Online Bachelor of Science in Planning in Urban Planning
Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Planning in urban planning teaches theories and practices for creating equitable, healthy and happy communities. In this unique program, you’ll study transportation, business districts, neighborhoods, green space and more. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to design impactful communities.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Why earn an urban planning degree?
Urban planning shapes the way our cities, states and communities operate, how people navigate the globe and how cities are planned for success. Throughout this degree, you'll develop a strong foundation of the history, theory and contemporary practices of urban planning.
Courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who’ll guide you as you explore relevant physical, social, political and economic issues. You’ll also have the opportunity to cater your education to your interests with elective courses featuring specialized topics, such as ethics, economic development and government planning.
Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:
Develop skills you need for careers in urban planning and development
In this program, you’ll learn to cultivate an analytical perspective in urban planning and development. You’ll also acquire a range of transferable skills, including problem solving, design, public engagement and critical thinking. Additionally, you’ll gain experience using contemporary planning tools, such as GIS, that’ll help you stand out from the competition in the job market. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to design communities and directly impact residents’ quality of life.
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 city planning courses
Throughout this program’s coursework, you’ll explore the qualitative and quantitative research methodologies needed to analyze the physical, social, political and economic issues that shape urban and regional development. In your required courses, you’ll learn about sustainability and foundational principles. You’ll also have the opportunity to take specialized elective courses that focus on economic development, planning laws, government planning, environmental planning, ethics and social issues found within urban planning.
City planner and more: Jobs you can get with an urban planning degree
Once you’ve completed this urban planning degree, you’ll be prepared to continue your education with an advanced degree or apply for jobs in the public, private or nonprofit sectors. Urban planners are involved in a wide range of areas, from transportation and economic development to environmental planning, housing or community development. Depending on your area of interest, potential career paths may involve current planning and zoning review, long-range planning, public participation, site development and design, community advocacy, consulting and more. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Commercial Real Estate Associate
Environmental Restoration Planner
Forester
Housing Quality Standard Inspector (HQS Inspector)
Landscape Architect
Real Estate Appraiser
Real Estate Broker
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Transportation Planner
Learn from leaders in urban development and 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 leaders in urban development and 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
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
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.
You might also be interested in
Undergraduate
Electrical Engineering – Electric Power and Energy Systems (BSE)
Starts 08/21/2025
Learn more
