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Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis

USC Price trains leaders who build a better, more socially just world. In the Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis, we are committed to planning programs that emphasize the interaction of data and social justice. You will learn modern, data-oriented tools that train you for excellence in an urban realm that is constantly shifting thanks to emerging technology; yet data, by themselves, will not bring justice. That’s why our department teaches social justice throughout our core curriculum. The world needs this values-based leadership more than ever – and our graduates are already making change happen, with alumni who serve as the chief resilience officer for the City of Houston, the youngest Mayor ever elected in the City of Compton, California, and founders and executives at the fastest growing technology firms in the urban arena. Join us in our important work to make cities work for all and especially, for the most vulnerable among us.

David Sloane

David Sloane
Professor
Chair, Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis

Liz Falletta

Liz Falletta
Professor (Teaching)
Vice Chair, Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis
Faculty Director, Executive Master of Urban Planning Degree

Academic Programs

Urban planning students near a train

Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and Planning

These are all challenges faced by cities today. Every human problem is an urban problem, and every human advancement occurs in cities. For the first time in history, half of the world’s population lives in cities. Through rigorous coursework and practical experience, the Price School’s Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and Planning gives you the tools you need to effect real and lasting change in urban environments.

Students standing around a map of a city

Master of Urban Planning

The Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program at the USC Price School of Public Policy is one of the most distinguished academic programs of its kind. USC Price is ranked 3rd overall among public affairs schools – and No. 2 in the Urban Policy category – according to U.S. News & World Report; and Planetizen considers the MUP program one of Top 10 Graduate Urban Planning Programs.

LA City Hall

Executive Master of Urban Planning Online

Urban planning is becoming increasingly complex. Industry professionals have to navigate stronger regulation, dwindling public resources and political forces that simultaneously restrict government support and heighten income inequality. This makes advanced specialized training more and more crucial. 

Department Faculty

NamePositionExpertise
Headshot of Marlon BoarnetMarlon BoarnetProfessor
Director, METRANS Transportation Center		Transportation, travel behavior, urban growth patterns, regional science, urban economics
Geoff Boeing headshotGeoff BoeingAssistant ProfessorTransportation networks, urban form, data science, urban informatics
Santina Contreras - HeadshotSantina ContrerasAssistant ProfessorEnvironmental Planning, Natural Hazards, Community Engagement, International Development, Engineering for Development
Elizabeth Currid-HalkettElizabeth Currid-HalkettProfessor
James Irvine Chair in Urban and Regional Planning		Economic development, the arts, cultural economy, social networks, urban growth, economic geography
Liz FallettaLiz FallettaProfessor (Teaching)
Program Director, Urban Planning Programs		Architecture, urban design, design criticism
Genevieve Giuliano headshotGenevieve GiulianoInterim Dean
Distinguished Professor
Margaret and John Ferraro Chair in Effective Local Government		Transportation policy, metropolitan spatial structure, travel demand, urban transportation
Eric HeikkilaProfessorUrban development, economic development, East Asian cities, urban economics, urban information systems
Annette M. KimAnnette M. KimAssociate Professor
Director, Spatial Analysis Lab (SLAB)		• Housing and Land Use • International Development Planning • Art and Culture Placemaking • Urban Spatial Data and Visualization
Geraldine Knatz headshotGeraldine KnatzProfessor of the Practice of Policy and EngineeringSeaport policy and management, maritime transportation, international trade, seaport sustainability, environmental impact analysis
LaVonna LewisLaVonna B. LewisProfessor (Teaching)
Vice Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion		American politics, public policy (most notably health policy), interest groups, and federal programs
Dowell Myers 2022 squared headshotDowell MyersProfessor
Director, Population Dynamics Research Group		Demographic change, future of California, housing impacts, workforce and education, immigration and assimilation, communication for consensus about change
Adam RoseAdam RoseProfessor (Research)Energy and environmental economics, public policy, natural hazards and terrorism, regional science, applied general equilibrium modeling
Lisa SchweitzerProfessorEnvironmental justice, Sustainable transportation, Hazardous materials in urban environments, Community environmental quality
David SloaneDavid SloaneProfessor
Chair, Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis		Urban history, community health planning, health disparities, cultural landscapes