Degree Requirements
Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning
Each student must complete forty-eight semester hours of coursework, including introductory courses in planning history, theory, and ethics; applied planning methods; participatory planning methods; sustainable land use planning; GIS and visual planning tools; planning law; and financing public services. The student may then choose an area of specialization; for each specialization, at least four courses are required. During the final year, the student synthesizes his or her educational experience by taking an integrative planning studio and completing either a thesis or a professional report. With the assistance of the graduate adviser, each student develops an individual program based on his or her interests; each program of study must include at least thirty semester hours in community and regional planning or acceptable substitutes.
Doctor of Philosophy
The doctoral degree requires forty-eight semester hours of work, including graduate coursework, directed research, and the dissertation. Each doctoral student must specialize in a planning field, such as environmental and natural resources planning, land development and urban design, housing and community economic development, land use and infrastructure planning (including transportation), historic preservation (through cross-listed architecture courses), or a special field defined by the supervisor and the student and approved by the community and regional planning PhD Committee. In addition, doctoral students must complete advanced work in an outside field; a variety of supporting (outside) fields are available through other University programs. Depth and breadth of experience in planning theory and research design and methods are required of all doctoral students.
After completing the required coursework, the student advances to candidacy according to procedures set by the Graduate Studies Committee. Advancement to candidacy involves an evaluation of the student’s research proposal and a comprehensive written examination. A faculty committee evaluates the research in progress, and reads the dissertation.
Dual Degree Programs
The community and regional planning program offers the following dual degree programs in cooperation with other divisions of the University. More information is available from the graduate adviser in each program.
| Field | Degree |
|---|---|
| Geography | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Latin American studies | Master of Arts |
| Law | Doctor of Jurisprudence |
| Public affairs | Master of Public Affairs |
In addition, the following dual degree programs are offered within the School of Architecture. More information is available from the graduate adviser in each program.
| Field | Degree |
|---|---|
| Sustainable design | Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning/Master of Science in Sustainable Design |
| Urban design | Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning/Master of Science in Urban Design |