Earn a Degree that Changes Society
Program Overview
The goal of the Master of Regional Planning (MRP) Program at UMass Amherst is to stimulate creative and systematic approaches for addressing and resolving the physical, economic, and social problems of towns, cities, and larger regions. This two-year program engages the intellectual aspects of regional planning by combining theoretical, historical, social, political, and technical dimensions of planning practice. The program also has a strong emphasis on building professional skills through studio and service to communities across the region, with opportunities for international work as well.
The MRP 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. Strong ties between the MRP Program and the Master of Landscape Architecture program at UMass Amherst give advanced students the opportunity to work with other faculty members and students studying issues in landscape architecture and urban design.
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
More information about the MRP Program can be found in the program handbook:
Dual Degree Options
Students who blend two related fields in their graduate studies gain a remarkable versatility that makes them ideal candidates for positions in public, nonprofit, and private sectors. At UMass Amherst, there are several combined graduate programs available to MRP candidates. These include:
- Regional Planning & Landscape Architecture (MLA/MRP)
- Regional Planning & Law (MRP/JD)
- Regional Planning & Public Policy Administration (MRP/MPPA)
- Regional Planning & Architecture (MRP/MArch)
- Regional Planning & Sustainability Science (MRP/MS3)
Click here to learn more about our dual degree graduate programs.
Accreditation
The Master of Regional Planning (MRP) Program at the UMass Amherst (or any of its associated dual-degree and accelerated programs) is a professional program fully accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) 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 career earning potential, and improved job market competitiveness. Our current accreditation runs through December 2026.
Alumni
MRP alumni can be found in all levels of government, as well as in consulting practice, real estate development, private industry, and academic and research activities. Alumni have been involved in 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.
How to Apply
Please consult the MRP Program Director Theodore Eisenman (teisenman[at]umass.edu) with any questions about the program.
Application Deadline: February 1st (annually)
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).
More information can be found on the Graduate School website.
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)
MRP Program Director & LARP Honors Program Director
Want to Earn Your Degree Faster?
Students from any four-year undergraduate program within the Five Colleges can apply to start taking MRP core classes during their junior and senior years. This "4+1" accelerated MRP Program puts students on a path to earning an MRP after one year enrolled in the graduate program, as opposed to two years.
The 4+1 is especially suited for students enrolled in the Bachelor’s in Sustainable Community Development (BSSCD) Program at UMass Amherst.
To learn about the 4+1 MRP Program and how to apply, please consult the Program Coordinator, Peter Dunn (ptdunn@larp.umass.edu).
Hear from a 4+1 MRP Graduate
Lydia Jankowski shares how the 4+1 MRP Program helped her pursue her interests through a research project on local rock climbing communities.