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.
Capstone Project
The degree requires a capstone project (PLAN 692) of 3 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 or on a topic of scholarship that produces a research paper or a creative project. The curriculum prepares students for this capstone, and faculty assistance is provided. With faculty approval a student may opt instead to engage in a research project that produces a thesis for 6 credits (THES 698).
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. 48 hours total are required.
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.
Required courses, 32 credits
Remaining electives, 12-15 credits
For students with a Bachelor of Urban Planning and Development (BUPD) or a similar undergraduate degree accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board.
Required courses, 15 credits
Remaining electives, 15-18 credits
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The remaining electives are to be taken in consultation with the graduate faculty advisor.
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At least 9 credits must be at the 600 level.
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36 hours total are required to graduate.