Program Overview
The Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program at UMass Amherst equips students with the knowledge and skills to develop large-scale solutions for urban and regional betterment. The program offers a comprehensive education covering planning theories, urban form, policy analysis, social planning, and technology. Students can specialize in areas such as climate resilience, community development, or technology innovation, leading to reduced time to AICP eligibility, higher earning potential, and improved job market competitiveness.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program at UMass Amherst is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to devise large-scale solutions for the betterment of towns, cities, and larger regions. The program offers a broad education in the field, covering areas such as:
- Underlying theories in planning: This includes understanding the principles and frameworks that guide regional planning practices.
- Urban form and urbanization: Students will explore the physical and social characteristics of urban environments and the processes of urban growth and change.
- Elements of the planning and decision-making processes: This involves learning about the various stages of planning, from problem identification to implementation, and the decision-making frameworks used in planning.
- Policy analysis and implementation: Students will develop skills in analyzing policies, evaluating their effectiveness, and understanding how to implement them effectively.
- Social planning: This focuses on understanding the social dimensions of planning and how to address social equity and inclusion in planning decisions. The MRP program allows students to specialize in one of several areas:
- Climate Resilience and Green Infrastructure: This specialization focuses on planning for climate change adaptation and mitigation, including the development of green infrastructure solutions.
- Community Development and Cultural Preservation: This specialization focuses on planning for community development, including economic development, housing, and cultural preservation.
- Technology Innovation and Regional Economy: This specialization focuses on the role of technology in regional economic development and planning.
- Student Designed Specialization: Students can also design their own specialization based on their interests and career goals. The MRP program is fully accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board in cooperation with the American Planning Association, which offers graduates multiple benefits:
- Reduced time to American Institute of Certified Planners eligibility: Graduates of accredited programs are eligible for expedited certification with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
- Higher likely career earning potential: Accredited programs are associated with higher earning potential for graduates.
- Improved job market competitiveness: Accreditation signals to potential employers that graduates have met rigorous standards and are well-prepared for the profession.
