Master of Regional Planning (MRP) in Urban and Regional Planning
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-03-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program at the University at Albany is a 48-credit program designed to prepare graduates for professional careers in urban planning. The program emphasizes the application of planning theory and practice to real-world issues, including neighborhood change and preservation, environmental conservation, mobility and accessibility, comprehensive planning and zoning, emerging issues in community development, and ensuring equitable planning strategies. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in urban planning, including city planner, community development specialist, environmental impact consultant, transportation planner, and planning project manager.
Program Outline
Master of Regional Planning
Degree Overview
The Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program at the University at Albany is a 48-credit program designed to prepare graduates for professional careers in urban planning with government agencies, environmental consulting firms, commercial developers, transportation consulting firms, and organizations focused on urban housing and economic development. The program emphasizes the application of planning theory and practice to real-world issues, including neighborhood change and preservation, environmental conservation, mobility and accessibility, comprehensive planning and zoning, emerging issues in community development, and ensuring equitable planning strategies.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in urban planning.
- Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of planning theory, principles, and practice.
- Develop students' ability to apply planning tools and techniques to real-world problems.
- Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of urban planning.
- Encourage students to engage in ethical and equitable planning practices.
Program Description:
The MRP program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical experience. Students will gain a deep understanding of planning history, processes, and tools, while also developing specialized knowledge in one of three areas: environmental and land use planning, transportation planning, or community planning. The program also emphasizes the use of data-driven, open-source, web-based tools for analyzing trends and monitoring policy outcomes.
Outline
Program Structure:
The MRP program consists of 48 credits, typically completed over four semesters. The curriculum includes a combination of core courses, elective courses, and a culminating experience.
Course Schedule:
- Core Courses (24 credits): Planning History and Philosophy, Urban and Metropolitan Structure and Functions, Computer Applications in Planning, Statistical Methods, Planning Processes, Plans, and the Design of Communities, Planning Law, Planning Studio, Planning Internship, Specialization Courses (see below).
- Elective Courses (12 credits): Students can choose from a wide range of elective offerings to broaden their expertise in areas such as planning ethics, urban ecology, energy, environment, and climate change, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), metropolitan governance and planning, and more.
- Culminating Experience (12 credits): Students can choose between completing a master's research paper or a comprehensive exam.
Individual Modules:
Environmental and Land Use Planning:
- Required courses: Plan Implementation and Development Management, Environmental Planning.
- Elective options: Environmental Assessment and Permitting, Parks, Preservation and Heritage Planning, Water Resources Planning, Environmental Restoration and Brownfields Redevelopment, Site Planning, Urban Design and Public Space, Topics in Environmental and Land Use Planning.
Community Planning:
- Required courses: Urban Community Development, Urban Policy in the United States.
- Elective options: United States Housing Policy, Local Economic Development Strategies and Technologies, Planning for Jobs, Housing, and Community Services in Third World Cities, Parks, Preservation and Heritage Planning, Environmental Restoration and Brownfields Redevelopment, Plan Implementation and Development Management, Topics in Housing, Local Economic Development, and Community Planning, Regional Theories and Techniques, Independent Study in Housing, Local Economic Development, and Community Planning.
Transportation Planning:
- Required courses: Transportation Planning, Urban and Metropolitan Transportation Planning.
- Elective options: Transportation Technologies Practicum, The Role of Transportation in Emergency Preparedness, Public Transportation Planning, Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Planning, Topics in Transportation Planning, Independent Study in Transportation Planning.
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
- Coursework: Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, papers, presentations, and projects.
- Internship: Students will be evaluated on their performance during their planning internship.
- Culminating Experience: Students will be assessed on the quality of their master's research paper or comprehensive exam.
Assessment Criteria:
- Knowledge and Understanding: Students will be assessed on their understanding of planning theory, principles, and practices.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Students will be assessed on their ability to analyze complex planning issues, identify solutions, and make informed decisions.
- Communication and Presentation Skills: Students will be assessed on their ability to communicate planning concepts effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Professionalism and Ethics: Students will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate professional behavior and ethical conduct.
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
The MRP program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, discussions, case studies, simulations, field trips, and guest speakers. The program also emphasizes hands-on learning through projects, internships, and research opportunities.
Faculty:
The MRP program is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty with expertise in a wide range of planning areas. The faculty are committed to providing students with a high-quality education and preparing them for successful careers in urban planning.
Unique Approaches:
The MRP program offers several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- Focus on real-world application: The program emphasizes the application of planning theory and practice to real-world issues.
- Use of data-driven tools: The program trains students to use data-driven, open-source, web-based tools for analyzing trends and monitoring policy outcomes.
- Hands-on learning: The program provides students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience through projects, internships, and research.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: The program encourages students to collaborate with faculty and students from other disciplines to address complex planning challenges.
Careers
Career Paths:
Graduates of the MRP program are prepared for a wide range of careers in urban planning, including:
- City Planner
- Community Development Specialist
- Environmental Impact Consultant
- Transportation Planner
- Planning Project Manager
- Housing Policy Analyst
- Director of Planning and Economic Development
Opportunities:
The MRP program provides graduates with access to a variety of career opportunities, including:
- Internships with government agencies, consulting firms, and non-profit organizations.
- Full-time employment in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
- Opportunities to pursue further education, such as a Ph.D. in urban planning.
Outcomes:
Within one year of graduation, 70% of MRP graduates are employed in planning-related jobs, often in fields aligned with their area of specialization.
Other
Funding Opportunities:
The MRP program offers a variety of funding opportunities to help students finance their education, including:
- The Endowed Scholarship in Urban and Regional Planning
- Graduate Assistantships in the Department of Geography and Planning
- The Paul Marr Award for Excellence in Planning Scholarship and Practice
- Geography, Planning and Sustainability for the Capital Region Endowed Scholarship
- The Carson Carr Graduate Diversity Fellowship
- Fellowship on Women & Public Policy
- The program offers a planning studio that provides students with hands-on experience in applying planning principles to real-world projects.
- The program has a strong alumni network that provides students with mentorship and career support.
- The program is located in the Albany, New York metropolitan area, which provides students with access to a variety of internship and job opportunities.
