Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Development (UPD)

The Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Development prepares students to contribute new ideas and innovate solutions to contemporary urban problems. You’ll obtain a solid foundation from which to launch your career through advanced courses in all intersecting facets of urban studies. And you’ll work on research with a direct impact on the world around us. With a focus on critical discourse and inquiry paired with analytical and theoretical training, you’ll develop the skills necessary to contribute to solutions that address the world’s most pressing urban planning and development issues. USC Price offers a supportive academic environment where you can contribute to the field alongside leading scholars as you pursue your Ph.D. in urban planning and development.

Admission to the Ph.D. programs is highly selective and recommended by the USC Price Doctoral Admissions Committee to the Graduate School of the university. Criteria considered for admission includes:

an evaluation of grades from both undergraduate and graduate work

scores earned on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE scores are not required for the UPD program)

letters of recommendation from academic sources

resume

statement of purpose

an interview