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What is Urban Planning?

Urban planning is the field responsible for determining how living settlements will be constructed and maintained, including methods of transportation, resource management, utility availability and zoning. Degrees in urban planning are offered from the associates level to PhD.

Urban planning programs typically do not have their own school and are normally part of an architecture, design or public policy school. Urban planning requires students to have an education in multiple disciplines and the ability to utilize those disciplines in a cohesive manner.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$73,060

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

49.26%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

34,810

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Urban Planning Degree

Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) is one of the top Ivy League universities. One of the reasons why Harvard is considered one of the best is because of its liberal arts curriculum. The university offers undergraduate, and graduate programs as well as professional studies. Harvard also fosters a tutorial style of learning and teaching. This learning approach is a help for all students especially those who take up courses in a particular field of concentration. The Harvard Graduate School of Design offers a Master in Urban Planning. The program focuses on addressing critical issues facing cities and regions in coming years. Interested students can also cross-register courses to Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  A Ph.D. in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning is also offered. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) is a private research university and an Ivy League member. The school is known for its history as well as being ranked as one of the top universities in the world. The university boasts a comprehensive range of academic fields. The university offers a variety of graduate programs that focus on architecture, urban planning, and design. The Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation offers MS and Ph.D. degrees in Urban Planning. The MS program offers four concentrations: Built Environment, Community and Economic Development, International Planning and Development, and Urban Analytics. This level of study also grants dual degrees with other schools under the university. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is one of the Ivy League universities. Penn is globally-recognized because of the quality of education and research initiatives. Penn fosters an interdisciplinary approach to learning allowing students to gain further knowledge. The university offers tons of educational opportunities including international programs, and study grants. Penn houses a long list of graduate programs under the Stuart Weitzman School of Design. City & Regional Planning offers six concentrations all leading to a Master in City Planning degree. A Ph.D. degree is also offered solely for City Planning. Several certificates are also awarded for urban design and development programs. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA) is a private research university notable for its applied science and engineering programs. The university fosters a European polytechnic university model of learning. MIT is known for a long list of contributed innovations and academic strength. The Department of Urban Studies and Planning offers undergraduate and graduate programs. It awards a Master in City Planning. It is a two-year program that focuses on mastery of the tools necessary for effective practice. Courses in policy analysis and institutional intervention are also offered. A Ph.D. degree in Urban Planning is also offered in MIT. 

Acceptance Rate

6.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) is a notable public research university in the United States. Cornell fosters an interdisciplinary curriculum. The university’s undergraduate programs range from the classics to sciences and graduate programs explore technology, business, and creative thinking. City and regional planning is a graduate program that leads to a Master’s and Ph.D. degrees. Students are provided with theoretical and conceptual knowledge relevant to urban and regional studies. Master’s students who take other disciplines can also take city and regional planning as a graduate minor. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Georgetown University (Washington, DC) is a recognized private university. It has a wide range of academic programs that allows students to choose the most suited major for them. Georgetown is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the United States. Master of Professional Studies in Urban & Regional Planning provides courses that focus on applied knowledge, skills development, and values necessary to become a city-building leader. Students will also be exposed to applied studio work for further skills development. Full time and part time admissions are available. 

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) is a public university that is recognized for its academic programs, research works and medical health practices. JHU offers a variety of disciplines and has multiple degrees available for all undergraduate and graduate colleges. Environmental Planning and Management is a graduate-level program that addresses environmental issues threatening human health and the well-being of the planet through environmental engineering and science. The program awards master’s degree, graduate, and post-master’s certificates. 

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) extends its highly recognized academic programs across two main campuses and several educational centers located in Southern California. USC is also one of the oldest research universities in the United States. The Sol Price School of Public Policy offers undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs. The Urban Planning degree awards bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. The undergraduate program offers a balanced, well-rounded liberal arts education. It provides a solid foundation for students who aim to be leaders and innovators in all aspects of urban planning. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of California – Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) is considered by many as a public Ivy League university. It has been continuously ranked as one of the best public universities in the United States. The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs, professional degrees, and programs. A top ranked Urban Planning degree is offered at the graduate level leading to a master’s degree or Ph.D. The Master of Urban and Regional Planning is a two-year program that offer areas of concentration: Community Economic Development and Housing, Design and Development, Environmental Analysis and Policy, Regional and International Development, and Transportation Policy and Planning. Urban Planning can also be taken as a joint program together with academic offerings across other departments at UCLA. 

