Why be an Urban Planner?

Urban and regional planners care about people, places and the quality of life.

We work with communities to improve the health, safety and economic wellbeing of residents by managing the urban environment. Urban Planning stimulates creative approaches for the physical, economic, and social needs of towns, cities and regions.

Visit the American Planning Association to learn more about the profession.

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Why Urban Planning
@ MSU?

Urban Planning, a program in the School of Planning, Design and Construction, equips the next generation of global problem-solvers to create sustainable and healthy built natural and virtual environments. The school provides a quality educational experience while encouraging the creativity and innovation that drive the profession. Our graduates are trained to find creative and systematic approaches to address the physical, economic and social problems of towns, cities and regions.

Focal points for the program:

Environment & Sustainability
Economic Development
Community Engagement
Mobility
Social Justice, Housing & Real Estate
Autonomous Futures
Health & Well-being

Study Abroad in Europe or Asia

Real-World Experience: Put your training into practice through your capstone practicum project, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned to a real-life planning challenge.

Graduate Faster: We also offer a 4+1 fast track to the Master’s degree for undergraduates, allowing you to achieve a graduate degree with only one additional year of study.

World-Class Faculty: Urban Planning faculty are highly respected teachers dedicated to their craft and to advancing our knowledge of sustainable cities and regions.

International Students: Urban Planning at MSU is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field that offers opportunities on campus, and for international students, a three year practical training period to work in the United States.

“Looking at the life of an urban planner, the job consists of identifying problems and finding solutions to those problems. There are endless problems that need to be solved. These problems specifically impact people. Not just a number on a page or how to make a profit for a company; it is how can I improve the lives of my neighbors, my family, and myself through the field of urban planning, and that excites me.”

— Dan

Internships & Study Abroad

Urban planners learn from every city they study or visit.

Our education abroad programs are immersive and experiential, with emphasis on visiting authentic cities and regions. Over the past five years, we have visited Germany, Estonia, Iceland, Italy, Romania, Japan and Korea to study sustainable cities, environmental management, transportation, housing and mega-events. Urban Planning is committed to global awareness by designing cost-effective programs and providing resources to support student participation in our EA programs.

Admissions & Financial Aid

If you are applying as an undergraduate or transfer student, admission to MSU will ensure you a spot at SPDC. For graduate students, the School of Planning, Design and Construction handles admissions and encourages you to contact us about your interests.

To speak with an advisor prior to your application, please call SPDC's Student Services at (517) 432-3393 or email an advisor directly.

For more information about how to become a part of Urban Planning as a freshman, transfer or graduate student, please visit the MSU Office of Admissions.

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