Master of Urban Planning California State University - Northridge, USA

Improve the lives of Californians through urban planning. Learn to design a city that is safer, healthier and happier.

Why Earn a Master's in Urban Planning?

More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas. These cities, towns and suburbs need planners to create safe and healthy communities.

By earning a master's degree in urban planning, you will help shape the modern city. You will collaborate with the community to propose projects from housing to parks. You will seek innovative and sustainable solutions. With this degree, you will be ready to enter into a career in urban planning, local government management and the nonprofit sector.

Why Study Urban Planning at CSUN?

California Focused

The state has a wide range of laws and mandates that shape urban planning projects. Our master's program prepares you for these challenges with our focus on California's regulations. Our professors are well-versed in the state's rules, and your field experiences will help you understand them firsthand. You'll also learn about different types of planning through field experiences in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Real Impact

Our students and faculty members take part in local community planning projects. You will not only gain valuable experience but you will be involved in improving your neighborhood and city.

Designed for You

This degree is designed to serve the needs of working students and professionals. Your classes will take place on evenings and Saturdays, and you can complete it in two calendar years. The degree program is also cohort-driven, so you will learn in a group and create camaraderie with your classmates.

What You'll Learn

The M.U.P. program gives you both practical and experiential knowledge of urban planning, with a special focus on how it is practiced in California. You will also learn to contextualize the economic, social and political factors that affect urban planning practices.

In your classes you will also learn:

• Principles of urban planning
• History of urban planning
• Planning law
• Sustainability and environmental impact
• Local economic development
• Visual communication skills
• Quantitative analysis
• Qualitative research

You will complete a field project in which you will consult with a community partner to address a local planning problem. You will also submit a capstone project. You will use your skills and knowledge to conduct research and analysis for a larger-scale project.