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) is a public research university under the University of California system. UC-Berkeley has established its academic and research reputation across the United States and the world. The university offers high ranking academic programs. The university manages City & Regional Planning degrees. It awards bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. These programs are designed to provide a balance between theory and practical skills. The Master’s program offers a variety of concentrations: Environmental Planning and Healthy Cities, Housing, Community, and Economic Development, Transportation Policy and Planning, and Urban Design. 

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

University of Virginia - Main Campus (Charlottesville, VA) is one of the original public Ivy colleges. It serves as a great training ground for students who are interested in leadership and governance, having been founded by Thomas Jefferson who aimed to develop leaders. U. Va. also offers courses on engineering, science, law, business, and education. Urban + Environmental Planning program offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as graduate certificates. Courses on planning, including environment and health, land use, housing and community development, transportation, and urban design are offered to students. A dual degree opportunity is offered in Public Policy, Law, Landscape Architecture, and Architecture. 

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) is a private higher education institution. The university is divided into seven colleges and independent schools and all are offering interdisciplinary programs. Carnegie Mellon is considered as an international university, extending its academic excellence around the world. The university offers a Master of Urban Design. The two-year program focuses on integrating socially engaged practice with new tools and techniques for representing, understanding, and designing cities. Graduates are prepared to assume roles as leaders in urban design and architecture firms, and others as well as ready to pursue graduate studies. 

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) is the oldest public research university in the state. The school has thirteen undergraduate and eighteen graduate schools and colleges offering a variety of programs for students. The University of Michigan is among the top public universities worldwide. Taubman College offers a range of Urban Planning programs both undergraduate and graduate levels. Urban and Regional Planning grants master’s and Ph.D. degrees. Students of the master’s program can choose a specific area of study. Graduates will gain a better understanding of cities and regions, be aware of the techniques used for future developments, and formulation of policies. 

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) is one of the most highly regarded higher education institutions in the United States. UNC-Chapel Hill is known for its academic quality and its programs related to social engagements and relevant international presence. The Department of City and Regional Planning offers a minor program in Urban Studies and Planning. It also grants master’s and Ph.D. degrees in City and Regional Planning. Dual graduate degree programs are also offered in collaboration with related professional programs. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Haverford College (Haverford, PA) is a private liberal arts college that focuses on providing undergraduate education. It offers a range of academic majors in  humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.  The college is a member of the Tri-College Consortium together with  Bryn Mawr College and Swarthmore College. This allows students from these colleges to take courses offered by any of the members. Growth and Structure of Cities is offered at Bryn Mawr College. Haverford College also offers a 3+2 Program in City and Regional Planning which is offered in cooperation with the University of Pennsylvania. UPenn and Haverford are members of the Quaker Consortium. 

Acceptance Rate

16.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA) is an active research university and one of the top public universities in the United States. Georgia Tech offers a wide range of highly-ranked academic programs for undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of the popular disciplines in the institute are computing, engineering, sciences, architecture, management, and liberal arts. The School of City and Regional Planning offers a range of academic programs that provide world-class education and cutting-edge research. City and Regional Planning is offered at the graduate-level leading to a master’s or Ph.D. degree. Students of Master of Urban and Rural Planning can also admit to an exchange program in partnership with Tongji University in China.  

