilities and accomplishments. For a doctoral program, at least one letter should come from a faculty member who has taught you. For other programs, you can also consider former employers or supervisors from a volunteer organization. The letters are used to evaluate your academic and professional capacity and promise, as well as your intellectual curiosity and perseverance.

A writing sample is typically a required component for Ph.D. program applications. For some programs, it may be required as a part of the "Examples of Work" section of the application. The sample should demonstrate your research and writing abilities and can include published articles, other writing samples, or portfolios. These samples are considered most valuable when you are the sole or lead author.

A portfolio is not a standard requirement for most urban planning programs, but some specializations, particularly in urban design, may recommend one. A portfolio should support your statement of purpose and clearly demonstrate your research and writing abilities through published articles, writing samples, or other examples of work.

Most programs require three letters of recommendation, though some may require as few as two.

Application deadlines vary by program and can be different for domestic and international students. Some programs have a single priority deadline for a term, while others accept applications on a rolling basis until a final deadline. It is important to check with each program for its specific deadlines.

The time it takes to receive an admission decision varies by institution, with some programs taking approximately 6-8 weeks from the date of application submission.

Many departments host virtual and in-person information sessions and open houses for prospective students, which often include a brief overview of the degree program and a Q&A session with an admissions representative. These events may require registration and are a good opportunity to get a sense of the program and ask questions.

Due to the high volume of applications, many programs are unable to provide individual feedback on applications, even for those who are not accepted.

For master's programs, interviews are generally not a standard part of the formal admissions process. However, for • Ph.D. programs, a formal interview is more common, as faculty members may want to discuss research interests with you. On occasion, a faculty member may reach out to a Ph.D. applicant to discuss their research interests.

You are welcome to name faculty members you wish to work with in your statement of purpose, but due to time commitments, faculty may not be able to respond to direct inquiries before you submit your application.

Yes, it is possible to get an application fee waiver. While not all programs offer them, you can inquire about the availability of waivers from the graduate admissions office. Waivers are typically provided based on financial need or participation in specific programs. You should request a waiver before submitting your application, as a waiver cannot be applied retroactively.

Requirements for an application fee waiver vary. Some institutions automatically waive the fee for applicants who earned a previous degree from a U.S. Land-Grant institution or another accredited institution in the same state. Other waivers may require proof of financial need, such as documentation of FAFSA or SNAP participation, or proof of military or veteran status.

Many graduate programs allow you to upload unofficial transcripts for the initial application review. However, if you are admitted and choose to enroll, you will be required to submit official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions. These transcripts must include the institutional seal and the signature of the Registrar or Records Office.

Master's degrees in urban planning may range in cost from $30,000 to $120,000, with public schools generally having lower tuition costs than private schools. For example, a public institution may have an estimated annual tuition of around $15,202 for in-state students and $31,506 for out-of-state students, while a private one may have costs that are significantly higher.

The cost of attendance varies significantly depending on your residency status. For example, some public universities may charge around $14,500 to $15,000 annually for in-state residents and about $29,000 to $33,000 for out-of-state residents for a full-time academic year. You can find up-to-date tuition information on each university's financial aid or registrar's website.

The likelihood of receiving financial aid varies by degree level. For undergraduate students, financial aid is often a combination of grants, loans, and work-study programs that are handled at the university level. For master's students, financial aid is often merit-based and competitive, covering only a portion of tuition costs, and is not guaranteed for all students. For Ph.D. students, financial aid is more substantial; admitted students may be offered a funding package that includes full tuition, fees, and a stipend, typically for up to four years, as part of the admission offer.

While both are forms of financial aid, scholarships are generally considered "gift aid" that do not need to be paid back and can be awarded by various governments, colleges, and private organizations. A fellowship is also a form of financial aid, often granted based on academic merit, that may be sponsored by an association or granted for a short-term professional development opportunity.

Financial aid can include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Graduate students can also receive fellowships, research assistantships, and grants.

A graduate assistantship (GA) is a form of academic employment for a graduate student that provides teaching (TA) or research (RA) support to the university. These positions are designed to support and enhance a student's educational experience and offer professional development and financial support.

An assistantship is an academic job that provides a stipend and often a tuition waiver for tasks performed for a faculty member or department. In contrast, a fellowship is a form of financial aid, similar to a scholarship, that is typically granted to cover a variety of student costs and may be sponsored by an association.

For some programs, applicants are automatically considered for merit-based funding based on a faculty review of their complete graduate application, with no separate application required. However, for many other opportunities, students must apply and be accepted a position, which is typically based on academic excellence and faculty referral.

An assistantship generally includes a stipend, tuition remission, and subsidies for health insurance premiums, in addition to paying some student-initiated fees.

A full-time assistantship carries a weekly work expectation of 20 hours, while a half-time assistantship requires 10 hours of work per week.

Tuition remission, also known as a tuition waiver, is a benefit in which the university pays for a part or all of a student's tuition costs. This benefit is often included in a graduate assistantship or fellowship package and covers tuition fees only, not other local university fees.

For undergraduate students in accelerated bachelor's and master's programs, they can take graduate courses at undergraduate tuition rates, which helps reduce the overall cost of the two degrees. For graduate students, the level of tuition remission is often based on the level of the assistantship; a half-time graduate assistantship receives a remission of half of the in-state tuition, while a full-time assistantship receives a full in-state tuition waiver. A tuition remission for full-time Ph.D. students may also cover out-of-state tuition, with a "differential out-of-state fee" of $0.00 assessed.

