Urban Planning, BSP
Do you want to shape how our cities, states and communities operate; how people navigate the globe; and how cities are planned for success? Learn about future-changing strategies such as alternative transportation, housing diversity and urban revitalization.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Urban planners guide communities in making wise decisions about their use of land and resources. The urban planning program introduces you to issues faced by urban areas and the tools necessary to address them.
In the Bachelor of Science in Planning program, you gain expertise in the analysis and synthesis of the physical, social, political and economic issues that shape urban and regional development. Courses cover comprehensive planning, computer and analytical methods, public policy formulation and administration, socioeconomic and environmental analyses, urban design and many other fields that urban planning encompasses, such as:
- environmental planning
- geographic information systems
- housing
- landscape architecture
- planning and zoning law
- transportation
- urban and development economics
- urban resilience
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| GIS 205 Geographic Information Science I |
| PUP 190 Sustainable Cities |
| GIS 270 Statistics for Geography and Planning |
| PUP 301 Introduction to Urban Planning |
| PUP 424 Planning Methods |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze the physical characteristics, social dynamics and economic conditions that influence urban and regional planning challenges through course projects
- Apply professional planning skills to evaluate urban planning scenarios by utilizing real-world data, simulation tools, and best practices in planning analysis.
- Apply professional norms through independent and team-based course projects.
Analyze the physical characteristics, social dynamics and economic conditions that influence urban and regional planning challenges through course projectsAdmission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Through study abroad programs, students of urban planning can gain an understanding of how communities around the world have developed urban areas, and look at urban issues from a global perspective. The valuable experience that students obtain through study abroad enhances their resumes, and they use their acquired insights to help communities at home and around the world.
More than 300 study abroad programs are available in more than 65 countries.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Real Estate Associate | 3.7% | $69,990 | Learn more |
| Environmental Restoration Planner | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Forester | 2.2% | $76,400 | Learn more |
| Housing Quality Standard Inspector (HQS Inspector) | 3.8% | $80,730 | Learn more |
| Landscape Architect | 4.4% | $79,870 | Learn more |
| Real Estate Appraiser | 3.5% | $67,960 | Learn more |
| Real Estate Broker | 0.8% | $73,220 | Learn more |
| Regulatory Affairs Specialist | 3.8% | $80,730 | Learn more |
| Transportation Planner | -0.2% | $101,110 | Learn more |
| Urban Planner | 3.9% | $89,320 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Graduates of the urban planning program pursue career opportunities with private planning firms and governmental planning agencies, mainly at the city level, but also with county, state and federal entities. Some planners elect to pursue graduate degrees to develop specialty skills and enhance their opportunities for career advancement.
The urban planning degree, especially when combined with a focus on geographic information science, gives graduates an advantage in careers that combine urban planning with GIS and in other jobs that involve urban issues, including:
- comprehensive and long-range planning
- economic development planning
- housing issues
- planning law
- public participation in the planning process
- socioeconomic and environmental analyses
- sustainable planning
- transportation
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning
|
COOR 5681
SGSUP.advising@asu.edu
480-965-7533
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
