Interested in the Master of Regional Planning?
Please contact the MRP Program Director Theodore Eisenman (teisenman@umass.edu).
Visit Graduate Admissions to apply to UMass Amherst as a graduate student.
About the Program
The Master of Regional Planning Program at the University of Massachusetts (or any of its associated dual- degree and accelerated programs) is a professional program fully accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board in cooperation with the American Planning Association.
This status provides our MRP graduates with multiple benefits, such as reduced time to American Institute of Certified Planners eligibility, higher likely career earning potential, and improved job market competitiveness. Our current accreditation runs through December 2026. The goal of the Regional Planning Program is to stimulate creative and systematic approaches for addressing and resolving the physical, economic, and social problems of towns, cities, and larger regions.
The program is based on combining theoretical, historical, social, political, and technical dimensions of planning practice with strong emphasis on practice through studio and service to communities in our region, with opportunities for international work as well. We engage both the intellectual and the professional aspects of regional planning. Our alumni can be found in all levels of government as well as in consulting practice, real estate development, private industry, and in academic and research activities. They have been involved on the frontiers of social change since the 1960s such as urban revitalization, environmental protection, advocacy planning, historic preservation, growth management, economic development and geographic information systems.
The master's degree program offers a rich educational experience in many areas of regional planning, including the underlying theories in planning, urban form, urbanization, elements of the planning and decision-making processes, policy analysis and implementation, social planning, information technology and planning tools and techniques. The specialized areas within the MRP program are:
- Climate Resilience and Green Infrastructure
- Community Development and Cultural Preservation
- Technology Innovation and Regional Economy
- Student Designed Specialization
In addition, links with the program in landscape architecture enable advanced students to work with other faculty members and students studying problems of landscape architecture and urban design.
We offer a traditional two-year degree for most students, and an accelerated one-year degree for students coming through our Sustainable Community Development undergraduate program.
Application Deadline: Feb 1st
Admissions materials not submitted electronically should be mailed to the following address:
Graduate Student Service Center
534 Goodell Building
University of Massachusetts
140 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9333
Phone: (413)-545-0722
Fax: (413)-577-0010 (Application materials)
Admission Requirements
Basic admission requirements and procedures of the University Graduate School and the Department are as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited college or university with recognized standing.
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- In addition to the information required on the application form: One copy of official transcripts of all previous college work (undergraduate and any graduate work); two letters of recommendation; and a personal statement that outlines your goals for graduate study (1-3 pages).
You can see the Graduate School’s list of requirement on-line for domestic students or international students. http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/admissions
Accreditation
The Master of Regional Planning and PhD in Planning programs are accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) in cooperation with the American Planning Association. This ensures that our planning students earn degrees that are nationally recognized for their professional quality, which promotes career success.