Urban and Regional Planning

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of South Florida is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers in the planning and development of urban and regional environments. The curriculum combines coursework in social sciences, environmental studies, public policy, geography, and design to equip students with a multidisciplinary understanding of how cities and regions function and evolve. Students gain knowledge in land use planning, transportation systems, sustainable development, community engagement, and urban design principles, enabling them to address complex issues related to growth, infrastructure, and quality of life.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to engage in practical experiences such as internships, community projects, and research initiatives that promote real-world application of planning theories and methods. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills, vital for collaboration with government agencies, private sector organizations, and community groups. Students also learn about legal and regulatory frameworks affecting land use and development, as well as ethical considerations in planning practices.

Faculty members are experts in their fields, providing mentorship and guiding students through contemporary urban and regional challenges. The program also encourages students to consider sustainable and equitable approaches to development, fostering a commitment to creating inclusive and environmentally responsible communities. Graduates of the Bachelor’s program are well-prepared to pursue graduate studies or enter the planning profession, contributing innovative solutions to complex urban issues. Overall, the BA in Urban and Regional Planning at USF offers a dynamic, multidisciplinary education that blends academic rigor with practical experience, shaping future leaders in shaping vibrant, resilient, and sustainable urban environments.

Total Minimum Program Hours: 48 hours

Core Requirement – 27 hours

Foundational Core Courses

• URP 6058 Community Development Planning (3)
• URP 6100 Planning, Theory, and History (3)
• URP 6115 Planning, Policy, and Politics (3)
• URP 6316 Land Use Planning (3_ 
• URP 6549 Urban and Metropolitan Economic Development (3)

Analytical Methods Core Courses

• URP 6232 Research Methods for Urban and Regional Planning (3)
• PAD 6703 Quantitative Aids for Public Managers (3)

Planning Practice & Techniques Core Courses 

• GIS 5049 GIS for non-majors (3)
• URP 6940 Urban Planning Internship (3)

*required for students without 5 or more years of relevant planning experience

Electives - 15-21hours minimum

(21 hours required for non-thesis option; 15 hours for thesis option)

The rest of the required coursework allows the URP student an opportunity to Explore one or more fields of urban & regional planning through approved electives within and outside the School of Public Affairs.  Depending on personal interest, students may choose course work in the following areas:

• Housing & Community Development;
• Environmental & Natural Resource Policy;
• Geographic Information Sciences;
• Globalization & International Development Planning;
• Transportation Planning.

Comprehensive Exam 

This is the default option for the MURP program. All MURP Students are required to take this examination at the end of, or during, the last semester of the program coursework. The examination is waived for students who elect, with the approval of the program director, to pursue the thesis option. (See below for more on the thesis option) 

Non-thesis                                                                                                                              

• Non?thesis students must complete all of the 27 hour core, 21 elective credits.

Thesis - 6 hours minimum

• URP 6971 Thesis (6)

Students approved to pursue this option must complete all of the 27 core credits, 15 elective credits, and a minimum of 6 credit hours of thesis. The thesis must be completed and approved for the credit to be received.

Internship - 3 hours

• URP 6940 Internship in Urban and Regional Planning (3)

All MURP students are required to complete at least 180 hours of work in a planning agency to earn the 3 credit hours stipulated as part of the core requirements above. . This requirement is waived for students with at least 5 years of relevant planning experience.

• BA/BS in any field with a GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4-point scale (overall or on last 60 hours of undergraduate work);
• Two letters of recommendation (one from a faculty member if BS/BA, in last 5 years);
• A “letter of intent” explaining your background and interest in Urban and Regional Planning
• GRE is required with preferred minimum scores of 153 Verbal (59th percentile) and 144 Quantitative (18th percentile.)  However, the MURP program will waive the GRE requirement if the student meets at least one of the following criteria:
  • A completed master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • A 3.25 or higher GPA in upper division undergraduate work from a regionally accredited institution
  • A doctorate (including professional degrees such as the JD and MD) from a regionally accredited institution.
• All Students not meeting one of the above criteria will be considered for conditional admission based on the following criteria:
  • A preferred minimum score of 153 Verbal and 144 Quantitative) on the GRE
  • An academic writing sample
  • Three written letters of recommendation, with at least one from a faculty member familiar with the applicant’s academic performance and potential.  Should the applicant be unable to provide the letter from a former professor, with the Director’s approval, letters from other sources will be accepted.

Conditional admission status will be converted to regular status upon completion of three courses from the MURP core requirements with a GPA of 3.50 or above.

1. A satisfactory score on the TOEFL (79 on the Internet-based test and 550 on the paper-based test) may be required for the natives of non-English speaking countries.
2. All applicants asre required to write a statement describing their purpose and goals in the MURP statements.

The University of South Florida offers various financial aid options to support students enrolled in the Urban and Regional Planning program. Students are encouraged to explore federal, state, and institutional aid opportunities to help finance their education. Federal financial aid programs include the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which provides access to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The USF Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships assists students in applying for these federal programs and provides comprehensive guidance on eligibility requirements and application procedures.

In addition to federal aid, students can apply for scholarships specific to urban planning, geography, or related fields, many of which are offered through USF's scholarship office or external organizations. Graduate assistantships may also be available, offering tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities within the department. USF promotes the use of private loans as a last resort for students who need additional funding beyond grants and scholarships.

Moreover, students are encouraged to seek departmental funding through research grants and project-based funding opportunities. Some programs and projects within the College of Arts and Sciences may provide opportunities for paid internships or co-op experiences, which can serve as both a practical learning experience and a financial support mechanism. For international students, the university offers specific scholarships and aid options, though they are generally more limited and require separate applications.

Students are advised to connect with the USF Financial Aid and Scholarship Office early in their academic planning to ensure they meet all deadlines and eligibility criteria. College-specific grants and departmental awards may also be available to support research activities or conference participation. Overall, the University of South Florida strives to provide comprehensive financial support avenues to enable students in the Urban and Regional Planning program to pursue their studies with reduced financial barriers, fostering an environment conducive to academic and professional growth.

The Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) at the University of South Florida is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for careers in urban and regional planning, emphasizing sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. The program offers a multidisciplinary curriculum that integrates principles of geography, architecture, political science, and environmental science, aligning with current industry demands for planners who can address complex urban challenges. Students in the program gain hands-on experience through practical projects, internships, and collaborations with local government agencies and private sector partners. The curriculum covers essential topics such as land use planning, transportation planning, housing policy, environmental impact analysis, and urban design. The program aims to equip graduates with critical skills in data analysis, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), public policy formulation, and stakeholder management. Faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, providing mentorship and research opportunities that contribute to the development of innovative urban solutions. The university's location in Tampa Bay offers students unique access to vibrant urban environments and diverse planning challenges, enhancing their practical learning experience. The program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB), ensuring adherence to high academic and professional standards. Graduates of the MURP program are well-prepared to work in federal, state, and local government agencies, consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and private industries focused on urban development and regional planning initiatives. The program also encourages interdisciplinary research and community engagement, fostering a holistic approach to creating sustainable and equitable urban environments. Prospective students can expect a rigorous academic schedule combined with opportunities for real-world application, positioning them effectively for leadership roles in urban and regional planning sectors.