Master of Regional Planning: FAQs
What can I do with an MRP from UMass Amherst?
Planners address physical, economic, and social problems faced by towns, cities, and regions. Graduates from the Master of Regional Planning (MRP) program have gone on to work as planning directors, consultants, city managers, real estate developers, and leaders in environmental planning and conservation. With a MRP, you can address issues like climate resilience and green infrastructure, transit and bicycle/pedestrian transportation, community development and cultural preservation, and technological innovation in regional economies.
Our program emphasizes real-world projects and the valuable experience of receiving guidance and feedback on your progress from experienced professors. You will be prepared to enter the workforce for your community and on a fast track to your professional certification by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).
What types of jobs can students expect after graduating?
MRP graduates become planners who work toward guiding their communities to a better future. Using systematic approaches and creative problem-solving, planners can provide the service of social change. Alumni have gone on to revitalize urban areas, protect the environment, preserve historical sites, and manage economic and community development across private and public sectors.
Learn more about MRP careers >
What should my academic background include?
Students enter the MRP program from a variety of academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds. Helpful skills include writing and interpersonal communication (for presenting your ideas), as well as some basic technical competence in using spreadsheets or coding for data analysis.
Is the MRP program accredited?
Yes, the MRP program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).
How big will my classes be?
The average MRP cohort has 15 to 20 students per year of the program. Most first-year classes are small seminars. Students will also attend lectures, workshops, labs, discussions, and conduct research projects.
What is needed to apply? Do I need a GRE?
No, a GRE score is not required to apply to our programs. For the Master of Regional Planning, you will need:
- A bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited college or university with recognized standing.
- A minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- Official transcripts of all previous college or university work (both undergraduate and graduate, if applicable).
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A personal statement that outlines your goals for graduate study.
Learn more about applying to the MRP program >
What are the application deadlines?
The regular deadline for fall admission is February 1. Applications will be reviewed, and offer letters will be sent in March.
While most students begin in the fall, the MRP program will consider spring admissions on an ad-hoc basis. However, complete applications must be received by November 1 for consideration and you must notify the MRP program director of your submission.
Learn how to reach the program director >
How long is the program?
The average length of the MRP program is two years. Undergraduate students from UMass Amherst, Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College are eligible for the 4+1 program, which allows these students to complete their MRP in one year.
The MRP requires 48 credits for graduation. Students in the program may substitute elective credits for an approved internship.
Can I complete an MRP as a part-time student?
The MRP is designed as a full-time, on-site program, as it is structured to conform to professional accreditation requirements. However, the program is flexible enough to accommodate part-time and off-cycle (spring admission) students.
Are dual degrees available?
Yes! Dual degrees allow you to blend two related fields in your graduate studies. We currently offer the following dual degrees:
- Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning (MLA/MRP)
- Architecture and Regional Planning (MArch/MRP)
- Regional Planning and Public Policy and Administration (MRP/MPPA)
- Regional Planning and Sustainability Science (MRP/MS3)
- Regional Planning and Civil Engineering - Transportation (MRP/MSCE)
- Regional Planning and Geography (MRP/MSG)
Learn more about our dual degree programs >
What are some examples of the Department's specialties and recent research?
Areas of faculty research include land-use planning and land conservation, transportation, economic development, automation and the future of work, the role of community participation in equitable redevelopment, digital technologies in urban planning, climate art, urban green spaces, climate change mitigation, and housing policy.