City and Regional Planning

Program Description:

The Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning at Cornell University offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of urban and regional development. This program prepares students to address complex challenges related to sustainable urban growth, transportation, land use, environmental quality, and community development. Through a multidisciplinary curriculum, students gain a deep understanding of social, economic, and environmental factors influencing city planning and regional policy.

Students enrolled in this program will engage with courses covering topics such as urban design, geographic information systems (GIS), land use law, environmental planning, transportation systems, and community engagement. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical applications, enabling graduates to develop innovative solutions for urban and regional issues. Collaborative projects, internships, and research opportunities provide hands-on experience and foster real-world understanding.

The city of Ithaca and the broader regions of New York State serve as natural laboratories for experiential learning, offering students unique opportunities to apply their knowledge through community-based projects and partnerships with local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector stakeholders. The program also promotes sustainable development practices, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that future planners are equipped to create environments that are livable, resilient, and equitable for diverse populations.

Faculty members are distinguished scholars and practitioners in the field of planning, dedicated to mentoring students and advancing innovative research. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue careers in urban and regional planning, policy analysis, environmental consulting, transportation planning, and related fields. They are equipped to work in government agencies, consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and community organizations at local, regional, national, and international levels.

By integrating theory with practical experience and emphasizing ethical and sustainable planning, the City and Regional Planning program at Cornell University strives to develop skilled professionals committed to shaping vibrant, sustainable communities for generations to come.

To complete the M.R.P. degree, a student must:

1. Complete 60 credits; at least 30 of these credits must be obtained within the Department of City and Regional Planning, including credits earned in fulfilling and completing the thesis, professional report, or research paper, and the M.R.P. core requirements.
2. Be in attendance for four full-time semesters of study.
3. Have an Exit Project Advisor on file by the end of the first year.
4. Have an Exit Project Minor Advisor on file by the end of the third semester.
5. Complete the independent writing requirement by submitting an acceptable thesis, professional report, or research paper (two bound copies submitted to the graduate field coordinator).

M.R.P.–Core Course Curriculum

Following are the lists of courses required to complete a typical two-year M.R.P. degree. M.R.P. students should consult with a department advisor for a complete list of courses that can be applied toward requirements three through seven below.

1. Required Courses for M.R.P.:

• CRP 5130 - Introduction to Planning Practice and History

   (4 credits)

• CRP 5250 - Introductory Methods of Planning Analysis

   (4 credits)

• CRP 5190 - History and Theory of Urban Spatial Development

   (3 credits)

2. Demonstrated competence in economics, or successful completion of an economics course at Cornell

• Recommended course: 

  CRP 5120 - Public and Spatial Economics for Planners

   (3 credits)
• A complete list of approved economics courses:
  • CRP 5040 - Urban Economics 
  • AEM 6510 - [Environmental and Resource Economics] 
  • ECON 3010 - [Accelerated Microeconomics] 
  • ECON 3030 - Intermediate Microeconomic Theory 
  • PAM 2000 - Intermediate Microeconomics 
  • PAM 2040 - Economics of the Public Sector 

3.  Demonstrated competence in statistics, or successful completion of a statistics course at Cornell  

• Recommended course:

  CRP 5450 - Inferential Statistics for Planning and Public Policy

   (3 credits)
• A complete list of approved statistics courses, including courses outside of CRP:
  • ECON 3120 - Applied Econometrics 
  • ECON 3125 - [Statistics and Applied Econometrics] 
  • ECON 3140 - Econometrics 
  • AEM 4110 - Introduction to Econometrics 
  • ILRST 5100 - Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences I 
  • ILRST 5110 - Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences II 
  • ILRST 6100 - Statistical Methods I 
  • BTRY 6010 - Statistical Methods I 
  • PAM 3100 - Multiple Regression Analysis  
•  

4.  Successful completion of an advanced methods course

• Approved CRP courses include:
  • CRP 5080 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 
  • CRP 5460 - Introduction to Community and Environment Dispute Resolution 
  • CRP 5820 - Principles of Site Planning and Urban Design 
  • CRP 6090 - Special Topics in Urban and Regional Theory 
  • CRP 6201 - Qualitative Methods 
  • CRP 6210 - Introduction to Quantitative Methods for the Analysis of Public Policy 
  • CRP 6270 Regional Economic Impact Analysis  
  • CRP 6290 - Advanced Topics in GIS 
  • CRP 6320 - Methods of Regional Science and Planning I 
  • CRP 6330 - Methods of Regional Science and Planning II 
  • CRP 8010 - Advanced Seminar in Urban and Regional Theory II 
• A complete list of approved advanced methods courses, including courses outside of CRP:
  • PLSCS 6200 - Spatial Modeling and Analysis 
  • CEE 5900 - Project Management 
  • DSOC 6190 - Quantitative Research Methods 
  • ECON 3140 - Econometrics 
  • ECON 4120 - [Time Series Econometrics] 
  • LA 7010 - Urban Design and Planning 

