Master of Urban and Regional Planning
36-48 credits
The professional field of planning and the programs of the department present significant and diverse opportunities to solve the problems of communities, provide directions for them, and shape their built environments. 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 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 community development organizations 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 fully accredited degree.
Degree requirements
Concentrations
The standard MURP concentration is a two-year, 48 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 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. It is not necessary to pass the exam to receive a degree.
Capstone Project
The degree requires a capstone project of 3-6 credits 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 (CRPR 697) or on a topic of scholarship that produces a research paper (RES 697). With faculty approval a student may engage in a research project that produces a thesis for 6 credits (THES 698). The program’s curriculum prepares students for the capstone project.
Remaining Electives
The remaining electives are to be taken in consult with the graduate faculty advisor and include requirements that some electives must be taken at the 600 level. A student who elects a 3-hour research paper or creative project must take at least one elective at the 600 level.
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 an undergraduate planning degree accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board.
3-6 credits from
Remaining electives, 12-15 credits
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The remaining electives are to be taken in consultation with the graduate faculty advisor.
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A student who elects a 3-credit research paper or creative project must take at least an additional 15 credits of electives. At least 6 credits of electives must be at the 600-level.
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Students doing a 6-credit thesis or creative project must take at least an additional 12 credits of electives. At least 3 credits must be at the 600-level.
Total Credit Hours: 48
For students with a Bachelor of Urban Planning and Development (BUPD) or a similar undergraduate degree accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board.
3-6 credits from
Remaining electives, 15-18 credits
-
The remaining electives are to be taken in consultation with the graduate faculty advisor.
-
A student who elects a 3-credit research paper or creative project must take at least an additional 15 credits of electives. At least 9 credits must be at the 600-level.
-
Students doing a 6-credit thesis or creative project must take at least an additional 12 credits of electives. At least 6 credits must be at the 600-level.
Total Credit Hours: 36