University of Pennsylvania

Overview

City and Regional Planning is a graduate program designed to equip students with the skills necessary to create, assess, and implement planning strategies for urban areas and metropolitan regions. This program integrates a solid foundation in planning principles with hands-on learning experiences and a tailored concentration that aligns with individual interests.

• Degree: Master’s in City and Regional Planning
• Credits/units: 19 course units (including core and concentration requirements)
• Internship: A non-credit planning internship is required between the first and second years
• Delivery: On-campus, with a focus on studio and workshop components
• Language of instruction: English
• Application: An online application along with necessary academic and supporting materials is required

What you'll study

Programme Structure

• Core curriculum: Foundational courses covering the history of planning, theoretical frameworks, quantitative methods, and professional practices in planning.
• Concentration: Select from various concentration areas to enhance your expertise in a specific domain of planning.
• Studios and workshops: Engage in studio sequences and workshops to cultivate planning proposals, design thinking, and applied problem-solving skills.
• Internship: Complete a non-credit planning internship between the first and second years for practical experience.

Example core courses include:

• Planning History

• Quantitative Planning Analysis Methods

• Urban and Planning Theory

• Workshop

• Planning Studio

• Urban and Infrastructure Finance

Capstone/thesis: The program culminates in a capstone project, typically completed through studio and concentration requirements.

Entry requirements

Career prospects

Graduates of the City and Regional Planning program are well-prepared for a variety of roles in urban planning, policy formulation, and community development. Career opportunities may exist in governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, private consulting firms, and urban development projects, allowing graduates to contribute to the sustainable growth and management of cities and regions.

Work authorization following graduation is contingent upon the visa regulations of the country where studies were conducted. In the U.S., international students may be eligible for work authorization through the immigration system after completing their degree.

• Common post-study option (U.S.): F-1 students may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon graduation.
• Duration: OPT generally allows for work experience related to the field of study.