Master of Urban and Regional Planning - Housing and Equitable Development in Ann Arbor United States | University of Michigan Ann Arbor

We are convinced that strategic planning has the power to transform our world. By employing location-specific and cross-disciplinary methods, effective planning fosters equitable and environmentally responsible progress. The MURP program, officially accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board, adopts a comprehensive perspective on urban and regional planning. Foundational courses establish essential knowledge across all planning domains, while elective offerings from Taubman and other top-tier UM graduate programs allow students to tailor their education to personal interests. Michigan's graduate programs prioritize cultivating students' capacities for analysis, assessment, synthesis, and practical application in interdisciplinary planning contexts. Typically, this program spans two academic years (four full-time terms) to complete. The Master of Urban and Regional Planning qualifies as a recognized STEM discipline according to U.S. government classifications. STEM degree recipients may qualify for a 24-month extension to the standard 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, which permits degree-related professional experience post-graduation.

This specialization equips students with theoretical foundations and analytical tools to address complex urban challenges, along with practical competencies for implementing solutions. Curriculum covers policy mechanisms and their effectiveness, inclusive housing finance and development strategies, and equitable public-private collaboration models for urban revitalization. Program alumni pursue careers with affordable housing developers, community development organizations, and government agencies at various levels focused on housing and neighborhood improvement initiatives.