Master of Science in Urban Planning

Master of Science in Urban Planning

Create a more resilient future for cities and regions.

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Learn more about the MS Urban Planning degree and talk with a recruiting specialist by calling 520-621-9819 or completing this form:

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If you're from one of 15 Western states and territories, you're eligible for Arizona resident tuition pricing.

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Accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board

Well-planned cities and regions are the key to confronting many of the most critical economic, environmental and social challenges facing the U.S. and the world today.

The two-year Master of Science in Urban Planning from the University of Arizona prepares you for a meaningful career where you'll shape a more resilient future for cities and communities, locally and across the globe.

At CAPLA, we're pushing urban planning education, research and practice in new and exciting directions—and students from diverse backgrounds are at the heart of our award-winning and engaging work.

Our MS Urban Planning program is fully accredited through the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). The MS Urban Planning program is affiliated with three dual degrees. 


Degree Concentrations

As a student in the MS Urban Planning program you will specialize in two of four concentration areas:

  1. Urban Transportation Planning
  2. Environmental Planning
  3. Real Estate & Urban Development
  4. Heritage Conservation

Career Opportunities

As an urban planner, you may engage in:

  • Community development and health planning
  • Comprehensive and long-range planning
  • Economic development
  • Environmental and natural resources planning
  • Hazard mitigation and disaster recovery planning
  • Historic preservation
  • Land use and code enforcement
  • Neighborhood planning
  • Parks and recreation development
  • Public administration and finance
  • Real estate and urban development
  • Transportation planning

You’ll graduate ready to thrive in a profession of increasing importance in the face of climate change, growing urban populations and challenges to social equity.

Program Performance and Accreditation Reports

#9

87%

$81,800

Top urban planing program without a Ph.D.
Planetizen, 2023

of MS Urban Planning graduates were employed in field within a year; the rest went into higher education.

Median pay per year for urban and regional planners.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023

 

The non-refundable application fee for the MS Urban Planning program is $90. Please note that we do not provide application fee waivers. 

Deadline 1: January 16 (for full consideration of college/departmental financial support)
Deadline 2: February 19
Deadline 3: March 15*

After March 15, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, depending on program capacity, until one month before the start of the fall semester. 

International applications must be submitted by June 1 to meet the I-20 request deadline of July 1. To allow time for I-20 and visa processing, we recommend international applicants meet the March 15 deadline.

IN-STATE AND WRGP TUITION AND FEES
Per semester (7+ units)
$7,369 tuition + $1,500 program fees + $59 university fees

OUT-OF-STATE TUITION AND FEES
Per semester (7+ units)
$16,996 + $1,500 program fees + $59 university fees

Tuition and fees subject to change.

The Master of Science in Urban Planning’s expert faculty and flexible curriculum—including concentrations in Environmental Planning, Urban Transportation Planning, Real Estate and Urban Development, and Heritage Conservation—prepare you for an impactful career in planning or beyond.

Demand for urban and regional planners is projected to grow in Arizona and the nation, with an expected 3,500 annual job openings nationally.

Graduates can expect to work for public agencies, private planning firms and nonprofit organizations.

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Quotes

The CAPLA Master of Science in Urban Planning curriculum provides a really good mix of the academic and the applied, allowing me to hone in on the areas I’ve most enjoyed: community development, planning methods, site analysis and heritage conservation.

Ariel Fry '20 MS Urban Planning

Meet the MS Urban Planning Community

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Peace Corps

 
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers

The University of Arizona is pleased to offer Coverdell Fellowships to returned Peace Corps volunteers who are enrolled in a graduate urban planning program. Coverdell Fellows find a robust Peace Corps community here, and many are CAPLA alumni.

University of Arizona Coverdell Fellowships

Ready to shape a more resilient future?

Learn more about the Master of Science in Urban Planning by contacting us at capla-grad@arizona.edu or begin your application:

Start Your Application