Degree Requirements, Community and Regional Planning

Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online at https://utexas.box.com/v/UTAustinGraduateHandbooks. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.

Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning

Each student must complete 48 semester hours of coursework, including introductory courses in planning history, theory, and ethics; quantitative planning methods; qualitative and participatory planning methods; sustainable land use planning; GIS and visual planning tools; planning law; and public economics and finance. During the final year, students synthesize their educational experience by taking an integrative planning studio and completing either a thesis or a professional report. With the assistance of the graduate advisor, each student develops an individual program based on their interests.

Doctor of Philosophy

The doctoral degree requires 48 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 advisor in each program.

Major(s)	Degree(s)
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 advisor in each program.

Major(s)	Degree(s)
Sustainable design	Master of Science in Sustainable Design
Urban design	Master of Science in Urban Design