Acceptance Rate

20.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Boston University (Boston, MA) Is a top-ranked institution. BU offers programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. BU is popular for its interdisciplinary programs, research curriculum, and esteemed faculty line up. The university offers Master of City Planning, and Graduate Certificate in Urban Policy & Planning and a range of related programs. The master’s degree is expected to be earned within one and a half to two years for full-time students. Interested students can focus their studies across a variety of areas of study: environmental sustainability, land use, housing, and community development; infrastructure planning; transportation planning; and urban design. Meanwhile, students who earn certificates will be equipped to develop policy and planning solutions. 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

New York University (New York, NY) is a private, nonsectarian, research university and the largest non-profit institution of higher learning in the U.S. NYU has study abroad facilities located around the globe. NYU started with only the College of Arts and Science but today, undergraduate and graduate schools focus on education and human development, business, nursing, dentistry, and public service. The Master of Urban Planning provides multidisciplinary courses on planning, management, finance, and policy. The program also offers two specializations: City and Community Planning and International Development Planning. Students can admit as full-time or part-time students. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) is a non-profit private institution that offers various degree programs giving interested student applicants the option to choose which major is right for them. Urban Environmental Policy and Planning is a graduate certificate program. Admission is also open for undergraduates and non-degree students who are interested to take the certification program following certain requirements. The program examines the policies and programs that shape and affect built and natural environments. 

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) is a public university and one of the flagship research institutions under the State University System of Florida. The university offers its comprehensive programs across 16 academic colleges and more than 150 research centers and institutes. The Department of Urban and Regional Planning offers undergraduate minor and several graduate programs leading to master’s and Ph.D. degrees. The campus-based Master of Urban and Regional Planning was the pioneer program offering of the department. The Master’s program offers a traditional track and combined degree program (Bachelor’s/Master’s). An online MURP is also offered to interested students. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of California - Irvine (Irvine, CA) is a public research university and considered as one of the fastest growing campuses under the University of California system. Through the years, UCI has been offering highly recognized academic and professional programs. The university offers Master of Urban and Regional Planning to aspiring planning professionals. The Ph.D. program in Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy trains researchers that focuses on the analysis of social problems related to the built, natural, and institutional environments. The Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy programs foster innovative teaching and active community engagements. 

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX) is a public university and best known as the flagship institution for the expansive UT higher education system. The university offers undergraduate and graduate as well as interdisciplinary programs. The Community and Regional Planning degree is offered at the graduate-level. It provides theoretical foundations, specific skills, and practical experience to students. It also fosters a strong focus on sustainable development processes and practices. The program grants master’s and Ph.D. degrees as well as dual degrees and certificates. 

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

University of California-Davis (Davis, CA) houses nationally ranked academic programs across a wide variety of disciplines. The university is particularly known for its agricultural and environmental programs and it is dubbed to be a “farming school”. UC-Davis has four undergraduate colleges and a graduate school. City & Regional Planning is track offered under the Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning major. This concentration offers courses in courses in urban planning and public lands management, transportation planning and community development. 

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

University of Maryland - College Park (College Park, MA) is a public institution and Maryland’s flagship university. The school is said to be one of the “Public Ivies”. The school offers competitive academic programs that are consistently ranking among the best in the country. The university offers several Urban Studies and Planning degrees. A Master of Community Planning and Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning and Design are open for admissions. The Ph.D. program offers a variety of specializations: Land Use Planning, Urban Spatial Structure, Economic Development, International Planning, Urban Design, and Urban Community Social Development. Interested students can also take an Interdisciplinary Dual Degree program with related disciplines. 

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL) is a private research university that values teaching and learning. Programs offered at the University of Miami are designed to teach students new knowledge that can be beneficial for their future careers. The School of Architecture offers Master programs in Urban Design and Real Estate Development + Urbanism. The Master in Urban Design program provides instructions that guide students in designing regions, cities, and communities. The program is designed to be taken within three semesters but an option fourth semester for a semester-long independent study design project or thesis is also offered. 

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Why Become an Urban Planner?

Urban planners are an important piece of land development and land use management in large cities, counties, and rural areas around the country. Diligent planning and resource organization are requisite to accommodate for future population changes, incite business growth, enhance aesthetics, and improve a citys functionality.

Urban planners meet with architects, engineers, and city officials to understand how to best utilize land. From these decisions come conceptual designs, plans, and documents to support the proposed changes. Additional administrative paperwork include reviewing land proposals with a lens of applicable zoning and building codes.

