Online Master of Urban and Environmental Planning
Are you interested in becoming a leader in urban planning to positively impact your community? If so, Arizona State University’s online Master of Urban and Environmental Planning degree may be perfect for you. Through interactive classes and real-world projects, this program equips you to solve complex social, economic and environmental issues in diverse communities.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 15
Weeks per class: 7.5–15
Total credit hours: 47
Prepare for leadership roles in urban planning
In this master’s in urban and environmental planning program, you’ll learn how to create healthier, safer and more vibrant communities. You’ll also engage with practical planning problems and contemporary planning challenges. Upon graduation, you’ll have the theoretical foundations, professional skills and practice-centered experience needed to become an urban planner or work in an allied field. This can include roles within urban design, architecture, engineering and development.
Additionally, you’ll be prepared to sit for the American Planning Association’s (APA) American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) exam. Working toward this credential can give you a leg up when applying for roles.
The knowledge and skills you’ll develop
With faculty members drawing from expertise in research and practice, you’ll receive a robust education that covers planning knowledge and skills, planning values, ethics and emergent planning issues. You’ll also gain critical thinking abilities related to problem definition, solving and evaluation. Additional transferrable skills you’ll develop to support a career in the planning profession include:
- Graphic communications.
- Professional writing.
- Project management.
- Public participation and community engagement.
- Public speaking and presentation.
- Research and data analysis, including quantitative and qualitative methods.
Who’s a good candidate for this master’s program?
Urban planning professionals enter the field with a wide array of backgrounds. Ideal candidates are individuals with undergraduate degrees in urban planning, urban studies, public policy, geography, geographic information systems or related disciplines. This program can also be a great fit for those with professional planning experience or an interest in cities, neighborhoods and communities.
Professional licensure and certification
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Urban and environmental planning courses
In your courses, you’ll gain foundational knowledge about the planning profession and planning issues in a global context. You’ll also have the opportunity to pursue individual areas of expertise through a wide variety of electives. Additionally, the program culminates in completing a capstone project, which will allow you to engage with a practical planning scenario, showcase your skills and create innovative solutions.
The jobs you could get with an urban and environmental planning master’s
This Master of Urban and Environmental Planning is a broad, inclusive degree with many potential career pathways. Graduates are prepared for jobs in a variety of sectors, including public sector positions working for local and regional government agencies, private sector positions working for consulting, development and other planning-adjacent firms and nonprofit sector positions. Specific career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Learn from leading faculty in urban and environmental planning
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Learn from leading faculty in urban and environmental planning
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
How to apply
Applicants to the Master of Urban and Environmental Planning must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
The largest and most diverse college at ASU
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
31,572
students enrolled as of fall 2024
$161 million
in research expenditures in FY23
21
interdisciplinary schools and departments
100+
undergraduate degrees
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
