City and Regional Planning – Doctor of Philosophy

Program Overview

The PhD in City and Regional Planning trains students to conduct interdisciplinary research on urban and regional issues. The program includes coursework in planning theory and analytical tools, a dissertation proposal, and dissertation research and defense. Graduates pursue careers as planning consultants, city planners, researchers, and more. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research and collaboration with faculty and external partners.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in city and regional planning trains students to undertake interdisciplinary, independent, applied research on urban and regional problems and planning processes. The program is divided into three stages: coursework, dissertation proposal, and dissertation research and defense. Coursework provides a foundation in planning theory and analytical tools, culminating in the Candidacy Examination. Dissertation research involves formulating a research topic, writing a formal proposal, and executing the research.

Outline:

The PhD program consists of coursework, a dissertation proposal, and dissertation research and defense. Coursework:

• Coursework typically requires four full-time academic semesters for students with an undergraduate degree in city and regional planning or a related field.
• Students with a Master's degree in city and regional planning or a related field typically require two semesters of additional coursework.
• Coursework covers planning theory, analytical tools, and research methods.
Dissertation Proposal:
• Students formulate a dissertation research topic and write a formal proposal, which must be approved by the dissertation committee.
Dissertation Research and Defense:
• Dissertation research is executed, and the result is written up and defended (presented) in the Final Oral Examination.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Candidacy Examination
• Dissertation proposal approval
• Dissertation research and defense

Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Workshops
• Independent study
Faculty:
• Faculty members have expertise in various areas of city and regional planning, including:
• Land use planning
• Transportation planning
• Environmental planning
• Economic development planning
• Housing policy
Unique approaches:
• The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, combining perspectives from planning, geography, economics, sociology, and other disciplines.
• Students have opportunities to participate in research projects with faculty members and external partners.

Careers:

Potential career paths include:

• Planning consultant
• City planner
• Regional planner
• Transportation planner
• Environmental planner
• Economic development planner
• Housing policy analyst
• Researcher