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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Urban Planning
Area of study
Architecture and Construction
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


The PhD in Urban Planning at Arizona State University equips scholars for leadership roles in urban planning, research, and policy. The program emphasizes research in planning, urbanism, urban design, and urban sustainability, and offers a unique blend of coursework, research opportunities, and professional development. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, government, and the private sector, addressing complex urban challenges such as climate change, social equity, and autonomous vehicles.

Program Outline


PhD in Urban Planning at Arizona State University (ASU)


Degree Overview


Overview:

The Urban Planning PhD program at ASU equips scholars for leadership roles in universities, research institutions, NGOs, international organizations, government agencies, and high-level consulting firms. The program focuses on research in planning, urbanism, urban design, and urban sustainability.


Objectives:

  • Equip graduates with advanced research skills and knowledge in urban planning.
  • Prepare students for careers in academia, research, government, and the private sector.
  • Foster innovative and impactful research on complex urban challenges like climate change, social equity, and autonomous vehicles.

Description:

ASU boasts a strong network with Phoenix-area communities leading in urban sustainability and planning initiatives. Students engage with planning leaders, mentors, and community organizations while conducting research, taking courses, and contributing to client projects. This program offers a unique blend of coursework, research opportunities, and professional development in five key areas:

  • City Building and Urban Structure
  • Environmental and Resiliency Planning
  • Housing, Neighborhoods, and Community Development
  • Spatial Analytics and Smart Cities
  • Transportation Planning and Policy

Outline


Coursework:

  • Required Core (6 credit hours):
  • PUP 710: Current Planning Theory and Practice (3 credits)
  • PUP 724: Planning Methods for Doctoral Students (3 credits)
  • Electives and Research (64 credit hours): Students choose electives and research areas to tailor their program to their interests and career aspirations.
  • Other Requirements (2 credit hours):
  • PUP 701: Urban Planning Colloquium (1 credit), taken for two semesters
  • Culminating Experience (12 credit hours):
  • PUP 799: Dissertation (12 credits)

Structure:

  • The program requires 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus, and a dissertation.
  • Students can transfer up to 30 credit hours from a previously earned master's degree.
  • Up to six credit hours of 400-level courses may be applied to the plan of study.

Individual Modules:

The program offers a range of courses across the five focus areas mentioned above. Examples of course titles include:

  • Planning Theory and History
  • Urban Design and Development
  • Transportation Planning and Policy
  • Housing and Community Development
  • Environmental Planning and Sustainability
  • Geographic Information Systems and Urban Analytics

Assessment

  • Written comprehensive exam: Assesses students' knowledge and understanding of core planning concepts and theories.
  • Oral comprehensive exam: Evaluates students' ability to apply their knowledge to specific planning problems and issues.
  • Prospectus: A written document outlining the research topic, methodology, and significance of the student's dissertation project.
  • Dissertation: An original and significant research project that makes a contribution to the field of urban planning.

Teaching

  • The program is taught by renowned faculty with expertise in various areas of urban planning and related disciplines.
  • The program utilizes a mix of traditional lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research.
  • Students have opportunities to engage in collaborative projects with faculty and fellow students.
  • The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, including internships, research projects, and community engagement activities.

Careers

  • Graduates of the program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
  • Potential career paths include:
  • Urban planner
  • Policy analyst
  • Researcher
  • Professor
  • City manager
  • Environmental consultant
  • Transportation planner
  • Urban designer
  • The program is housed within the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning at ASU.
  • The program boasts strong relationships with numerous Phoenix-area communities actively engaged in addressing contemporary urban challenges.
  • The program offers opportunities for students to interact with planning leaders, mentors, and community organizations.
  • Students participate in research alongside faculty, take classes focused on current issues in the field, conduct research and reports for local clients, and start building their professional network across diverse sectors.
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