The degree of Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning is a professional degree for students who wish to practice urban and regional planning and meet the educational requirements for the American Institute of Certified Planners. The program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board.
The curriculum is designed to provide a set of core studies and contextual projects which prepare the graduate for the practice of planning in public or private agencies at both national and international levels. The core studies include history and theory of planning; planning methods; growth management at local, regional, and state levels; and related studies in community and regional social, natural, and economic systems. Contextual projects include, among many subject areas, urban design, transportation, regional planning, community redevelopment and preservation, housing, real estate, and economic development. The program emphasizes planning, policies and design for the physical environment.
Course Requirements. The student entering with an undergraduate degree and no graduate study must complete 52 hours of credit for the MAURP degree. Students who have a master's degree in a related field may transfer up to 18 graduate semester hours toward the 52-hour requirement. Such a transfer of credit requires the approval of the department. The department encourages students with any undergraduate degree who are interested in the field of planning to apply for admission.
In all study areas, with permission from the academic unit's graduate faculty, a terminal project requiring 6 credits may be elected in lieu of a thesis.
Specializations. Current specializations include: growth management and transportation; urban and environmental design; housing, community and economic development; planning information and analysis systems. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the extensive faculty, course offerings and other resources available from DCP and throughout the university.
