Best Cities and Universities for Master’s in Urban Planning Specializations

Studying for a Master’s in Urban Planning can lead you to various specializations and the best places often depend on the specific focus you want to pursue. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top cities and universities for different urban planning routes:

General Urban Planning

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA

Program: Master in City Planning Highlights: Strong emphasis on technology and innovation in urban environments.

University of California, Berkeley (UCB), UC Berkeley, CA

Program: Master of City Planning Highlights: Diverse focus areas including social justice and sustainable development.

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Program: Master in Urban Planning Highlights: Interdisciplinary approach with access to various resources in policy and design.

Environmental Planning

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Program: Master of Urban and Regional Planning Highlights: Strong focus on sustainability and environmental issues.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

Program: Master of City and Regional Planning Highlights: Emphasis on environmental policy and community engagement.

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Program: Master of Regional Planning Highlights: Strong environmental science integration and focus on rural-urban linkages.

Transportation Planning

University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA

Program: Master of Urban and Regional Planning Highlights: Focus on transportation and land use planning in urban areas.

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Atlanta, GA

Program: Master of City and Regional Planning Highlights: Strong emphasis on transportation systems and urban design.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana and Champaign, IL

Program: Master of Urban Planning Highlights: Notable for its research in transportation and infrastructure.

Policy Making and Governance

New York University (NYU), New York, NY

Program: Master of Urban Planning Highlights: Focus on urban policy governance and community development.

Columbia University, New York, NY

Program: Master of Science in Urban Planning Highlights: Strong emphasis on policy analysis and urban studies.

University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA

Program: Master of Planning Highlights: Focus on urban policy planning and community engagement.

Additional Considerations

International Options: If you’re considering studying abroad, universities like University College London (UCL) and The London School of Economics (LSE) offer excellent programs with a global perspective on urban issues.

Networking and Internships: Look for programs located in major urban centers where you can gain practical experience and network with professionals in the field.

Conclusion

The best place for you to study urban planning will depend on your specific interests and career goals. It's beneficial to research each program's curriculum, faculty, and resources to find the best fit for your aspirations.