University of Iowa

About University of Iowa

The Urban and Regional Planning program at The University of Iowa in the School of Planning and Public Affairs (SPPA) prepares students to lead in the development of more sustainable, equitable, resilient, and vibrant communities. Through nationally recognized urban planning education, applied learning opportunities, and close faculty mentorship, students gain the knowledge and professional experience needed to address today's most pressing challenges in housing, transportation, economic development, climate resilience, community engagement, and land-use planning.

Located in Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature, and one of America's best college towns, SPPA offers a collaborative learning environment where students work directly with faculty, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community partners on real-world planning projects. Our program emphasizes practical problem-solving, data-informed decision making, public engagement, and innovative approaches to community development.

Points of Distinction

The master's degree in planning at the University of Iowa is fully accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board and offers an urban planning education with a strong emphasis on data-driven policy. Program faculty have expertise in community and economic development, housing, sustainability, transportation, and public finance.

Community engagement is at the forefront of what we do. The Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC) and the Native Policy Lab are community outreach branches within our school that allow students to work directly with communities in order to tackle pressing issues and local planning projects. Capstone projects in SPPA give students the chance to apply theory to practice and gain practical, professional experience while completing their studies; students in Capstone consult on a real-world planning project in partnership with a local Iowa partner community (facilitated by IISC). The project outcome is a professional deliverable that demonstrates the knowledge, critical thinking, and professional skills of our students.

Students in our program enjoy a 5:1 student to faculty ratio. Because we do not have undergraduates or PhD students, faculty mentorship is focused entirely on the needs of master’s degree students.

Our school offers dedicated career service support and wide-ranging opportunities for internships, research, and community-based learning. With over 1,000 alumni working across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, our professional network is extensive and presents unique employment opportunities for SPPA students.

Program Highlights

• Emphasis on data-driven policy in urban and regional planning
• Faculty expertise in economic development, affordable housing, sustainable transportation and land use, environmental policy, and public finance
• Robust community engagement and applied learning opportunities
• Dedicated career service support and extensive alumni network
• 5:1 student to faculty ratio with no undergraduates or PhD students – all faculty mentorship is focused on the needs of master’s degree students.

Degrees & Programs