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

We believe that planning can change the world. Through place-based and interdisciplinary approaches, good planning promotes a just and sustainable future. The MURP degree, which is formally accredited through the Planning Accreditation Board, takes a broad view of the scope of urban and regional planning. The core courses provide a foundation for all areas of planning, and electives at both Taubman and other highly-ranked UM graduate programs provide flexibility to shape your studies to your interests. Graduate education at Michigan emphasizes the development of students' abilities to analyze, evaluate, integrate, and apply critical thinking in interdisciplinary planning processes. The course of study normally requires two years (four terms/full-time) for completion. The Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree is an approved field of study within the U.S. government's official STEM fields list. When a student earns a degree in a field on the STEM fields list, he/she may be eligible for the 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. OPT is defined as practical work experience in your field of study after completion of a degree. With a STEM degree, a student's regular OPT of 12 months may be extended for an additional 24 months

This focus area is for students interested in understanding the factors that perpetuate injustice and oppression in the way that cities, towns, and settlements are designed and constructed. Courses provide conceptual and analytical tools that professionals need to assess and address disparities and inequalities, along with developing a competence to sensitively work with diverse groups of people in planning and designing the built environment. The focus area prepares practitioners to address key economic, social, and political forces in collaboratively designing effective interventions to advance social justice.