How to Become an Urban Planner

In order to become an urban planner, you must follow a series of steps outlined below. Like many other professions, it is mission critical to know the steps before you start to avoid backtracking or stopping short of your goals. As such, we will cover the steps involved in becoming an urban planner below to help you through the process.

  1. Research: The first step in your journey to become an urban planner is to research accredited colleges and universities. This step will involve you finding the right program for you including degree programs, learning modalities, and financial aid. To make the most of this step, you will need to create a priority list for your career and education. This beacon of light will help direct you towards the right school for you. To learn more about online programs and on-site degrees, simply request information from the programs below.
  2. Education: The next step in the process after selecting the best college for you is to earn a college degree. In most cases, you will need to earn a masters degree or doctorate degree to work for a municipality government agency. You can accomplish this through a two-step process of first earning a bachelors degree in urban planning or similar degree followed by a masters degree in urban planning or a single step dual-degree process that accelerates the process towards degree completion.
  3. Experience: While earning your degree, you will want to obtain work experience through an internship or externship. The work experience, knowledge transfer, and professional networking opportunities are essential on your path to becoming an effective planner. Packaged into this process is a recommendation to get involved in local issues, regulations, policies, politics, and environmental issues.
  4. Certification: Many agencies will require you to earn a professional certificate for urban planners while others make it optional. To make the most of your career, invest the time to take the most applicable certificate for your state or region. Popular options include the AICPs certificate for urban planners along with eligibility requirements and membership benefits.
  5. Continuing Education: After joining an organization as a urban planner or certified urban planner, you will need to keep up your credentials by taking approved continuing education credits and/or recertification every two years.

Urban Planner Requirements

Employment in Urban Planning

Individuals working in urban planning may find employment in either the public or private sector, either through government, non-governmental organizations, or firms and businesses involved in development and growth. Some individuals may choose to pursue a career in politics in order to affect policy at a decision making level rather than through proposal.

A career in urban planning allows for a variety of positions and specializations, and can be used to pursue career in other related fields as it utilizes techniques and methods that can be applied elsewhere.

Common Job Titles of an Urban Planner

As you think about a career in urban planning and map out your future, you are best served to understand some of the titles you may see in the field or during a job search.  While not a comprehensive list, the job titles below represent the most popular job titles for an urban planner across industries and geographic bounds.

  • City Planner
  • Housing Grant Analyst
  • Regional Planner
  • Urban Design Consultant
  • Community Development Director
  • Neighborhood Planner
  • Planner
  • Community Development Planner
  • Housing Development Specialist
  • Planning Director
Top Job Duties of an Urban Planner

In a recent survey performed by the U.S. Department of Labor, professional urban planners from around the country provided insight into their work.  The biggest take-away from the survey was a list of the top job duties of an urban planner summarized below:

  1. Discussing highest and best use land use projects for public transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, or industrial use
  2. Holding public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, public members, or special interest groups in an effort to formulate, develop, or solve land use plans
  3. Recommending approval, denial, or conditional approval of planned land use proposals
  4. Designing and managing plans and policies for effective land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation issues
  5. Advising planning officials and city officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, and alternatives

Largest Employers of Urban Planners

  1. Local Government Agencies
  2. Architectural & Engineering Firms
  3. State Government Agencies
  4. Management & Technical Consulting Firms
  5. Federal Government Agencies

States with the Most Employed Urban Planners

  • California          6,770
  • Texas                 2,130
  • Washington     2,070
  • Florida              1,920
  • Pennsylvania   1,640

Top Paying States for Urban Planners

  1. District of Columbia   $97,360
  2. California                      $86,860
  3. New Jersey                   $83,990
  4. Nevada                          $82,940
  5. Connecticut                  $81,590

Urban Planner Salary

The average salary for an urban planner is $70,020 per year, with the lowest 10% receiving below $42,000 per year and the highest 10% receiving over $93,500 per year. The range of salaries for urban planners reveals a wide range of possible outcomes. Salaries are driven by experience, job type, entity, and scope of duties. Those interested in an urban planning degree may also like to look into a degree in architecture, public policy, and sociology.

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