UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · UNITED STATES
City & Regional Planning, MCP: Public & Private Development
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€71k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
The Master of City Planning (MCP) program at the University of Pennsylvania offers a core curriculum designed to equip students with essential planning skills and knowledge. This program provides a practical and cutting-edge approach to urban planning education, covering the legal and historical foundations of planning, methods for analyzing population and economic data, and understanding the spatial organization of cities. Graduates will be adept at identifying effective planning strategies for various contexts. The Public & Private Development concentration focuses on the entrepreneurial, design, and financing aspects of developing both for-profit and community-focused housing and commercial projects. Students will learn to create development proposals that balance tenant needs, market demands, and community benefits, while emphasizing economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This concentration also explores collaborative models between private developers and public entities, including cities, redevelopment agencies, non-profits, and community groups, to foster affordable housing and public-private partnerships. The skills acquired are highly transferable and valuable internationally, particularly in rapidly developing regions.
Curriculum
The program requires a total of 18 course units (c.u.) for graduation, with a minimum of 15 course units in City Planning (CPLN) courses. The curriculum includes core requirements, a spatial analysis requirement, electives, and specific courses for the Public & Private Development concentration. The Plan of Study outlines a typical two-year schedule, but the order of concentration courses and electives can be flexible.
- First Year
- Introduction to City Planning: History, Theory and PracticeCPLN 5000
- Quantitative Planning Analysis MethodsCPLN 5010
- Modeling Geographical ObjectsCPLN 5030
- Introduction to Property DevelopmentCPLN 5400
- Studio ICPLN 6000
- Concentration Requirement 1
- Electives
- Second Year
- Planning Studio (or other CPLN 70x0 Studio)CPLN 7010
- Urban Economics and Public FinanceCPLN 5020
- Concentration Requirement 1
- Elective
- Law of Planning and Urban DevelopmentCPLN 5090
- Concentration Requirement 1
- Electives
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the MCP: Public & Private Development program?
- For the Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 academic year, estimated tuition is $41,652 per term, totaling $83,304 for the degree. This estimate is subject to approval and includes a General Fee and a Clinical Fee per term.
- How long is the MCP: Public & Private Development program?
- The program requires a total of 18 course units for graduation, typically completed over two years as outlined in the Plan of Study.
- What is the language of instruction for this program?
- The provided information does not specify the language of instruction, but it is a program at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.
- What are the entry requirements for the MCP: Public & Private Development program?
- A bachelor's degree is required to apply for this program. All questions regarding the admissions process should be directed to the City & Regional Planning program.
- How do I apply for the MCP: Public & Private Development program?
- Applicants must apply directly to the Master of City Planning program through the Stuart Weitzman School of Design. All inquiries about the application process should be directed to the City & Regional Planning program.
- What kind of career opportunities can I expect after completing this program?
- Skills developed in the Public & Private Development concentration are highly valued in various sectors and internationally, particularly in growing economies. The program prepares graduates for roles in urban planning and development.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree is required. Applicants apply directly to the program of interest.
All questions about the admissions process should be directed to the specific academic program of interest.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition is calculated per course unit (c.u.). For the Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 academic year, the estimated tuition is $41,652 per term, totaling $83,304 for the degree. This includes a General Fee and a Clinical Fee per term.
Tuition (home)Tuition is calculated per course unit (c.u.). For the Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 academic year, the estimated tuition is $41,652 per term, totaling $83,304 for the degree. This includes a General Fee and a Clinical Fee per term.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided.
Tuition and fee rates are estimates and subject to approval by the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. Accurate rates for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 will be updated in Spring 2026. Course units (c.u.) are the standard measure of academic work.
How to apply
1. Direct ApplicationApplicants apply directly to the Master of City Planning program through the Stuart Weitzman School of Design.
2. Program-Specific InquiriesAll questions related to the admissions process, including requirements and deadlines, should be directed to the City & Regional Planning program itself.
Accreditation
The program is part of the Stuart Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the MCP: Public & Private Development program?
+
For the Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 academic year, estimated tuition is $41,652 per term, totaling $83,304 for the degree. This estimate is subject to approval and includes a General Fee and a Clinical Fee per term.
How long is the MCP: Public & Private Development program?
+
The program requires a total of 18 course units for graduation, typically completed over two years as outlined in the Plan of Study.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
+
The provided information does not specify the language of instruction, but it is a program at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.
What are the entry requirements for the MCP: Public & Private Development program?
+
A bachelor's degree is required to apply for this program. All questions regarding the admissions process should be directed to the City & Regional Planning program.
How do I apply for the MCP: Public & Private Development program?
+
Applicants must apply directly to the Master of City Planning program through the Stuart Weitzman School of Design. All inquiries about the application process should be directed to the City & Regional Planning program.
What kind of career opportunities can I expect after completing this program?
+
Skills developed in the Public & Private Development concentration are highly valued in various sectors and internationally, particularly in growing economies. The program prepares graduates for roles in urban planning and development.