Urban and Regional Planning

The Urban and Regional Planning program at the University of California offers a comprehensive and forward-thinking education designed to prepare students for impactful careers in shaping sustainable, equitable, and resilient communities. This program combines rigorous academic coursework, practical hands-on experience, and engagement with innovative planning practices to equip graduates with the skills necessary to address complex urban challenges. Students will explore topics such as land use, transportation, housing, environmental sustainability, economic development, and social equity, gaining a multidisciplinary perspective on urban and regional issues.

The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, encouraging students to develop critical thinking, analytical abilities, and effective communication skills. Through coursework, studio projects, internships, and research opportunities, students learn to develop comprehensive plans, policy proposals, and design solutions that respond to the diverse needs of communities. Faculty members are active scholars and practitioners who bring real-world insights and mentorship to the educational experience.

The program fosters a collaborative learning environment, where students work with local governments, non-profit organizations, and private sector stakeholders to gain experience in real-world projects. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in urban planning agencies, government departments, consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and community development initiatives. They emerge as leaders capable of addressing urban and regional challenges with innovative, sustainable, and equitable strategies that promote vibrant, healthy, and inclusive environments for all residents.

Moreover, the program emphasizes the importance of social justice and environmental stewardship, encouraging students to consider the broader implications of planning decisions on diverse populations and ecosystems. Graduates are equipped to advocate for policies that promote fairness, resilience, and sustainability in urban development. With a curriculum rooted in both academic excellence and practical relevance, the Urban and Regional Planning program at the University of California stands out as a hub for developing the next generation of urban planners dedicated to creating thriving communities worldwide.

A total of 72 graduate units are required including 32 units of core courses and 32 units of elective courses, as well as successfully completing 8 capstone units. Core courses include:

Year One:

• History of Urban Planning
• Microeconomics
• Planning Theory
• Planning and Design Graphics
• Quantitative Analysis

Year Two:

• Law course (choose from Environmental Law or Development Law)
• Additional Methods course (choose from: Analytical Methods, Qualitative Methods: Field Work, Regional Analysis, Demographics for Planning, GIS for Planning)
• Urban Settlements course (choose from Housing, Land Use, Regional Development or California's Population)
• Capstone Exit Requirement (Professional Report, Planning Practicum, Thesis, or Examination option)

Requirements

• Online Application for Graduate Admissions
• Statement of Purpose  – Required for all applicants, submitted through the online application. This essay should focus on your academic, professional, and/or research experiences and interests. The admissions and fellowship review committees will review this statement to evaluate your preparation for a professional planning degree program. This statement should include information about your academic plans and research interests, relevant experience, future career goals, and why UC Irvine would be a good intellectual fit for you. (1200 word maximum)
• Personal History Statement – Required only for US citizens and legal US permanent residents, submitted through the online application. This essay should focus on your personal background, and can include information on your life experience and history which motivates your personal and professional goals.  We welcome information on how you have contributed to, and/or plan to contribute to, diversity, equity and inclusion within our program and the planning profession. (1200 word maximum)
• Official transcripts from colleges attended
• GRE General Test scores -  Required for all applicants, except US citizens or US legal permanent residents with an undergraduate GPA of 3.3 and above 
• Three letters of recommendation – Our program welcomes letters from both academics and professionals, but we strongly recommend submission of at least one academic recommendation letter. Detailed information about submission process is given in the online application, and the Graduate Division's Letters of Recommendation web page 
• Application Fees

Scholarships

• Fellowships or Grants
• Teaching or Research Assistantships 
• Need-based Financial Aid
• Personal Resources 

The University of California offers a comprehensive program in Urban and Regional Planning, designed to prepare students for various careers in shaping sustainable, equitable, and livable communities. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating principles of architecture, landscape architecture, environmental science, and public policy to address complex urban challenges. Students gain foundational knowledge in land use planning, transportation systems, housing policy, environmental sustainability, and community development. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical applications, including case studies, project work, and internships, to ensure students are well-equipped for real-world problem-solving.

Research opportunities are a significant part of the program, allowing students to engage with cutting-edge issues such as climate change adaptation, smart growth, and equitable urban development. The faculty comprises leading experts in planning, urban design, and related fields who mentor students and contribute to innovative research. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating insights from economics, sociology, geography, and political science, to foster holistic planning solutions. Additionally, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, planning studios, and GIS labs that support their academic and professional development.

Graduates of the Urban and Regional Planning program are prepared to pursue careers in government agencies, private consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and academia. The program aims to develop skilled planners who can craft policies, design projects, and lead initiatives that positively impact urban environments and quality of life. It is committed to fostering a diverse community of learners dedicated to creating sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities.