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.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 10/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Urban Planning (BSP)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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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.

State authorization:
We strongly recommend you visit our state authorization page to learn how ASU is authorized to operate in your state, policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions.

What industries hire urban planners, city planners and urban development professionals?

Urban planning is a diverse profession with many potential career pathways. Urban planning degree holders often work for or with local governments and governmental agencies, including planning and development departments, economic development departments and regional transportation agencies. Planners also work for private sector planning firms, nonprofit agencies, real estate developers and allied industries, such as engineering or design firms. While most urban planning careers within the government are available at the city level, county, state and federal jobs also exist.

Professional licensure and certification

ASU academic programs are designed to prepare students to apply for applicable licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet education requirements for license or certification in another state. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Arizona, it is strongly recommended that you visit our professional licensure page for contact information of the appropriate licensing entity to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements.

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


Growth: 5.4 %
Salary: $60,670

Environmental Restoration Planner


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $76,480

Equal Employment Opportunity Officer (EEO Officer)


Growth: 4.6 %
Salary: $71,690

Forester


Growth: 2.4 %
Salary: $64,220

Landscape Architect


Growth: 0.7 %
Salary: $73,210

Lawyer


Growth: 7.5 %
Salary: $135,740

Real Estate Broker


Growth: 3.5 %
Salary: $62,190

Regulatory Affairs Specialist


Growth: 4.6 %
Salary: $71,690

Transportation Planner


Growth: 1.7 %
Salary: $88,900

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

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

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.

25,500+


currently enrolled students.

$170 million


in research expenditures in 2022.

23


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.

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