UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST · UNITED STATES
Master of Regional Planning (MRP)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB)Accreditation
- Average cohort size of 15-20 studentsClass Size
- Emphasis on real-world projects and faculty guidancePractical Experience
- Eligible for professional certificationCareer Preparation
- No GRE required for admissionApplication Requirement
- Opportunities for dual degreesDual Degree Options
The Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program at UMass Amherst prepares students to address complex physical, economic, and social challenges facing towns, cities, and regions. Graduates are equipped to work in diverse roles such as planning directors, consultants, city managers, and leaders in environmental planning. The program emphasizes practical, real-world projects with guidance from experienced faculty, preparing students for professional certification and a variety of impactful careers. The program welcomes students from varied backgrounds, valuing strong writing and interpersonal communication skills. While not requiring a GRE score, applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The curriculum requires 48 credits and is designed as a full-time, on-site program to meet accreditation standards, though flexibility for part-time and spring admissions exists.
Curriculum
The MRP program requires 48 credits for graduation. Students can substitute elective credits for an approved internship. Dual degree options are also available, allowing students to combine the MRP with other fields such as Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Policy and Administration, Sustainability Science, Civil Engineering (Transportation), or Geography.
- Year 1
- Year 2
Careers
MRP graduates are prepared to guide communities toward a better future through systematic approaches and creative problem-solving. Alumni have pursued careers in urban revitalization, environmental protection, historical site preservation, and management of economic and community development in both private and public sectors.
- Planning Directors
- Consultants
- City Managers
- Real Estate Developers
- Environmental Planners
- Conservation Leaders
- Community Development Specialists
- Transportation Planners
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program?
- You need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. GRE scores are not required. International students must also meet English language proficiency requirements, such as a TOEFL iBT score of at least 80 (with no sub-score lower than 20) or IELTS 6.5 (with no sub-score lower than 6.0).
- How long does the Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program take to complete?
- The MRP program requires 48 credits for graduation and is designed as a full-time, on-site program. While typically completed over two years, flexibility for part-time study exists.
- What are the tuition and fees for international students in the MRP program?
- Detailed cost information, including tuition and fees for international students, can be found on the University+ Tuition and Fees page.
- What career paths can graduates of the MRP program pursue?
- MRP graduates are prepared for roles such as Planning Directors, Consultants, City Managers, Real Estate Developers, Environmental Planners, and Community Development Specialists in both private and public sectors.
- Are there opportunities for dual degrees within the MRP program?
- Yes, the program offers dual degree options, allowing students to combine the MRP with fields like Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Policy and Administration, Sustainability Science, Civil Engineering (Transportation), or Geography.
- What are the application deadlines for the MRP program?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is February 1. For Spring admission, the deadline is November 1, though this is on an ad-hoc basis.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeEquivalent from an accredited college or university with recognized standing.
Undergraduate GPAMinimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
TOEFL (iBT)Minimum 80, with no sub-score lower than 20.
IELTSMinimum 6.5, with no sub-score lower than 6.0.
DuolingoMinimum 115.
English EducationEntire secondary education (4 years) at a school where English is the primary language of instruction and the British or American curriculum is followed.
GRE scores are not required. Office copies of TOEFL/IELTS scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency. UMass Amherst TOEFL code: 3917. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores. Paper IELTS test report forms are not accepted.
Fees
Tuition (international)Information not available.
Tuition (home)Information not available.
LivingInformation not available.
Please refer to the University+ Tuition and Fees page for detailed cost information. [https://www.umass.edu/universityplus/resources/tuition-and-fees](https://www.umass.edu/universityplus/resources/tuition-and-fees)
How to apply
1. Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form.
2. Academic TranscriptsProvide official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions.
3. Letters of RecommendationSubmit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic and professional potential.
4. Personal StatementWrite a personal statement outlining your goals for graduate study in Regional Planning.
5. English ProficiencyFulfill English language proficiency requirements through accepted tests (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) or educational background. Scores must be official and submitted directly from the testing agency.
Scholarships
Assistantships and FellowshipsVaries
Accreditation
The Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program?
+
You need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. GRE scores are not required. International students must also meet English language proficiency requirements, such as a TOEFL iBT score of at least 80 (with no sub-score lower than 20) or IELTS 6.5 (with no sub-score lower than 6.0).
How long does the Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program take to complete?
+
The MRP program requires 48 credits for graduation and is designed as a full-time, on-site program. While typically completed over two years, flexibility for part-time study exists.
What are the tuition and fees for international students in the MRP program?
+
Detailed cost information, including tuition and fees for international students, can be found on the University+ Tuition and Fees page.
What career paths can graduates of the MRP program pursue?
+
MRP graduates are prepared for roles such as Planning Directors, Consultants, City Managers, Real Estate Developers, Environmental Planners, and Community Development Specialists in both private and public sectors.
Are there opportunities for dual degrees within the MRP program?
+
Yes, the program offers dual degree options, allowing students to combine the MRP with fields like Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Policy and Administration, Sustainability Science, Civil Engineering (Transportation), or Geography.
What are the application deadlines for the MRP program?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is February 1. For Spring admission, the deadline is November 1, though this is on an ad-hoc basis.