City and Regional Planning
The Master of Arts in City and Regional Planning is a rigorous two-year graduate program that prepares students to address complex urban challenges through sustainable, equitable, and strategic planning approaches. Designed for individuals with a passion for shaping cities, this full-time on-campus program blends theoretical frameworks with practical tools to analyze spatial, economic, social, and environmental dynamics in urban and regional contexts. Students engage with a multidisciplinary curriculum that includes land use planning, transportation systems, housing policy, urban economics, and geographic information systems (GIS), enabling them to develop comprehensive planning solutions that balance growth with livability.
Throughout the program, students collaborate with faculty members who are active researchers and practitioners in the field, participate in hands-on studio work, and engage in real-world projects with municipalities, nonprofits, and planning agencies. The curriculum encourages a critical understanding of public administration and its intersection with planning, emphasizing participatory governance, policy analysis, and community development. Graduates leave with not only technical competence but also the strategic vision and ethical grounding necessary to lead impactful planning initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of diverse urban populations.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: City and Regional Planning
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 11 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Public Administration
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1
- Foundations of Urban Planning
- Quantitative Methods for Planners
- Land Use and Zoning Policy
- Urban Theory and Policy
Semester 2
- Environmental Planning and Sustainability
- GIS and Spatial Analysis
- Community Development and Housing
- Public Sector Economics
Semester 3
- Transportation and Infrastructure Planning
- Planning Law and Institutions
- Applied Planning Studio I
- Elective (e.g., Smart Cities, Climate Policy)
Semester 4
- Applied Planning Studio II
- Capstone Project / Thesis
- Leadership in Urban Governance
- Professional Ethics and Planning Practice
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the City and Regional Planning MA program are prepared to step into meaningful roles in urban planning departments, regional development agencies, transportation authorities, nonprofit organizations, international NGOs, and consulting firms. Alumni frequently become urban planners, policy analysts, GIS specialists, sustainability consultants, or city managers, where they contribute to the design and implementation of urban policies and development strategies. With skills in data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning, they are equipped to lead projects in infrastructure, housing, transportation, and environmental resilience. The program also provides a solid foundation for those pursuing leadership roles in public administration or continuing with doctoral studies in planning, public policy, or urban studies.
Why Choose This Program
This Master of Arts in City and Regional Planning stands out for its integration of planning expertise with public administration insight, enabling students to influence urban environments both practically and politically. The program fosters a holistic perspective by blending academic rigor with experiential learning, offering studio-based courses, policy labs, and real-world partnerships. Students gain access to experienced faculty, research centers, and planning networks, empowering them to address pressing challenges such as affordable housing, climate adaptation, and equitable growth. Whether your goal is to revitalize communities, guide sustainable urbanization, or shape regional development policy, this program delivers the comprehensive education and professional preparation needed to drive positive, lasting change in cities around the world.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
