Program Overview

University of Michigan Master of Urban and Regional Planning Program

The University of Michigan Master of Urban and Regional Planning (M.U.R.P.) degree program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). Accredited programs meet PAB standards, which are established with input from stakeholders and PABs sponsoring organizations: the American Planning Association (APA), the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP). The M.U.R.P. program was last reaccredited in 2022, resulting in an accreditation granted through December 31, 2027.

Student Achievement

The primary method used by the M.U.R.P. program to measure student achievement is through a learning outcomes evaluation system. The program has defined five learning outcomes:

1. Incorporate diverse stakeholder views and knowledge into the analysis and proposed approach to a contemporary planning issue.
2. Be prepared to enter professional practice in planning.
3. Collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data from a variety of sources common to the planning profession.
4. Effectively use visual, written, and verbal communication techniques to communicate data interpretation, or illustrate proposed policies, plans, and designs.
5. Create a plan, policy, or design that contains proposals that advance social justice and/or sustainability as a key societal goal.

Learning Outcomes Evaluation

Learning outcomes 1, 3, 4, and 5 are measured through an evaluation of each individual or group Exit Project, conducted at the conclusion of each academic year. Exit Projects are required of all graduating students and include Capstone Studios, Professional Projects, and Theses. A standard evaluation form collects ratings and comments about four learning outcomes. Each Exit Project is evaluated by three individuals: the client, an URP faculty member, and a practicing professional.

The evaluation rubric is as follows:

• Poor quality or missing
• Meets minimum standards, but below average
• Typical of quality produced by professional planners
• Exceeds professional standards of quality, award-worthy

Average scores received for all 2024 Exit Projects evaluated are:

• Capstones:
  • LO 1: Stakeholder Views: 3.0
  • LO 3: Data: 3.0
  • LO 4: Communications: 3.1
  • LO 5: Proposals: 3.1
• Theses and Professional Projects:
  • LO 1: Stakeholder Views: 3.3
  • LO 3: Data: 3.7
  • LO 4: Communications: 3.8
  • LO 5: Proposals: 3.3

Learning Outcome 2

This learning outcome is measured through a survey administered annually among alumni one year after graduation. The question asked is, How satisfied are you with how well the program prepared you for a professional position? Responses are collected using the following scale:

• Very satisfied
• Satisfied
• Dissatisfied
• Very dissatisfied

Average scores received for this question are:

• 2024: 3.1
• 2023: 3.4
• 2022: 3.3
• 2021: 3.1
• 2020: 3.2

Program Data

• Tuition and Fees:
  • In-state residents, per full-time academic year: $37,488
  • Out-of-state residents, per full-time academic year: $57,040
• Student Retention Rate: 100% (percentage of students who began studies in fall 2023 and continued into fall 2024)
• Student Graduation Rate: 94% (percentage of students graduating within 4 years, entering class of 2020)
• Number of Degrees Awarded: 32 (for the academic year)
• AICP Pass Rate: 100% (percentage of masters graduates taking the AICP exam within 3 years who pass, graduating class of 2020)
• Employment: 89% (percentage of all graduates obtaining professional planning, planning-related, or other positions within 12 months of graduation, graduating class of 2023)