Overview
Professionals in Urban and Regional Planning work to guide change in the natural and built environment. They address a wide range of issues ranging from habitat conservation to historic preservation, from transportation to recreation, and from neighborhood housing to regional shopping centers. Planning students learn about economic, legal, political, ecological, and social aspects of urban problems as well as urban design, land use, and the growth of human settlements. Throughout the program, students study real-life issues and develop solutions to them, using cutting-edge technology such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). By the time they graduate, planning students are ready to apply current planning theories and methods to improve communities around California, the nation, and the world.
The Department of Urban and Regional Planning offers two nationally accredited degrees.
On the undergraduate level, we offer a four year Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning degree designed for students interested in working with the critical issues of social, environmental, and physical change in cities and regions. Undergraduates transferring from community colleges may complete the program in three years.
We also offer a two-year accredited Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree, which prepares individuals for leadership roles in urban and regional planning. Offered in the evening, it provides an opportunity to gain a Master’s degree while obtaining professional planning experience.
The programs are distinguished by the following characteristics:
- A commitment to linking theory and practice.
- A strong physical design component.
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with students in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, and Regenerative Studies.
- Meaningful community studio and capstone research experiences.
The program offers specialized coursework in land use and design, community development, environmental policy, and transportation policy. International experiences are available, including an interdisciplinary China studio program offered in conjunction with North China University of Technology.
Some URP undergraduate students choose an Interdisciplinary Minor in Geographic Information Systems to advance specialized skill in spatial analysis.
Below is the Planning Accreditation Board Criteria ID Public Information on the Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning, and the Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning:
Strategic Plan adopted on August 2021 (urp-strategic-plan.pdf)
Correspondence between URP Strategic Plan, Cal Poly Pomona and the College of Environmental Design (strategic-plan-august2021-alignment.pdf)
California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student to meet California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.
Important: Read the statement from the Office of the CSU Chancellor regarding federal requirements about posting licensure and certification eligibility.