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About University of Illinois Chicago

The Department of Urban Planning & Policy (UPP) at UIC has led the way in preparing students for planning careers for over 50 years. We teach students to use innovative concepts and technology to address urban issues. Housed in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, just minutes from downtown Chicago, UPP plays a key role in advancing the university’s commitment to urban research and advocacy. Our diverse student body and faculty of esteemed researcher-practitioners provide students with what they need to tackle the unique challenges of cities in the 21st century.

Points of Distinction

Only planning program in the Chicagoland region accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). Third planning program in the Midwest by Planetizen. CUPPA was ranked #5 in Urban Policy by US News and World Report.

Degrees & Programs

Master's Degree
Degree Name Masters of Urban Planning and Policy
Degree accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board: Yes
Minimum GPA 3.0
Minimum TOEFL 550 (paper-based) TOEFL iBT 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20 and Writing 21
Minimum IELTS 6.5, with 6.0 in each of the four subscores
In-state tuition per year $25,980
Out-of-state tuition per year $46,014
Application deadline Domestic Nov 1 (Spring) May 15(Fall) International Sep 1 (Spring) April 1 (Fall)
Financial aid and scholarship deadline Jan 15
Students in program 150
Full-time equivalent student:faculty ratio 15:1
Bachelor's Degree
Degree Name BA in Urban Studies
Degree accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board: No
Minimum GPA 2.5/4
Minimum ACT 24
Minimum SAT 1170
In-state tuition per year $8,387
Out-of-state tuition per year $16,160
Application deadline 1st year, March 1 Transfer, April 1 (Fall) Oct 16 (Spring)
Financial aid and scholarship deadline Nov 1
Students in program 100
Full-time equivalent student:faculty ratio 10:1
University of Illinois Chicago logo
Department of Urban Planning and Policy

College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs
Chicago Illinois

Address

412 S Peoria St
Fl 1
Chicago, Illinois 60607-7069

Department Email

upp@uic.edu

Department Phone

312-996-5240
Visit Department Website
Last Updated: October 9, 2025

Faculty Members

Ning Ai

Associate Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
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Kheir Al-Kodmany

Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
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Philip Ashton

Professor, Department Head
University of Illinois Chicago
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John Betancur

Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
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Teresa Córdova

Professor, Director of Great Cities Institute
University of Illinois Chicago
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Andrea Craft

Visiting Lecturer
University of Illinois Chicago
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Joshua Drucker

Associate Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
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April Jackson

Associate Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
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Kazuya Kawamura

Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
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David Lopez-Garcia

Assistant Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
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Kate Lowe

Associate Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
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Brenda Parker

Associate Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies
University of Illinois Chicago
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Stacey Sutton

Associate Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
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Nik Theodore

Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
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Nebiyou Tilahun

Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Studies
University of Illinois Chicago
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Andres Urcuqui-Bustamante

Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Illinois Chicago
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Sevin Yildiz

Assistant Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
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Keisha Farmer-Smith

Teaching Associate Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
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