MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB)Accreditation
- 43 total credits requiredCredit Requirements
- Choice of Thesis (Research) or Non-Thesis (Professional Practice) tracksProgram Options
- Opportunity for a "Fast Track" 4+1 program for BSURP studentsAccelerated Study
- Focus on practical application and professional competenceCareer Focus
The Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) program at Michigan State University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for professional careers in planning within both public and private sectors. The curriculum emphasizes an advanced understanding of planning issues related to the environment, economy, and society, employing scientific, social scientific, and humanistic approaches. Faculty expertise spans a wide array of planning subjects, including urban design, land use, housing, community and economic development, natural resources, research methods, international development, transportation, technology, environmental planning, and public policy. The program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) and welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds who demonstrate strong intellectual ability, effective communication skills, foundational statistical knowledge, and leadership potential in planning.
Curriculum
The MURP degree requires a total of 43 credits, achievable through either a Professional Practice Track (Plan B) or a Research Track (Plan A - Thesis Option). Both options begin with eight core courses (28 credits) essential for all students. Students then complete 9 credits of approved electives. The Research Track includes additional requirements for thesis research.
- Year 1 - Fall
- Concepts and Issues in Planning and DevelopmentUP801
- Urban Land Management and the EnvironmentUP823
- Geographic Information Systems and Design Tools for PlanningUP824
- Year 1 - Spring
- Applied Research Methods for Planning and DevelopmentUP814
- Planning and Development LawUP865
- Approved Elective
- Approved Elective
- Year 2 - Fall
- Economics of Planning and DevelopmentUP854
- Approved Elective
- Approved Elective
- Approved Elective
- Year 2 - Spring
- Planning PracticumUP894
- Approved Elective
- Approved Elective
- Research Intensive Track - Additional Courses
- Master's ResearchUP889
- Master's Thesis ResearchUP899
Careers
Graduates of the MURP program are prepared to assume responsibilities at an intermediate level in professional planning operations. The program aims to develop both general planning knowledge and specific skills for practice in various settings.
- Professional Planning Careers (Public Sector)
- Professional Planning Careers (Private Sector)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP)?
- A bachelor's degree is required. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong intellectual ability, good communication skills, foundational statistical knowledge, and leadership potential in planning.
- What is the language of instruction for this program?
- Michigan State University requires international applicants to meet specific English language proficiency standards. Please consult the MSU Graduate School for exact TOEFL/IELTS score requirements.
- How long does the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program take to complete?
- The MURP degree requires a total of 43 credits. The program can be completed through a Professional Practice Track or a Research Track (Thesis Option).
- What are the tuition fees and living costs for international students?
- Specific tuition and cost of living details for international students must be obtained directly from Michigan State University's Graduate School or their financial aid offices, as this information is not detailed on the program page.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from the MURP program?
- Graduates are prepared for professional planning roles in both the public and private sectors, assuming responsibilities at an intermediate level.
- How do I apply to the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program?
- You need to follow Michigan State University's Graduate School application procedures. Key steps include activating your MSU accounts, attending required orientations, and developing an academic plan via GradPlan.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree is required. Strong intellectual ability, good written and verbal communication skills, basic statistical methods knowledge, and demonstrated potential for leadership in urban and regional planning are ideal.
TOEFL/IELTSGraduate applicants should consult MSU's Graduate School for specific English language requirements.
International applicants must meet MSU's English language proficiency requirements. Graduate applicants should refer to the MSU Graduate School for these specific details.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fee information for international students is not detailed on the program page. Please refer to the university's Graduate School for current rates.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fee information for domestic students is not detailed on the program page. Please refer to the university's Graduate School for current rates.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided on the program page.
Specific tuition and cost of living details should be obtained directly from Michigan State University's Graduate School or relevant financial aid offices.
How to apply
1. Activate MSU AccountsActivate your NetID and MSU E-mail account. MSU E-mail is the official communication channel for university-related matters, including tuition and safety notices. You will use your PID and PAN for activation.
2. Attend OrientationsAttend the required SPDC new graduate orientation. International students are also encouraged to participate in orientations offered by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).
3. Contact Advisor and Plan CoursesContact your assigned Major Professor (or Program Director for Professional Practice track) upon arrival to discuss degree requirements, plan your first semester's courses, and address any other student concerns.
4. Register for ClassesRegister for classes. Master's students must maintain full-time status by registering for a minimum of 9 credits per semester (or 6 if employed as a Graduate Assistant). International students must register for a minimum of 9 credits to comply with visa requirements.
5. Develop Academic Plan (GradPlan)All students must complete and submit a formal academic plan via GradPlan. For Plan A (Thesis) and Plan B (Report) students, this involves submitting a committee request for approval prior to submitting the course plan. It is recommended to develop this plan as early as possible, ideally by the end of the first year of study. Any subsequent changes to the committee or course plan must be submitted as a revision through GradPlan.
Accreditation
The Master's program in Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP)?
+
A bachelor's degree is required. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong intellectual ability, good communication skills, foundational statistical knowledge, and leadership potential in planning.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
+
Michigan State University requires international applicants to meet specific English language proficiency standards. Please consult the MSU Graduate School for exact TOEFL/IELTS score requirements.
How long does the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program take to complete?
+
The MURP degree requires a total of 43 credits. The program can be completed through a Professional Practice Track or a Research Track (Thesis Option).
What are the tuition fees and living costs for international students?
+
Specific tuition and cost of living details for international students must be obtained directly from Michigan State University's Graduate School or their financial aid offices, as this information is not detailed on the program page.
What are the career prospects after graduating from the MURP program?
+
Graduates are prepared for professional planning roles in both the public and private sectors, assuming responsibilities at an intermediate level.
How do I apply to the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program?
+
You need to follow Michigan State University's Graduate School application procedures. Key steps include activating your MSU accounts, attending required orientations, and developing an academic plan via GradPlan.