Master of Regional Planning in Boston United States | University of Massachusetts Amherst

The regional planning graduate programs enable students to combine examinations of physical, environmental, social, cultural, economic, and political planning aspects across various settings - from urban centers to rural communities. The professionally-focused MRP degree equips students for careers advancing sustainable development through balancing ecological, economic, and equitable considerations via collaborative planning approaches. For those pursuing academic or research positions in public or private sectors, the PhD program offers rigorous research training.
This accreditation affords our MRP graduates significant advantages, including faster qualification for AICP certification, enhanced earning potential, and greater employment opportunities. Our program maintains accreditation until December 2026. The Regional Planning Program aims to foster innovative, systematic solutions for tackling physical, economic, and social challenges across communities and regions of all sizes.

Our curriculum blends theoretical, historical, social, political, and technical planning components with hands-on learning through studio work and regional community projects, including potential international engagements. We emphasize both the scholarly and practical dimensions of regional planning. Graduates hold positions across government agencies, consulting firms, development companies, private industry, and academic institutions. Since the 1960s, our alumni have pioneered social transformation through urban renewal, environmental conservation, advocacy planning, heritage preservation, growth regulation, economic initiatives, and GIS applications.

The master's program delivers comprehensive training in regional planning fundamentals, covering planning theory, urban development patterns, planning methodologies, policy analysis, social planning approaches, and emerging planning technologies and methods.