Introduction to Regional + City Planning

The Master’s in Regional + City Planning (RCPL) prepares students to shape communities through inclusive and sustainable design. As one of the oldest planning programs in the US, RCPL offers a legacy of excellence combined with hands-on learning, small class sizes, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students explore housing, transportation, public health, environmental resilience, and other key areas while building the skills to lead in government, nonprofit, and private sectors.

Program Overview

• The Master’s Degree in Regional + City Planning (RCPL) at the University of Oklahoma offers a powerful blend of legacy, innovation, and community impact.
• The program emphasizes hands-on experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and deep engagement with real-world challenges facing cities, towns, and rural communities.
• With small class sizes and a low student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized guidance and the flexibility to shape their own academic journey.

Location

The program is located in Norman, Oklahoma.

Degrees Offered

• Master of Regional and City Planning
• Accelerated Programs

Division

The program is part of the Planning, Landscape Architecture & Design division.

Why RCPL at OU?

The Master’s Degree in Regional + City Planning (RCPL) at the University of Oklahoma offers a unique blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and community engagement. The program is designed to prepare students for meaningful careers in public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Program Highlights

• Proven Career Outcomes: Over the past decade, 85–95% of graduates have secured positions in planning or related fields within six months of graduation.
• Diverse Career Pathways: Alumni work in city planning departments, community and economic development offices, private consulting firms, real estate, and nonprofit organizations.
• Enduring Professional Network: Join a community of more than 800 graduates with a legacy of impact and innovation.

Curriculum

• Students are required to complete 44 credits for non-thesis students and 48 credits for thesis students.
• The curriculum includes:
  • 23 credits core that covers the foundation of professional training in planning
  • 12 credits in the student’s specialization
  • 9 credits of electives
• Students will select one of the two specializations:
  • Physical Planning
  • Community & Economic Development

Graduation Requirements

• Non-Thesis Option:
  • Comprehensive Exam: Students sit for a comprehensive exam in their final semester.
  • Learning Portfolio: Non-thesis students are required to prepare a learning portfolio of their work within the program.
• Thesis Option:
  • Requires a minimum of 48 credit hours, including 23 credits in the core curriculum, and 4 thesis credits.
  • A thesis is the product of individual research and should represent an original contribution to the academic field of knowledge.

Admissions Requirements

• The program has rolling admissions.
• The deadline for applicants to be considered for financial support for the following fall term is February 15 of each year for international applicants and March 1 for US-based applicants.
• The GRE is not required.
• Application requirements include:
  • Up to 3 letters of recommendation
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Current resume/CV
  • A letter of intent (2-pages)
  • An essay describing an urban issue in a city you are familiar with (min 2-pages)

Accelerated Programs

• The Master’s of Regional & City Planning offers accelerated degree options with several undergraduate majors at the University of Oklahoma.
• These programs allow exemplary students to pursue their B.A. or B.S. in Environmental Sustainability, Geographic Information Systems, Geography, or Environmental Design and a Masters in Regional & City Planning in shorter period.
• The following undergraduate degrees can be paired with the Master’s in Regional & City Planning (M.R.C.P.) as part of an accelerated program:
  • B.S. in Environmental Design
  • B.A. in Environmental Sustainability
  • B.S. in Environmental Sustainability
  • B.A. in Geographic Information Systems
  • B.S. in Geographic Information Systems
  • B.A. in Geography
  • B.S. in Geography

Accelerated Programs Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate students who are interested in this program should contact their academic advisor as soon as possible to begin mapping out their plan.
• Interested students should also verify and provide the below information:
  • Undergraduate students who wish to apply to this program must have a 3.0 GPA minimum and complete an abbreviated admissions application to the graduate program
  • Minimum of 2 faculty references
  • Unofficial OU transcript
  • Current resume
  • Statement of Intent (1-2 pages, typed; indicating your interest in joining the accelerated program with Geography-Regional & City Planning)

Public Information and Vital Statistics

• The Master’s Degree in Regional and City Planning is accredited by The Planning Accreditation Board.
• Student Achievement:
  • Performance in the community studio project
  • Performance in the comprehensive written exam
  • Performance in the learning portfolio
  • Overall Satisfaction
• Financial Information:
  • Tuition and Fees:
    • In State Residents, per full-time academic year = $12,396
    • Out of State Residents, per full-time academic year = $29,148
• Vital Statistics:
  • Student Retention Rate: Percentage of students who began studies in fall 2023 and continued into fall 2024 = 97%
  • Student Graduation Rate: Percentage of students graduating within 4 years, entering class of 2020 = 92%
  • Number of Degrees Awarded: Number of degrees awarded for Academic Year = 21
  • AICP Pass Rate: Percentage of master’s graduates taking the AICP exam within 3 years who pass, graduating class of 2020 = 50%
  • Employment: Percentage of all graduates obtaining professional planning, planning-related, or other positions within 12 months of graduation, graduating class of 2023 = 88%

University of Oklahoma Summary

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Overview:

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a comprehensive research university with a strong focus on innovation and educational excellence. It is a major contributor to the state of Oklahoma, impacting the lives of Oklahomans through scholarship, research, and healthcare. OU boasts a diverse student body representing 50 states, 76 Oklahoma counties, and 125+ countries.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

OU offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with over 400 student organizations. The university has a strong sense of community and is known for its spirited and driven atmosphere.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Research Focus:

OU is a highly ranked research university, designated as a Highest Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation.

Top-Ranked Programs:

OU is ranked #1 in the country for Aviation and Atmospheric Science & Meteorology.

Diverse Student Body:

OU welcomes students from across the globe, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Vibrant Campus Life:

With over 400 student organizations, OU offers a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build community.

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Academic Programs:

OU offers over 170 academic programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly known for its strengths in research, aviation, atmospheric science, and healthcare.

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Other:

• OU has three campuses located in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
• The university is committed to supporting the state of Oklahoma through its research and educational initiatives.
• OU has a strong alumni network, with 80% of Oklahoma's healthcare professionals being OU graduates.