UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST · UNITED STATES
Master of Regional Planning
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
The Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program at UMass Amherst is a professional degree designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address complex physical, economic, and social issues facing towns, cities, and regions. This program integrates theoretical understanding with practical application, focusing on the social, political, technical, and historical dimensions of planning. Through studio work and community-engaged projects, students gain hands-on experience in planning at various scales, from rural to urban environments. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the planning field.
Curriculum
The program combines theoretical coursework with practical studio experiences to prepare students for professional practice. It covers the theoretical, historical, social, political, and technical aspects of planning.
- Year 1
- Foundations of Regional Planning
- Planning Theory and History
- Quantitative Methods for Planners
- Land Use Planning and Law
- Environmental Planning Studio
- Year 2
- Transportation Planning
- Community Development Planning
- Planning Workshop/Thesis
Careers
Graduates of the Master of Regional Planning program are well-prepared to enter the job market with a competitive education. The program emphasizes practical application and community engagement, ensuring students develop skills relevant to current planning challenges.
- Urban Planner
- Regional Planner
- Transportation Planner
- Environmental Planner
- Community Development Specialist
- Policy Analyst
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Master of Regional Planning program?
- You need a bachelor's degree for admission. International applicants must also meet English proficiency requirements, typically with a TOEFL iBT score of 80 (no sub-score lower than 20), IELTS score of 6.5 (no sub-score lower than 6.0), or Duolingo English Test score of 115.
- How much does the Master of Regional Planning program cost?
- Tuition and fee information is available through UMass Amherst's general cost of attendance resources. Specific rates vary by program and residency status and are subject to change. Estimated living costs are not provided by the program.
- What is the duration of the Master of Regional Planning program?
- The program is structured over two years, with Year 1 focusing on foundational coursework and studios, and Year 2 including specialized planning topics and a workshop or thesis.
- What are the career prospects after completing this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Urban Planner, Regional Planner, Transportation Planner, Environmental Planner, Community Development Specialist, and Policy Analyst.
- How can I apply to the Master of Regional Planning program?
- You need to complete the online application through the UMass Amherst Graduate School portal, submit transcripts, English proficiency scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a CV/resume, along with paying the application fee.
- Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available?
- The program offers Graduate Assistantships (stipend and tuition waiver) typically awarded by departments, and highly competitive University Fellowships granted to outstanding applicants.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree is required for admission.
TOEFL iBT80 minimum (no sub-score lower than 20)
IELTS6.5 minimum (no sub-score lower than 6.0)
Duolingo English Test (DET)115 minimum
English EducationCompleted four years of secondary education in a school where English is the primary language of instruction and the British or American curriculum is followed.
Exemptions may be granted for applicants who have completed two non-ESL English composition courses and several humanities/social science courses with grades of B or better at a U.S. college or university. This is based on a complete review of the applicant's academic history.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the UMass Amherst Tuition and Fees page for current rates, as they are subject to change and vary by program and residency status.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the UMass Amherst Tuition and Fees page for current rates, as they are subject to change and vary by program and residency status.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided on the program or supporting pages. Please consult the university's general cost of attendance information.
Tuition and fee information is available through the University+ resources.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit the graduate application form through the UMass Amherst Graduate School admissions portal.
2. Submit TranscriptsProvide official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions.
3. Provide English Proficiency ScoresSubmit official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores if required. Ensure scores are sent directly from the testing agency and meet the minimum requirements.
4. Submit Letters of RecommendationTypically, three letters of recommendation are required from academic or professional references.
5. Submit a Statement of PurposeClearly articulate your academic and professional goals, interests in regional planning, and why UMass Amherst is the right fit for you.
6. Submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or ResumeDetail your academic background, work experience, and any relevant skills or accomplishments.
7. Pay the Application FeeA non-refundable application fee is required for all applications.
Scholarships
Graduate AssistantshipsStipend and tuition waiver
University FellowshipsVaries
Accreditation
The Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the Master of Regional Planning program?
+
You need a bachelor's degree for admission. International applicants must also meet English proficiency requirements, typically with a TOEFL iBT score of 80 (no sub-score lower than 20), IELTS score of 6.5 (no sub-score lower than 6.0), or Duolingo English Test score of 115.
How much does the Master of Regional Planning program cost?
+
Tuition and fee information is available through UMass Amherst's general cost of attendance resources. Specific rates vary by program and residency status and are subject to change. Estimated living costs are not provided by the program.
What is the duration of the Master of Regional Planning program?
+
The program is structured over two years, with Year 1 focusing on foundational coursework and studios, and Year 2 including specialized planning topics and a workshop or thesis.
What are the career prospects after completing this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Urban Planner, Regional Planner, Transportation Planner, Environmental Planner, Community Development Specialist, and Policy Analyst.
How can I apply to the Master of Regional Planning program?
+
You need to complete the online application through the UMass Amherst Graduate School portal, submit transcripts, English proficiency scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a CV/resume, along with paying the application fee.
Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available?
+
The program offers Graduate Assistantships (stipend and tuition waiver) typically awarded by departments, and highly competitive University Fellowships granted to outstanding applicants.