Master of Urban Planning

Program Overview

The University of Kansas offers a unique masters in urban planning program through the School of Public Affairs & Administration that prepares students to address complex environmental, economic, and community development challenges. Students may pursue the Master of Urban Planning as a standalone graduate degree. Current KU undergraduate students may also be eligible for one of two accelerated degree pathways that allow qualified students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years rather than six. One pathway combines any College of Liberal Arts & Sciences undergraduate major with the MUP; the other pairs a B.A. or B.G.S. in Environmental Studies with the MUP, integrating environmental policy and sustainability with planning practice. Both accelerated options include one year of graduate study at the undergraduate tuition rate. Accelerated programs are open only to current KU undergraduates — students not currently enrolled at KU as undergraduates should apply directly to the standard MUP program.

In the initial phase of the accelerated pathway, students engage deeply with environmental studies, exploring topics such as ecology, sustainability, and environmental policy. This foundation equips them with a comprehensive understanding of the natural world and the human impact on it. Transitioning into the MUP component of the masters degree in urban planning, students delve into urban planning practice and theory, focusing on areas such as land use, transportation systems, housing, economic development, environmental planning, and community engagement. This integration of environmental insight and planning expertise reflects the strengths found in leading urban planning and geography masters programs.

The curriculum within the masters in urban planning emphasizes applied problem-solving and professional skill development. Students learn to analyze demographic and spatial data, evaluate planning policies, and develop equitable and sustainable solutions for communities of varying sizes and contexts. Courses emphasize both quantitative and qualitative research methods, ensuring graduates are prepared to conduct professional planning analysis and informed decision-making.

Most graduates complete a Portfolio Exam, in which they compile coursework and planning-related work from their studies and write reflective narratives demonstrating competency in planning practice, knowledge, and skills. Students pursuing an academic or research-oriented career may instead complete a Master’s Thesis, which involves original research developed with a faculty advisor and defended before a three-member faculty committee. Both options are designed to reflect the breadth of students’ learning and their readiness to enter the planning profession. These experiences not only enhance learning but also provide valuable networking opportunities and career preparation.

The masters in urban planning curriculum is interdisciplinary, drawing from public administration, geography, sociology, environmental studies, economics, and law. This interdisciplinary structure positions KU among strong urban planning and geography graduate programs, where understanding policy, governance, and spatial analysis is essential to professional success. Students develop the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while balancing economic development, sustainability, and social equity.

Faculty members in the urban planning masters program bring expertise in areas such as transportation planning, environmental planning, housing and community development, economic analysis, and public finance. Through close faculty mentorship, students refine their research skills, policy analysis capabilities, and professional communication strategies. Students may also pursue thesis or non-thesis options, depending on their academic and professional goals.