Online Master’s in
Urban Planning

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Many students show interest in finishing their studies as early as possible to get a head start on their careers. Although most online Urban Planning Master’s require anywhere from 1 year and six months to 3 years to complete, some one-year Urban Planning Master’s are available in specialized areas such as Urban Informatics, Sustainable Design, etc. Graduate Certificate courses in Urban Planning can also be completed in 1 year. The University of California, Berkeley¹ is a fine example of a university offering a 1-Year Urban Planning Master’s Program:

Among the most common Urban Planning prerequisites is the requirement of a Bachelor’s degree, in any discipline, from a regionally accredited university. Other Master’s in Urban Planning online admission requirements are:

• An Application Form & Fee
• Official/Unofficial Academic Transcripts
• A minimum 2.75-3.0 GPA on a 4.0-point scale.
• A Résumé or Curriculum Vitae highlighting relevant skills & experience.
• A Statement of Purpose clearly explaining future goals, reasons to pursue an Urban Planning degree, prior experience in Urban Planning, etc.
• 2 to 3 Letters of Recommendation

Test Scores for GRE/ GMAT are generally not required for most online programs. However, a low GPA can be supported by a good GRE score.

Most Master’s in Urban Planning online programs do not require a GRE or GMAT test score to be submitted or have waived this requirement for some programs. However, some universities may ask for these standardized test scores if the applicant’s GPA exceeds 3.0. Here are two universities that offer Master’s in Urban Planning Online No GRE / GMAT programs:

University of Southern California²

University of Florida, Gainesville³

Accredited Programs

Accreditation ensures that educational institutions meet established quality standards. Accredited programs assure curriculum rigor, qualified faculty, and eligibility for financial aid. It enhances the transferability of credits and boosts graduates’ competitiveness in the job market by attesting to the program’s quality and adherence to industry standards.

The most needed accreditation of any Master’s in Urban Planning online program is an accreditation by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB)⁴– the highest recognition for graduate planning programs. Other examples of Urban Planning accreditation include the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)⁵, and regional ones such as – 

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Within Urban Planning, students can engage in complimentary courses for enhanced industry comprehension. Several of these courses provide insights into the practices of professionals. While students can attain certificates upon completion, these may not carry the equivalent recognition of accredited programs acknowledged by institutions. Here are a few free Urban Planning courses:

Note- Certain courses on these websites might be offered free, while others could require a nominal fee. Since policies and offerings undergo periodic updates, students are encouraged to verify the latest options that align with their requirements.

With the cost of urban planning master’s programs on the rise, financing such degrees can be daunting. Prospective students must strategize to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses. Various options exist to fund these pursuits, enabling individuals to pursue their academic and professional goals in urban planning without financial burdens. Proper planning and research are essential to navigate the expenses associated with this advanced degree.

Here are a few ways that students can pay for online master’s in urban planning programs:

Scholarships

Scholarships offer invaluable financial assistance to students pursuing higher education, helping alleviate the burden of tuition and expenses. They recognize academic merit, talent, and diverse achievements, enabling access to educational opportunities for all.

Grants

Grants provide essential financial support for students pursuing higher education by offering funds that do not require repayment. These awards are typically based on financial need and academic achievement or specific criteria set by the grant provider, enhancing access to education and reducing the financial barriers for students.

Student Loans

Student loans are financial instruments designed to help students cover higher education costs, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. These loans must be repaid with interest over time, but they provide access to education for those who may not have immediate resources, enabling students to invest in their future and pursue their academic and career goals.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships offer valuable opportunities for graduate students to gain hands-on experience in their field while receiving financial support. These positions typically involve teaching, research, or administrative duties in exchange for a stipend, tuition waiver, or both, helping students offset the cost of their education while enhancing their skills and credentials for future career endeavors.

FAFSA

By completing the online FAFSA, students can become eligible to receive all possible financial aid. The FAFSA is required for federal grants, loans, and university work-study.

Scholarships

Scholarships represent monetary grants bestowed upon students in recognition of their academic accomplishments or other considerations, such as financial circumstances. Here are a few online master’s in urban planning scholarships students can explore.

Master’s in Urban Planning online graduates have several opportunities to influence the quality of life in society. They have many roles in store as landscape & environmental designers, construction managers, planners, sustainability professionals, or specialists in historic preservation. Urban Planning graduates also make decisions that change our communities, state, and nation and positively address key societal challenges related to health and well-being, injustice, economic prosperity, poverty, and climate change. Furthermore, they have significant roles in public and private sectors and the governance in upgrading, reshaping & modernizing cities using modern technologies.

