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The Department of Urban Studies and Planning provides a Doctor of Philosophy program in Urban Studies and Planning, an advanced research-focused degree designed to prepare students for academic careers in applied social research and urban planning. This PhD program prioritizes building core research skills, allowing customization in specialized study areas, and fostering collaborative research and teaching between students and faculty. Each student's program is individually designed, working in partnership with a dedicated network of field experts and a departmental advisor.
Admission to the doctoral program is highly competitive. About one in nine applicants is accepted and there are generally 10-12 doctoral candidates accepted each year. The percentage of men and women is usually equal, and approximately 30 percent are from abroad. The Department is committed to the active recruitment of minorities. Most incoming doctoral students hold a Master's degree in a field related to urban studies or planning, and have a year or more of work experience. However, candidates holding a bachelor's degree and demonstrating a strong commitment to research and teaching are also seriously considered.
The minimum score required for the IELTS is 7 and the minimum TOEFL score is 600 (250 for computer-based test, 100 for Internet-based test). While either test score is accepted, the IELTS score is preferred.