PhD in Urban and Regional Planning and Design (URPD)
College Park, USA
PhD
DURATION
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The PhD in Urban and Regional Planning and Design (URPD) at The University of Maryland, College Park trains students for advanced research and leadership in urban planning and regional development. It integrates social sciences, environmental studies and design, combining coursework, comprehensive exams and dissertation research. Students study sustainable development, land use, transportation and community planning, engage in collaborative research and they'll develop a global perspective to tackle spatial planning, policy analysis, urban design and community engagement.
Career Outcomes: Graduates move into academia, government and private sector roles and work with NGOs or international organizations in planning, policy, research, design.
The PhD program in Urban and Regional Planning and Design (URPD) is designed to prepare students for advanced research and leadership roles in urban planning, regional development, and related fields. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating theories and methodologies from social sciences, environmental studies, and design to address complex urban and regional challenges. The curriculum combines coursework, comprehensive examinations, and original research, allowing students to develop expertise in area-specific issues such as sustainable development, land use, transportation, and community planning.
Students are encouraged to engage in collaborative research projects and to contribute new knowledge to the field through their dissertation work. The program also fosters a global perspective, ensuring graduates are equipped to tackle urban and regional issues across diverse geographic and cultural contexts. Graduates typically pursue careers in academia, government agencies, or private sector planning organizations, leveraging their advanced training to influence policy, planning practices, and the design of sustainable urban environments.