Graduates with a Master’s in Urban Planning can expect good salaries and a promising job outlook. A few designations in the field of Urban Planning, with their median average salaries, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, are:

It is worth pointing out that, in general, the salaries of Urban Planners vary by state.

Many Universities offer online voluntary/concurrent Graduate Certificates in Urban Planning. Some also offer the choice of pursuing a concurrent degree along with the Urban Planning degree or even a dual degree leading to a Minor, another Master’s, or a Ph.D. (for example, Master in Sustainable Solutions, Master in Public Admin or Public Policy, or an Architecture degree, etc.). Earning an Environmental Planning Certificate or Urban and Regional Planning Certificate online is an alternative to a full-fledged Master’s in Urban Planning or can also complement the degree to qualify for better, more specific jobs.

However, adding certifications and credentialing is always advisable because they almost always add weight to a Master’s degree and open a wider selection of careers to choose from. Here are a few certifications urban planning students can consider:

 American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification¹⁸

The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) provides the only nationwide, independent verification of planners’ qualifications. Certified planners commit to maintaining high standards of practice, ethics, and professional conduct, continuously updating their skills through advanced professional education.

Professional Transportation Planner (PTP)¹⁹

The Professional Transportation Planner® (PTP) certification program caters to candidates with diverse education and experience in transportation planning. Currently, no other certification program is tailored to address the specific work carried out by transportation planners. Transportation planning is a discipline that assesses and appraises the potential of future actions to enhance the movement of people and goods via motor vehicles, public transportation, walking, and cycling, aligned with predefined objectives.

 Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP)²⁰

The Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) is tailored for affordable housing professionals in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) sector. HCCP designees, valued by property stakeholders and state housing agencies, exhibit expertise in LIHTC regulations, ensuring the provision of safe and affordable rental housing for American families.
It must be noted that in some cases, and depending on the job and location, professionals may be required to have an Urban Planner License, eligibility for which differs by state. An unconfirmed source states that only New Jersey requires licensure, but students are advised to check with state authorities. However, when it comes to housing, becoming a home inspector requires a license through the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)²¹.

To enhance their career prospects, students pursuing an online Master’s in Urban Planning degree can establish valuable connections within the field by actively engaging with professionals. Urban planners can gain valuable insights and expand their professional network by staying connected with industry experts. The following resources can provide opportunities for networking and career advancement in the field of Urban Planning:

1. American Public Works Association 
   The American Public Works Association (APWA) is a global organization focused on education and professional development in the field of public works. It brings together public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals who share the goal of delivering exceptional public works and services.
2. Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations
   AMPO, established in 1994, is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to supporting the needs and interests of metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) across the United States. By providing a range of valuable services, AMPO assists its member MPOs in their crucial role in regional transportation planning. These services include technical assistance, training programs, conferences, workshops, and regular communication through print and electronic channels.
3. National Association of Development Organizations
   The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) supports regional development organizations in small metropolitan and rural areas of America through training, information, and representation. Founded in 1967, this public interest group is a prominent advocate for community, economic, and rural development using a regional approach. NADO serves as a platform for its members to exchange ideas and innovations, creating a valuable network that fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among regional development organizations.
4. Planners Network
   The Planners Network is a collaborative community comprising professionals, activists, academics, and students who are involved in comprehensive urban and rural planning, addressing diverse dimensions including economic, social, physical, and environmental aspects. They aim to advocate for transformative shifts in our political and economic systems. The Planners Network seeks to catalyze fundamental change in planning practices by fostering dialogue and collaboration and promoting equitable and sustainable approaches to create vibrant and inclusive communities.
5. Urban Affairs Association
   The Urban Affairs Association (UAA) is a global professional organization dedicated to urban scholars, researchers, and public service providers. UAA’s primary objectives include facilitating the exchange of knowledge on urbanism and urbanization, promoting the growth of urban affairs education, research, and service programs at universities, and taking a leadership role in advancing urban affairs as a recognized professional and academic discipline. Through its initiatives, UAA fosters collaboration and innovation among urban professionals and scholars, contributing to developing impactful solutions for urban challenges and advancing urban studies as a field of expertise.
6. Urban and Regional Information System Association (URISA)
   URISA is a nonprofit organization comprising professionals who leverage Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other information technologies to address issues within state and local government entities. With global, national, and local chapter activities, URISA supports and connects approximately 7,000 professionals worldwide. The association serves as a platform for these experts to collaborate, share knowledge, and utilize cutting-edge technology to tackle challenges across various government agencies and departments.