Master of Urban Planning (MUP)

The Master of Urban Planning degree trains students to improve the quality of life for urban residents and their communities worldwide.

Make cities more just, livable, and sustainable.

Our Master of Urban Planning students immerse themselves in all aspects of this exciting field, from foundational elements to emerging themes. At USC Price, you’ll benefit from a curriculum that pairs an emphasis on data innovation with a social justice commitment to make cities smarter and more equitable. You will learn from and work alongside leading experts, fostering valuable connections and implementing innovative ideas.

For public information and measures of student achievement, click here.

Why choose Price?

USC Price’s Master of Urban Planning has consistently been among the top echelons of national rankings, including #2 for urban policy.

James Irvine & Domestic Student Scholarships

Domestic students who apply by our December 15th deadline and are admitted to the MHA, MNLM, MPA, MPP, MPPDS, or MUP program are automatically eligible to receive scholarship funding.

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MUP Curriculum

MUP Students

MUP Admission

MUP Achievement Measurements

MUP Advisory Board

After receiving their Master in Urban Planning, USC Price graduates serve as leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors all around the world.

• Researcher
• PhD Student @ ITS UC Davis | Sustainable Transportation Policy | Hydrogen Delivery Pathways
• Urban Planner | Sustainability Project Manager

See All MUP Alumni Careers

“The classes at USC I took to earn my sustainability certificate solidified my understanding of CEQA and disaster planning. I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working with LA Commons for one of my classes. I feel confident that my time at USC has prepared me for my next career opportunity.”

Kishann Rai

Researcher

DJP&A

“I valued the diversity in thought, background, and interests the program promoted within the student body and its social justice-oriented curriculum. This sense of inclusion created an environment where I felt successful in exploring various pathways and in taking my training further to pursue a Ph.D. in transportation.”

John Cadiz

PhD Student @ ITS UC Davis | Sustainable Transportation Policy | Hydrogen Delivery Pathways

“USC Price provided me the interdisciplinary, hands-on framework I was looking for in an urban planning program. In addition to courses specific to my climate change and sustainability concentration, I was able to participate in diverse classes and research projects related to native landscapes, affordable housing, equitable environmental engagement, and active transportation. I also held internships in both the public and private sectors during my graduate experience. I am now a full-time energy and sustainability planner in Los Angeles—in no small part thanks to Price.”

Morgan Rose

Urban Planner | Sustainability Project Manager

Financial Aid

Numerous financial aid opportunities are available for grad students.

Community Impact Scholarship

Apply Now!

USC Price is pleased to announce the Price Community Impact Scholarships for incoming masters students who plan to enroll in one of the following on-campus programs: MHA, MIPM, MNLM, MPA, MPP, MPPDS, and MUP.

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Distinctive Focus on Social Justice and Data Innovation

We equip our students with an education shaped by our values. The Master of Urban Planning program is guided by two cross-cutting values throughout our core curriculum and concentrations: social justice and spatial data visualization innovation. These intrinsic values build upon USC Price’s legacy of rigorous analysis and professional training in sectors such as transportation, housing and real estate, economic development, arts and culture, and environmental sustainability.

Why data innovation? 

Because urban planning is being reshaped by an explosion of data and platforms. Traditional forms of understanding and communicating are insufficient in our increasingly digital and social media infused landscapes of governance and living.

Why social justice?

Because we are united by the conviction that the next generation of urban planning and policy-makers must be a part of the solution instead of perpetuating problems. Too often, smart cities and big data can run the risk of exacerbating enduring patterns of inequality. That’s why the USC Price MUP core curriculum centers social justice with an interdisciplinary approach to analysis and collaborative action, aiming to change both our pedagogy and ultimately professional practice.

Customize and Specialize Your MUP Degree

Overall, the MUP offers six areas of concentration: arts and culture, design and the built environment, economic development, planning for climate change and sustainability, housing and real estate development, and mobility and transportation planning.

You might also pursue one of 11 dual degrees in fields like architecture, landscape architecture, public health, public administration, public policy and real estate development, among

Curriculum Values, Concentrations, and Professional Development

Core Curriculum Values

• Social Justice
• Data Innovation

Concentrations

• Arts & Culture
• Design of the Built Environment
• Economic Development
• Design of the Built Environment
• Planning for Climate Change & Sustainability
• Housing & Real Estate Development
• Mobility & Transportation Planning

Professional Development

• Internships
• Studios

Contact Us

Program Director, David Sloane
Professor
Chair, Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis
(213) 440-3075
[email protected]

Ashley Henne,
Associate Director of Admissions
(213) 740-1036
[email protected]

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