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About University of Minnesota

The Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) degree at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs is designed for those who aspire to shape vibrant, sustainable, and equitable communities. Our interdisciplinary approach integrates expertise from planning, sociology, engineering, law, architecture, social work, public health, landscape architecture, urban design, and other fields. This diverse knowledge base equips students to tackle urban sprawl, upgrade housing, protect the environment, and foster community and economic development. At the Humphrey School, we foster visionary planners who will transform neighborhoods and cities into inclusive, well-designed spaces to meet the needs of all residents.

Points of Distinction

Accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board, the MURP program offers a rigorous education that combines technical and analytical skills with strategic thinking. For nearly a decade, our graduates have achieved the highest passage rates on the American Institute of Certified Planners’ exam, reflecting the quality and comprehensiveness of our curriculum. Our students receive regional and national recognition for their achievements. In 2024, a team of five MURP students placed second in the American Planning Association's Annual Student Planning and Design Competition. Two MURP capstone project teams were awarded the Outstanding Student Project Award by APA MN in 2023.

Degrees & Programs

Master's Degree
Degree Name Master of Urban & Regional Planning
Degree accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board: Yes
Minimum TOEFL 100
In-state tuition per year $26,080 (including fees)
Out-of-state tuition per year $36,064 (including fees)
Application deadline June 1
Financial aid and scholarship deadline January 15
Students in program 60
Full-time equivalent student:faculty ratio 5.34:1
Bachelor's Degree
Degree accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board: No
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Urban and Regional Planning Program

Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Minneapolis Minnesota

Address

301 19th Ave S
Ste 280
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0429

Department Email

lisamars@umn.edu

Department Phone

not listed
Visit Department Website
Last Updated: October 24, 2025

Faculty Members

Ryan Allen

Professor and Associate Dean for Research
University of Minnesota
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Nisha Botchwey

Dean, Humphrey School of Public Affairs
University of Minnesota
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Peter Brown

Visiting Professor of Practice
University of Minnesota
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Fernando Burga

Assistant Professor
University of Minnesota
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Xinyu (Jason) Cao

Professor
University of Minnesota
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Frank Douma

Researcher and Instructor
University of Minnesota
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Yingling Fan

Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty
University of Minnesota
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Edward Goetz

Professor
University of Minnesota
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Elise Harrington

Assistant Professor
University of Minnesota
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Fayola Jacobs

Assistant Professor
University of Minnesota
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Nichola Lowe

Program Director & Professor
University of Minnesota
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Kathy Quick

Associate Professor
University of Minnesota
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Angie Fertig

Professor
University of Minnesota
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