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The University of Pennsylvania offers a vibrant academic setting for exploring the complex urban issues of our time and the diverse solutions to address them. Those pursuing a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning benefit from direct access to an interdisciplinary faculty and the extensive resources of a top-tier urban research institution. Established in the 1950s, the City and Regional Planning Ph.D. program, overseen by the Graduate Group in City and Regional Planning, stands as one of the nation's most historic. Penn's distinguished faculty has mentored over 300 graduate students to successful degree completion, preparing them for influential roles in academia and professional practice globally. The program's core mission is clear: to develop visionary thinkers and outstanding scholars. Accordingly, the Graduate Group emphasizes rigorous research training, effective communication abilities, and fosters meaningful faculty-student mentorship alongside collaborative relationships among peers in urban-focused doctoral programs.
All applicants must have a B.A. or B.S. degree and an excellent prior academic record.
To be admitted without conditions, most departments require applicants to obtain a TOEFL score of 100 (internet-based) or higher, a PTE Academic score of 68 or higher, or an IELTS band score of 7.0 or higher.