Course Rotation (Required Core)

Careers involving Urban Planning primarily revolve around local governments, as well as management, scientific, and technical consulting services. Employment for planners in the private sector has also been increasing. Urban Planning training can also lead to careers in the state government agencies dealing with housing, transportation, or environmental protection.

Alternative Plan Paper Option Only – 36 credits

The Master of Arts in Urban Planning is a 2 year professional program orientated towards a systematic, creative approach to analyzing and planning neighborhoods, small towns, cities, suburbs, metropolitan areas, regions, and states. While most planners work for government at the state and local level, planners work in the non-profit and private consulting areas as well.

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of College of Graduate Studies, admission to the program as a degree-seeking student requires:

1. Undergraduate course in research methods/statistics, or equivalent
2. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 in the last two years of coursework
3. Two recommendations assessing potential for successful graduate study
4. Personal statement describing academic and work background; reason for selecting graduate study in this degree program, and particular interests/skills (including technological skills; eg computer programs with which you are familiar - GIS, web page, etc.) you would bring to the program.

Admission to the program on a provision basis may be approved for applicants with a GPA of at least 2.6 in the last two years of coursework and who demonstrate special circumstances and potential. Absence of specific undergraduate coursework in urban studies or statistics will result in the assigning of deficiency coursework which must be completed before graduation.

To apply online, go to Graduate Studies Applications page.

• URBS 602 – Planning Process (3)
• URBS 604 - Zoning & Legal Issues (3)
• URBS 661 - Long Range & Strategic Planning (3)
• URBS 662 - Operational Planning (3)

Elective Concentration (12 credits):

Student chooses 12 electives from URSI and other departments, with consent of advisor.Free Electives (3 credits)

The department recommends URBS 697 Internship.  GEOG 673 GIS for Planners, is expected for students with no previous GIS training.

Department of Urban and Regional Studies
Minnesota State University, Mankato
106 Morris Hall
Mankato , MN 56001
507-389-1540
david.laverny-rafter@mnsu.edu