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 Master's in Urban Planning and talk with a recruiting specialist by calling 520-621-9819 or completing this form:

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Qualifying Western states for WRGP pricing

 
If you're from one of 16 Western states and territories, you're now 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).


What You'll Learn

In the Master's in Urban Planning, you’ll learn:

  • Urban and regional planning theory and practice
  • Site planning and creative plan-making
  • Land use planning analysis and law
  • Public participation and dispute resolution
  • Professional written and graphic communication
  • Data-driven analytical methods, including geographic information systems (GIS)
  • Planning for real estate and urban development, urban transportation systems and the environment
  • Health and the built environment
  • Planning for equity, diversity and social justice

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.

4

#5

87%

distinctive concentrations: Environmental Planning, Heritage Conservation, Real Estate and Urban Development, Urban Transportation Planning

Top public urban planning program
without a Ph.D. (#9 overall)
Planetizen, 2023

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

 

Sonoran Pentapus

ADMISSIONS DEADLINES

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 considered on a rolling basis depending on program capacity.

* To allow time for I-20 and visa processing, we recommend international applicants meet the March 15 deadline.

Old Main

PROGRAM COST

IN-STATE AND WRGP TUITION AND FEES
Per semester (7+ units)

$6,359 tuition + $1,500 program fees + $835.48 university fees

OUT-OF-STATE TUITION AND FEES
Per semester (7+ units)

$16,145 + $1,500 program fees + $835.48 university fees

Tuition and fees subject to change.

MSUP student

CURRICULUM, CONCENTRATIONS & COURSES

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.

MSUP students

CAREER OUTLOOK

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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MS Urban Planning students on field trip to Portland

The CAPLA Student Experience

 
With the City of Tucson as your laboratory, you can learn to plan, design and build innovative, resilient places that promote sustainable environmental and social practice.

Students and faculty collaborate on real-world projects that take advantage of Tucson’s unique location in the Sonoran Desert, the university’s status as a Research I and land-grant university and CAPLA’s state-of-the art facilities.

Explore the Student Experience

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

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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

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