Master of Urban and Environmental Planning

The Master of Urban and Environmental Planning program trains you, as a creative, skilled and ethical professional planner, through real-world, transdisciplinary learning. In the program, you develop the tools and judgment to navigate complex systems, engage communities, and address pressing challenges across environmental, social, economic and political domains. The program emphasizes building strong foundations in theories of planning; methods of analysis; planning processes; and creative implementation of planning tools, strategies and approaches. These foundational skills are complemented by opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world planning challenges, including coursework that integrates local community partnerships and integrated networking and professional development throughout the program. The program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board, enabling you to qualify for certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners with two years of professional practice.

The MUEP program offers you a valuable opportunity to integrate urban and environmental aspects of planning in a rapidly developing metropolitan area. Cohort-driven classes, one-on-one advising and a common core of courses that translate knowledge into practice give you opportunities to build technical skills and grow your professional network.

As a part of the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, the program is enriched by the school's planning faculty, with expertise across the discipline including transportation, environmental planning, housing and community development, as well as a transdisciplinary faculty with expertise in geography, geographic information systems, urban climate and sustainability. You have access to a wide selection of electives within the school, enabling you to explore a range of contemporary planning issues that align with your interests, as well as complementary courses in allied fields of study. The program's dedicated advising model supports you in selecting course work, within the school and across the university, that aligns with your professional goals. The program is also complemented by the participation of faculty from other disciplines within the university and collaboration with leading planning practitioners in the Phoenix area.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. An applicant with a cumulative GPA between 2.50 and 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") may still be considered.