Students must apply and be accepted for a graduate assistantship, typically based on academic excellence and faculty referral. Having a strong GPA and establishing good relationships with professors can help.

For tuition purposes, residency is the legal status that determines whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. To establish in-state residency, a student or their parent/guardian must have established and maintained a permanent legal domicile in the state for at least 12 months before the first day of the semester. Simply living in the state for the purpose of attending school does not, in itself, establish legal residency.

Urban planners work in a variety of sectors, including public, private, and non-profit organizations. Specific career examples for some alumni include City Administrator, Economic Development Planner, GIS Data Analyst, and Transit Agency Management/Planning.

The median annual wage for urban and regional planners was approximately $83,720 in May 2024, with the lowest 10% earning less than $55,590 and the highest 10% earning more than $128,550. The average annual salary for a junior urban planner is around $93,000, while a senior planner can earn over $114,000. Salaries can vary by industry, with the private sector generally offering higher compensation than the public sector.

Many professional master's programs are accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). This accreditation ensures a high-quality education that prepares students with a core set of skills for a career as a practicing planner. One program provides a compelling metric of its value, noting that its graduates have a 100% passing rate on the AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) exam.

The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) exam is a professional certification exam for planners, and some programs use their graduates' passing rates as a metric of program success.

Yes, many colleges and programs have dedicated career and professional development teams to assist students with finding and growing their careers. Programs and alumni associations offer resources such as one-on-one career advice, mentoring, resume and portfolio reviews, networking events, and job boards.

The central graduate admissions office is responsible for the overall application process. You should contact them with questions about application deadlines, submitting official test scores or transcripts, and general fee questions. The planning department is where the application decisions are made. You should contact them with questions about a program's curriculum, faculty research interests, specific program requirements, and departmental financial aid. A key distinction is that while you send your materials to the central office, the department is the ultimate decision-maker. The central admissions office compiles the applications and forwards them to the department, which makes the final decision.

A program director typically performs administrative functions for a single discipline, including curriculum management, student advising, and operational duties. A department chair is a more senior leader who oversees the entire department, including all its programs, faculty, and staff. They are responsible for making high-level recommendations on matters such as faculty appointments, promotions, and salaries. The program director often reports to the department chair.

Individual Faculty: You can contact a faculty member to ask about their research and how it aligns with your interests. This is especially important if you are a Ph.D. applicant seeking a potential advisor. However, faculty members may be too busy to respond to inquiries before you submit your application.

Program Director or Graduate Academic Advisor: These individuals are the experts on a program's structure and requirements. They are the best contacts for questions about coursework, curriculum, and the academic advising process.

International Student Office: This is the best place to go for any questions about visas, immigration policies, financial documentation for your I-20 form, and work authorizations like OPT and CPT. This office is the final authority on these matters, not the academic department or admissions office.

For international applicants whose native language is not English, a TOEFL or IELTS score is typically required. Minimum scores vary, but a TOEFL score of 90 or higher and an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher are common requirements.

Yes, some institutions may waive the English proficiency requirement if you have completed an undergraduate or master's degree at an institution where the language of instruction was exclusively in English, particularly in the U.S. This waiver is often applied automatically if you attest to it on your application.

A STEM-designated degree is a program classified in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics field. This classification is particularly beneficial for international students on an F-1 visa, as it allows them to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to three years, providing more time to work in the United States after graduation.

The Form I-20, or "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," is a document issued by the institution that confirms you have been admitted to a program and have demonstrated that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your education and living expenses while in the U.S.

To receive an I-20 form, you must provide financial documentation that proves you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses for at least one year of study.

Acceptable sources of funding include bank statements, approved loan documents, financial aid letters, and scholarship awards.

Unacceptable sources of funding for your I-20 can include real estate holdings, stocks, bonds, investments, and unapproved loan documents, as these are not considered readily available or may have a fluctuating value.

Yes, if your financial documents are in someone else's name, a signed financial support letter must accompany the documents. This letter should state the sponsor's name, their relationship to you, and a statement confirming their intent to support all your expenses for the duration of your program.

Some universities in the U.S. may have difficulty sending emails to or receiving emails from international email addresses due to firewall issues. It is recommended that international applicants set up a common email address, such as through Gmail or Yahoo, for their application process.

No, all prospective students typically submit the same application. There is no separate application for international applicants, though some programs may have different application deadlines for international students to account for visa processing times.

Yes, if your academic transcripts or other documents are not in English, you must provide certified English translations. Both the original transcript and the certified translation should be scanned into one file for upload to the online application.

Estimated costs for graduate school vary, but can be between $48,000 and $50,000 per year, which includes tuition, fees, living expenses, health insurance, and other costs. These are estimates and subject to change.

If you have a spouse or child, you should budget for additional dependent expenses, which can be an extra $5,000 or more per year per dependent.

This office is the primary resource for all international students. You should contact them with questions about visa processes (F-1 and J-1) and obtaining your I-20 Form, financial documentation requirements for your visa application, and work authorization, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). They also provide guidance on maintaining immigration status, understanding federal regulations, and offer support for social and cultural adjustment.

If you are an international student and need to take a leave of absence or are considering transferring to another school, you must contact the international student advisor at the ISSS office to discuss the process. This is required to ensure you maintain your valid visa status.

Many schools offer a mandatory orientation for new international students. These orientations often cover important topics like immigration regulations, maintaining your student status, and employment rules.