Program Overview

Department of Urban & Regional Planning

The Department of Urban & Regional Planning at San Jose State University offers a comprehensive education in urban planning, with a focus on preparing students for careers in local and state government, as well as the private and not-for-profit sectors.

Urban Planning, MUP

The Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board and is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the theories, methods, and techniques of planning. The program consists of 48 semester units of coursework, normally requiring two years of full-time graduate study to complete.

Program Requirements

The MUP program requires students to complete a series of seven core seminars and laboratory/fieldwork courses, totaling 25 units. Students must also complete a minimum of 17 units of elective courses, with at least three courses taken from within a single focus area. The program culminates in a Planning Report (thesis), which represents an independent contribution to the field of planning.

Focus Areas

The MUP program offers six topical focus areas, allowing students to gain added expertise in different planning subfields. These focus areas include:

• Affordable Housing and Community Development Finance
• Applications of Technology in Planning
• Community Design and Development
• Environmental Planning
• Real Estate Development
• Transportation and Land Use Planning

Professional Work Experience

To graduate, students must have at least 180 hours of professional work experience in urban and regional planning or a closely related field. This requirement can be fulfilled through an internship or professional employment during the student's time in the program.

Career Resources

The department provides career resources to help students find internships and planning jobs. Students can also join the SJSU UrbanPlanConnect-group to receive information about planning jobs and internships.

Accreditation

The MUP program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board and has consistently received high praise in their reviews. The program is guided by SJSU requirements for graduate study, as well as the educational knowledge, skills, and values prescribed by the national Planning Accreditation Board.

Research Areas

The department is involved in various research areas, including:

• Institute for Metropolitan Studies
• SAVI Center
• Mineta Transportation Institute
• Community Partnerships
• Faculty Research
• Student Achievements

Student Resources

The department provides various resources to support student success, including:

• URBP Courses
• Advisors
• Syllabi
• Courses and Schedules
• Get Social
• Scholarships

Graduate Program Learning Outcomes

The MUP program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in urban planning, with learning outcomes that include:

• Understanding of the theories, methods, and techniques of planning
• Ability to analyze and solve complex planning problems
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders
• Understanding of the ethical and social implications of planning decisions

Advanced Certificates

The department offers advanced certificates in various planning subfields, including:

• Affordable Housing
• Applications of Technology in Planning
• Community Design and Development
• Environmental Planning
• Geographic Information Science (GIS)
• Real Estate Development
• Transportation and Land Use Planning

Undergraduate Programs

The department also offers undergraduate programs in Geography, BA, and minors in Geographic Information Science, Geography, and Urban Studies.