UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · UNITED STATES
Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 48 semester hours of courseworkProgram Length
- Integrative planning studioCapstone Experience
- Thesis or professional report optionsGraduation Requirement
- Specializations availableAreas of Focus
The Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning program equips students with the knowledge and skills to address complex planning challenges. The curriculum includes foundational courses in planning history, theory, and ethics, quantitative and qualitative methods, sustainable land use, GIS, planning law, and public economics. Students will engage in an integrative planning studio and complete either a thesis or a professional report to synthesize their learning. The program allows for individual customization based on student interests, guided by a graduate advisor.
Curriculum
The program requires 48 semester hours of coursework, covering core planning areas. A significant portion of the curriculum involves practical application through studios and a final project.
- Year 1
- Introductory courses in planning history, theory, and ethics
- Quantitative planning methods
- Qualitative and participatory planning methods
- Sustainable land use planning
- GIS and visual planning tools
- Planning law
- Public economics and finance
- Year 2
- Integrative planning studio
- Thesis or professional report
Careers
Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles in planning and development.
- Community Planner
- Regional Planner
- Urban Designer
- Policy Analyst
- Housing and Economic Development Specialist
- Environmental Planner
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning program?
- A bachelor's degree is required. International applicants need to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores (IELTS 6.5 overall), unless they hold a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or a country where English is the sole official language.
- How do I apply for the program?
- Apply online via the Cockrell School of Engineering website and submit a statement of purpose, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and English proficiency scores if applicable.
- What is the application deadline?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1st.
- What are the tuition fees for this program?
- Tuition and fees are subject to change and specific program tuition is determined by college enrollment. Please refer to the University's Tuition and Fees page for current rates.
- What is the program duration and structure?
- The program requires 48 semester hours of coursework, typically completed over two years. It includes foundational courses, an integrative planning studio, and a thesis or professional report.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Community Planner, Regional Planner, Urban Designer, Policy Analyst, Housing and Economic Development Specialist, and Environmental Planner.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA bachelor's degree is required. Specific GPA requirements are not listed but competitive applications are encouraged.
TOEFLNot specified, but official scores are required for international applicants.
IELTS6.5 overall
International applicants are exempt from English proficiency tests if they hold a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or an institution in a country where English is the sole official language. A master's degree from such an institution does not grant an exemption. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents are received by the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA).
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the University's Tuition and Fees page for current rates. Specific program tuition is determined by college enrollment.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the University's Tuition and Fees page for current rates. Specific program tuition is determined by college enrollment.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Students must confirm attendance and pay by published deadlines to avoid registration cancellation. An installment plan is available for balances not paid in full by the 12th class day.
How to apply
1. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit the online application for graduate admission via the Cockrell School of Engineering website. Do not use the ApplyTexas application.
2. Submit Supporting DocumentsUpload a PDF copy of your current transcripts. Provide three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose (1-2 pages).
3. GRE ScoresHave official GRE scores sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA) using university code 6882. Scores are valid for 5 years.
4. English Proficiency ScoresInternational applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. (Exemptions apply for degrees from U.S. institutions or countries where English is the only official language).
5. Pay Application FeePay the non-refundable application fee ($90 for international students).
6. Confirm SubmissionEnsure all required documents are received by the OGA by the application deadline. The department will not review applications until all materials are received.
Scholarships
Graduate School FellowshipsVaries
College & Department FellowshipsVaries
Externally Funded FellowshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning program?
+
A bachelor's degree is required. International applicants need to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores (IELTS 6.5 overall), unless they hold a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or a country where English is the sole official language.
How do I apply for the program?
+
Apply online via the Cockrell School of Engineering website and submit a statement of purpose, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and English proficiency scores if applicable.
What is the application deadline?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1st.
What are the tuition fees for this program?
+
Tuition and fees are subject to change and specific program tuition is determined by college enrollment. Please refer to the University's Tuition and Fees page for current rates.
What is the program duration and structure?
+
The program requires 48 semester hours of coursework, typically completed over two years. It includes foundational courses, an integrative planning studio, and a thesis or professional report.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Community Planner, Regional Planner, Urban Designer, Policy Analyst, Housing and Economic Development Specialist, and Environmental Planner.