City and Metropolitan Planning

The City and Metropolitan Planning program at the University of Utah offers students a comprehensive education designed to prepare them for impactful careers in urban and regional development. This program emphasizes sustainable planning practices, community engagement, transportation systems, land use, environmental considerations, and policy development to address the complex challenges facing cities and metropolitan areas today. Students gain a strong foundation in planning principles, geographic information systems (GIS), data analysis, and design, equipping them with the technical skills necessary to develop innovative solutions that promote equitable and resilient communities. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, including internships, collaborative projects with local governments, and site visits, enabling students to apply their learning to real-world scenarios. Faculty members are experienced professionals committed to mentoring students and advancing research in urban planning, transportation, environmental sustainability, and smart city initiatives. The program prepares graduates for a variety of careers such as city planners, transportation coordinators, environmental consultants, policy analysts, and community development specialists. It also provides a pathway for students interested in pursuing further graduate studies or professional certifications in planning and related fields. With state-of-the-art facilities and strong connections to the vibrant urban environment of Salt Lake City, students can engage directly with ongoing urban development projects, gaining valuable insights and network opportunities. The City and Metropolitan Planning program at the University of Utah is dedicated to fostering innovative thinking and leadership among future planners, emphasizing a commitment to creating sustainable, inclusive, and thriving urban environments.

Required Core Courses

• CMP 6010 - Urban Research 3 Credit(s)
• CMP 6100 - Urban Theory & Form 3 Credit(s)
• CMP 6240 - Reason, Power and Values 3 Credit(s)
• CMP 6260 - Land Use Law 3 Credit(s)
• CMP 6322 - City & Metropolitan Economics 3 Credit(s)
• CMP 6430 - Planning Communication 3 Credit(s)
• CMP 6450 - Geographic Information Systems in Planning 3 Credit(s)
• CMP 6610 - Urban Ecology 3 Credit(s)
• CMP 6280 - Graduate Workshop 3 Credit(s)

• or

• CMP 6445 - Urban Design Studio I: Urban Design Elements 5 Credit(s)

Capstone Course

• CMP 6971 - Professional Project 4 Credit(s)

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited U.S. college or university or from an institution recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education in their home country. The Office of International Admissions will determine if applicants with international degrees meet the Graduate School's requirement of a recognized bachelor's degree.
• At least a 3.0 or higher undergraduate weighted mean GPA on a 4.0 scale. If the undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, a GPA will be calculated for the last two years attended if schooling was done at a foreign institution, and based upon the last 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) if the student attended a U.S. institution.
• 6.5 on the IELTS
• 80 on the TOEFL iBT
• 550 on the TOEFL pBT (paper-based)
• Statement of purpose. Applicants must write and upload a statement onto the online application outlining their experiences and articulating why this course of study makes sense to them. We recommend you write your statement of purpose before beginning the online application. Note that applicants are required to submit their statements of purpose online by the appropriate deadline; paper copies will not be processed.
• Two letters of recommendation are required for all applicants. To facilitate this process, you will be asked as part of your online application to enter the names and contact information (including email addresses) of your two recommenders. Once that information is saved, an email will be sent automatically to the recommender with an access code and instructions on how to proceed with the online recommendation. Note that recommendation requests are sent immediately to the recommenders once you save that information, regardless of whether you have completed your application. Please remind recommenders that letters must be completed and submitted by the appropriate deadline.
• Applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Official scores must be received by the Department of City & Metropolitan Planning before the application deadline. Use the following codes to facilitate efficient reporting of your test scores: University of Utah school code is 4853, Department code is 4402.
• You are required to upload an unofficial transcript from each institution you have attended. Uploading unofficial transcripts will significantly decrease the amount of time required to process your application. Official transcripts will be required if you are admitted.
• Application fee
• CV/Resume

Scholarships

• Eugene Carr Urban Planning Scholarship Fund
• City and Metropolitan Planning Scholarship Fund

The University of Utah offers a comprehensive program in City and Metropolitan Planning designed to prepare students for careers in urban planning, regional development, and community design. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating principles of geography, architecture, environmental science, and public policy to equip students with the skills necessary to address complex urban challenges. Students in this program engage in rigorous coursework that covers land use planning, transportation systems, sustainable development, urban design, and policy analysis. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking and practical skills, often incorporating internships, studio work, and collaborative projects with local government agencies and community organizations.

The program aims to create professionals who can develop innovative solutions for affordable housing, transportation infrastructure, environmental concerns, and social equity in city planning. Students are encouraged to understand the unique social, economic, and political contexts of urban areas and learn how to foster sustainable and inclusive communities. The university’s location offers students ample opportunities for fieldwork and applied research within Salt Lake City and its metropolitan region, which enhances practical learning and real-world experience.

Faculty members are distinguished experts in their fields, many of whom are involved in cutting-edge research and policy initiatives. The program also offers various specialization options such as environmental planning, transportation planning, and community development. Graduates of the City and Metropolitan Planning program have gone on to work in government agencies, consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies, contributing to urban revitalization, policy development, and sustainable city planning efforts nationwide.

The program is accredited by relevant professional organizations, ensuring that students meet industry standards and are well-prepared for certification exams such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Admission requirements typically include a bachelor's degree, a personal statement, and relevant experience or coursework. The University of Utah’s City and Metropolitan Planning program emphasizes experiential learning, fosters a collaborative academic environment, and prepares students to become leaders in shaping the future of urban environments.