Master of City and Regional Planning

Program Overview

The Master of City and Regional Planning program at The Ohio State University prepares students to become professional planners who can apply knowledge and theory to practice. The program emphasizes leadership, vision, and skills to support equitable, sustainable, and efficient communities. Students engage in coursework, research, and practical experiences, including an internship and client-based studio work. Graduates are equipped to address complex urban and regional issues and contribute to the creation of sustainable and thriving communities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview:
The Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) program at The Ohio State University prepares students to become professional planners who can apply knowledge and theory to practice. Students are exposed to the latest developments in planning knowledge and techniques. The program emphasizes leadership, vision, and skills to support equitable, sustainable, and efficient communities at the local, regional, national, and international levels, with global concerns and perspectives integrated throughout.
• Objectives:
The program aims to develop students' understanding of planning principles and theories, analytical and problem-solving skills, and communication and collaboration abilities. Graduates will be equipped to address complex urban and regional issues and contribute to the creation of sustainable and thriving communities.
• Program Description:
Students engage in coursework, research, and practical experiences, including an internship and client-based studio work. They have the opportunity to concentrate their studies in an area of interest or pursue additional expertise through a graduate minor or dual degree. The program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board.

Outline:

• Content:
The program covers a range of topics in city and regional planning, including:
• Urban planning
• Regional planning
• Land use planning
• Environmental planning
• Transportation planning
• Economic development
• Community development
• Planning law
• Planning ethics
• Structure:
The program typically takes two years to complete and consists of 60 credit hours. Students take core courses in planning theory, methods, and practice, as well as elective courses in their areas of interest.
• Course Schedule:
The course schedule varies each semester, but typical course offerings include:
• Introduction to Planning
• Planning Theory
• Planning Methods
• Land Use Planning
• Environmental Planning
• Transportation Planning
• Economic Development
• Community Development
• Planning Law
• Planning Ethics

Assessment:

• Methods:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Papers
• Presentations
• Projects
• Portfolio
• Criteria:
Assessments are based on students' demonstration of knowledge, skills, and abilities in planning.

Teaching:

• Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Fieldwork
• Faculty:
The program's faculty are experts in their respective fields of planning. They have extensive experience in teaching, research, and practice.
• Unique Approaches:
The program offers several unique approaches to teaching, including:
• A focus on experiential learning through internships and studio work
• Global perspectives integrated throughout the curriculum
• Opportunities for students to pursue independent research and projects

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:
• City planning
• Regional planning
• Land use planning
• Environmental planning
• Transportation planning
• Economic development
• Community development
• Nonprofit organizations
• Government agencies
• Consulting firms
• Opportunities:
The program provides students with opportunities to network with professionals in the field and gain practical experience through internships and studio work.
• Outcomes:
Graduates of the program have a strong track record of success in their careers. They are employed in a variety of positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.