Master of Urban and Regional Planning - Physical Planning and Design 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 eco-conscious communities. The MURP program, officially accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board, offers a comprehensive perspective on urban and regional development. Foundational courses establish essential planning knowledge, while electives at Taubman and other top-tier UM graduate schools allow students to tailor their education. Michigan's graduate programs prioritize cultivating analytical skills, evaluative thinking, and the capacity to synthesize information across diverse planning contexts. Typically, this two-year program (four full-time terms) leads to a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree, recognized as a STEM discipline by the U.S. government. STEM designation enables eligible graduates to extend their 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) by an additional 24 months, providing valuable post-degree professional experience in their field.

This specialization equips future planners to enhance community design, functionality, and environmental resilience. The curriculum explores spatial relationships, population density, and the physical characteristics of built environments, transit networks, and essential infrastructure. Students investigate various design approaches and historical influences that shape urban layouts, land use patterns, and demographic distributions. The program also analyzes how real estate dynamics and development processes intersect with urban planning to create our cities.