Master of Urban and Regional Planning
36-51 credits
The professional field of planning and the programs of the department present significant and diverse opportunities to solve the problems of communities and shape the built environment. Our profession is uniquely dedicated to the quality of life impacted by place, to visions and policy consequences that extend beyond the short term, and to problem solving that relies on multiple disciplines. Our professional values commit us to environmental sustainability, social equity, participatory democracy, and deliberate design.
Planners promote public interest development through the implementation of plans formulated and adopted in the public interest. They perform this function in all three economic sectors—public, private for-profit, and private nonprofit. Professional career areas of opportunity include public planning and housing/community development agencies, land development and professional service firms, and nonprofit corporations serving neighborhoods and various public interests.
The department prepares students for these challenges by offering a rigorous course of study for the master of urban and regional planning (MURP), a professionally recognized degree leading to professional certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and be approved by the Department of Urban Planning. International students must also meet the financial, English language, U.S. Immigration (visa), and transcript certification requirements of the Rinker Center for International Programs.
Degree requirements
Concentrations
The standard MURP concentration is a two-year, 48-51 credit program. The accelerated track program, available only to graduates of an urban planning baccalaureate program accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB), may be completed within one calendar year (a full academic year plus dual summer session) and requires 36-39 credits.
Examination
To assist in self-assessment and faculty advising, newly admitted students must complete a diagnostic examination that evaluates their planning interests, perceptions, knowledge, and skills. Before graduation students must also complete a comprehensive examination that addresses the synthesis of knowledge of greatest significance in the student’s professional education. This exam assesses not only student competency and program effectiveness, but also student progress since the diagnostic exam.
Course of Study in Selected Area of Concentration
For the standard and accelerated concentrations, 12 credits are required in the student’s selected area of concentrated study (ACS) in (1) comprehensive planning, (2) physical planning, (3) community development and enterprise planning, or (4) customized urban planning area; the latter requires faculty approval. This is comprised of an ACS core course, ACS studio, and two elective courses particular to the selected ACS; depending on ACS, there are certain requirements for electives.
Capstone Project
The degree requires a capstone project of 3 credits, typically in the student’s ACS, to demonstrate advanced competency in the use of knowledge or to create knowledge. The project may center on a field-based project that produces a professional report or on a topic of scholarship that produces a research paper (refer to RES 697). With faculty approval a student may engage in a creative project that produces a thesis for 6 credits (refer to THES 698). The program’s curriculum prepares students for the capstone project.
Remaining Electives
The remaining electives constitute 6 credits for the standard concentration and 6 credits for the accelerated concentration. Students select electives based on their ACS from courses offered within urban planning or from courses in other disciplines of the Graduate School, as approved by urban planning; a pre-approved list is available through the department, or consult with the graduate faculty advisor for approval. Also, the required capstone project constitutes 3 credits by students enrolling in RES 697, or if THES 698 is approved for 6 credits, the additional 3 credits may substitute as an elective.
Credits Transferred from Prior Graduate Study
Up to 15 credits for the standard and 9 credits for the accelerated concentration earned in prior graduate study outside the department and not resulting in a degree may be applied toward the MURP. Such transfer credits must have been earned at an accredited institution, demonstrate relevancy for an equivalent course of study of the MURP program, and be approved by the department.
For students without a Bachelor of Urban Planning and Development (BUPD) or equivalent degree
3-6 credits from
12 credits from
Area of Concentrated Study (ACS)
Including either
| PLAN 630 | Comprehensive Planning Studio | 3 |
| or | |
| PLAN 632 | Studio Comm Dev and Ent Planng | 3 |
| Total Credits: | 12 |
Complementary electives from outside planning
Total Credits: 48-51
For students with a Bachelor of Urban Planning and Development (BUPD) or equivalent degree
3 credits from
3-6 credits from
12 credits from
Area of Concentrated Study (ACS)
Including either
| PLAN 630 | Comprehensive Planning Studio | 3 |
| or | |
| PLAN 632 | Studio Comm Dev and Ent Planng | 3 |
| Total Credits: | 12 |
Outside electives
Total Credits: 36-39