All Master's in Urban Planning Programs

If you’ve decided to pursue a master’s degree in urban planning, it’s probably because you’re interested in gaining practical skills to improve public processes in your community. Perhaps you already hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as geography or urban studies, and seek proper credentials for local government work or wish to conduct regionally specific research on population and policy.

Various urban planning degree programs can help you achieve your desired specialization. This guide will break down how these master’s degree programs work, what to consider when applying, and potential career paths after graduation.

What Is a Master’s in Urban Planning?

A master’s degree in urban planning is an advanced program for individuals committed to studying applied geography and sustainable development. Building on the foundational knowledge gained in a bachelor’s program, students learn to implement efficiencies, fortify infrastructure, and allocate resources for a city or region while balancing local priorities.

Programs of this caliber require students to apply their skills to real-world circumstances. They offer opportunities to work with local officials and governing bodies, providing firsthand experience of industry challenges beyond the classroom. These hands-on opportunities are a good reason to pursue a program in the city where you’d like to work after graduation, giving you an idea of what the region prioritizes and how their community operates.

PAB Accreditation and Certification: How to Know If It’s Right for You

The Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) is the preeminent association that accredits urban planning programs at North American universities, ensuring they uphold specific quality standards. This accreditation system incorporates input from key stakeholders: the American Planning Association (APA), the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP). These organizations help ensure that accredited institutions prioritize curricula and skills most relevant to the industry.

Not all urban planning schools are accredited by the PAB, but a PAB-accredited degree facilitates obtaining AICP certification, an individual qualification often expected in the industry. As of January 1, 2024, the PAB accredits 79 PAB-accredited urban planning master’s programs. Graduates from these programs need only two years of experience for AICP certification, compared to three or more years for non-accredited programs.

AICP certification can open many doors for your career but isn’t essential for success in planning. Many planners consider PAB accreditation and AICP certification more valuable in reputation than in practice. While certification is often expected by employers, especially in the private sector due to higher billing rates, it doesn’t guarantee a more fulfilling career or higher individual salaries.

Consider exploring the descriptions of jobs you’re interested in before applying to schools. Consulting firms and development companies may prefer AICP-certified planners. If you’re drawn to these jobs, attending a PAB-accredited university could reduce the time needed for certification. Some employers may support working toward certification after hiring; potentially covering AICP dues if certification is necessary for the job.

In many cases, local specialization is more valuable than either accreditation or certification. If you attend school in the same city that you intend to work in, employers will often look more favorably at your application. Coursework may provide opportunities to explore local relationships through faculty networks and class projects. Understanding city infrastructure and agency priorities can bring invaluable local knowledge to your community.

Types of Master’s in Urban Planning Degrees

Many master’s programs in urban planning offer coursework in history, public policy, environmental science, GIS, architecture, and economics. These programs distinguish themselves from bachelor’s in urban planning degrees by providing opportunities to delve deeper into specific problem sets and policies. Master’s programs also usually require a thesis or capstone project, enabling students to develop partnerships with local agencies and work on real-world challenges.

Community planning and regional planning are similar program types, but rather than focusing exclusively on urban environments, they include curriculum that can be applied to more rural communities or the relationships between multiple cities and towns.

For those interested in environmental consulting, climate resilience, or natural disaster relief and prevention, specialized programs may be a better match. Most modern urban and regional planning programs incorporate environmental coursework or at least allow students to enroll in environmental electives, but if this is a specialty you’re drawn to, consider looking for sustainable development or environmental planning programs.

Coursework and Specializations: What You Will Learn

Most master’s programs in urban planning require 48 credit hours and approximately two years of study. During the first two or three semesters, students will explore coursework in the following fields:

• history and theory
• planning methods
• economics
• land use and development law
• geospatial information systems (GIS) and spatial patterns

Students also usually select electives from a wide variety of subjects, such as:

• environmental justice and DEI
• housing policy and real estate
• civil engineering and architecture
• anthropology and sociology

The final semester or full year of the program usually focuses on a thesis, capstone project, internship, or practicum course. These programs may allow you to embed in a local government agency or planning firm, gaining hands-industry experience. This is an invaluable component of the academic program, providing practical knowledge while still having access to university resources and academic oversight. It can also be a gateway to post-graduation employment.

How Competitive Are Urban Planning Master’s Programs?

Like with many collegiate departments, competition for urban planning master’s programs varies from school to school. Prestigious private universities like MIT may only accept 7% of their applicants, but larger, public schools have much higher acceptance rates (50% or higher), and admissions directors are often looking for applicants with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

For most programs, relevant work or volunteer experience, strong references, and a compelling application essay can outweigh a mediocre undergraduate GPA. A persuasive statement of purpose is crucial, detailing your personal investment in planning and explaining why this degree is vital for your career and future contributions to the field. Given that writing skills are essential in planning careers, this portion of your application can significantly influence your acceptance into your desired program.

Can You Earn a Master’s in Urban Planning Online?

Most PAB-accredited programs are offered in person only, with the exception of ASU and University of Florida, which offer online options. If you decide to bypass PAB accreditation, additional online programs are available, such as Liberty University’s online Master’s in Urban Planning and University of Washington’s online Master of Infrastructure Planning and Management. View all options in our program directory at the end of this guide.

Regardless of whether PAB-accreditation is important to you, consider attending an in-person program for the local perks. So much of the urban planning process takes place on site, with local partnerships and an understanding of the community that can only be gained from living in the area. That said, some coursework extends beyond the classroom through personal research and hands-on experience, so you won’t spend the entire program behind a desk.

Career Path for Master’s in Urban Planning Graduates

What comes after graduation?

Pursuing an urban planning master’s degree is a sign that you already have clear career goals in the field, but your options are vast, whether you’re interested in public or private sector work. Most graduates are employed in the field within 12 months of graduating, and degree holders tend to achieve more advanced positions than their non-degreed counterparts.

Graduates may wish to pursue AICP certification, for which a master’s degree is a major step. Certification requirements include education, experience, and an exam. Recent graduates, especially those from PAB-accredited universities, are generally better prepared for the test. PAB-accredited schools must publish their graduates’ passing rates, so be sure to explore those statistics when applying.

Urban planning master’s degree holders are employed in a variety of settings:

• local and state government agencies
• transportation authorities
• housing development corporations
• nonprofit organization
• consulting firms
• architecture and engineering firms
• federal agencies
• international organizations like the World Bank

Graduates can expect mid-level positions with starting salaries around $70,000 with lots of upward mobility. Whether you’re interested in helping your local community become more sustainable, or you’d like to lead an entire organization of developers, there is an urban planning master’s degree program that can take you there.