5. Successful completion of a law or international institutions course

• Recommended course, domestic studies:  

  CRP 5590 - Legal Aspects of Land Use Planning

• Recommended course, international studies:  

  CRP 6720 - International Institutions

• A complete list of approved law or international institutions courses:
  • CRP 5440 - Resource Management and Environmental Law 
  • CRP 6630 - [Historic Preservation Law] 
  • HADM 6870 Real Estate Law 
  • ILRLR 5010 - Labor and Employment Law 
  • LAW 6601 - [Land Use] 
  • LAW 6791 - Public International Law 
  • LAW 7837 - [International Human Rights Clinic] 

6. Successful completion of a workshop

Every year, the department offers workshops in land use, community and economic development, international planning, historic preservation planning, real estate, and urban design. Offerings will vary. Selected workshops/studios outside the department have been accepted for credit.

Department offerings:

• CRP 5071 - City and Regional Planning Workshop 
• CRP 5072 - Land Use, Environmental Planning, and Urban Design Workshop
• CRP 5073 - Historic Preservation Planning Workshop
• CRP 5074 - Economic and Community Development Workshop
• CRP 5075 - Real Estate Project Workshop
• CRP 5076 - International Planning and Development Workshop
• CRP 5172 - NYC Workshop: Land Use, Environmental Planning, and Design  
• CRP 5610 - Historic Preservation Planning Workshop: Surveys 
• CRP 5650 - Fieldwork or Workshop in History and Preservation 

7. Successful completion of an exit project (credits vary based on option)

Options include:

• A research paper (4 credits)
• A professional report (4-10 credits)
• A thesis (6-10 credits)

Two bound copies must be submitted to the graduate field coordinator before the thesis degree deadline. See the graduate field coordinator in 106 West Sibley Hall for full instructions regarding formatting and binding guidelines.

• Diplom Bakalavra; or, for institutes that do not award Diplom Bakalavra,a Diplom accompanied by transcript of courses taken and a letter from the university confirming that the applicant completed 3 years of study
• Transcripts 
• TOEFL. A minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based) is required.
• IELTS 7.0 
• 2 Recommendations
• GRE general test

The City and Regional Planning program at Cornell University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Primarily, students can explore various forms of financial aid, including institutional scholarships, fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, and student loans. The university provides merit-based scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and potential contributions to the field of urban and regional planning. These scholarships often do not require repayment and can significantly reduce the financial burden for deserving students.

Fellowships are available for outstanding applicants, providing stipends that cover tuition, living expenses, and research costs. Graduate assistantships, such as teaching and research roles within the Department of City and Regional Planning, offer stipends and tuition waivers in exchange for service and scholarly work. These assistantships not only provide financial support but also enhance practical experience and professional development in urban planning.

Students are encouraged to seek external funding sources, including federal and state student loans, scholarships from professional planning organizations, and private foundations. The university’s Office of Financial Aid assists students in identifying and applying for such opportunities. Additionally, some students may qualify for part-time employment opportunities on or near campus to supplement their income.

The university emphasizes the importance of early financial planning and encourages students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal aid programs. International students are advised to explore alternative funding options, including external scholarships and fellowships, as federal aid programs often do not apply to them.

Overall, Cornell University aims to make the City and Regional Planning program financially accessible through a comprehensive package of aid options, including merit scholarships, assistantships, and external funding opportunities, ensuring students can focus on their academic and professional development without undue financial hardship.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in City and Regional Planning at Cornell University offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles and practices of urban and regional planning. The program prepares students to address complex issues related to urban development, sustainability, transportation, land use, and environmental impact, equipping them with the skills necessary to shape functional, sustainable, and equitable urban environments. Students engage in coursework that covers a wide array of topics including environmental planning, community development, design, economics, policy analysis, and geographic information systems (GIS). The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, often incorporating studio work, projects, and internships that provide real-world experience.

Faculty members are experts in their fields, contributing to cutting-edge research and best practices in planning and development. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving, encouraging students to work in interdisciplinary teams and engage with community stakeholders. Students are also encouraged to develop a global perspective on urban issues, considering the challenges faced by cities worldwide such as climate change, housing affordability, transportation infrastructure, and social equity.

The program typically involves both coursework and research opportunities, with students having access to modern planning laboratories, GIS tools, and extensive archives of urban data. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue careers in urban planning, policy development, environmental consulting, transportation agencies, or to continue their studies in graduate or professional schools. Cornell’s location in Ithaca, New York, provides a unique environment for investigating regional planning issues, and the university's connections with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private firms offer valuable networking and internship opportunities. Overall, the City and Regional Planning program at Cornell aims to cultivate innovative, responsible planners who can positively influence urban spaces and contribute to sustainable development efforts worldwide.