About PhD Program,
Welcome to Urban Planning at Illinois! We are excited that you are considering the Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program.
More than half of the world’s population lives in cities. We face many pressing issues—climate change, poverty, affordable housing, and equal access to opportunity. Planners strive to address these challenges. We help create more sustainable, efficient, equitable, and healthy communities. We plan for a bright future.
Our MUP program prepares leaders in the planning profession by providing intellectual grounding and advanced skills. The program can also serve as a springboard for advanced research and the planning PhD.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Applicants must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college in the United States or a comparable degree from a recognized institution of higher learning abroad. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for last two years of undergraduate study is a minimum requirement for admission. If your undergraduate study is longer than 4 years, additional semesters may be used to calculate the admission GPA. Please note that proposed programs of study may require a higher GPA than the Graduate College’s minimum standard.
Applicants enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in the United States or a or comparable degree program from a recognized institution of higher learning abroad, and who meet the GPA requirements stated above will be admitted conditionally pending receipt of final academic credentials showing the undergraduate degree as conferred.
International applicants must meet minimum requirements based on their country of origin. Please note that proposed programs of study may require a higher GPA than the Graduate College’s minimum standard.
International applicants are required to submit proof of English proficiency. Specific requirements and waiver options are listed at https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/instructions/04c.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The Department of Urban and Regional Planning offers several options for financial support. We award assistantships and fellowships based on merit. Financial aid is based on need. Students interested in financial aid can find more information on the Graduate College website.
Our department awards more than $400,000 in merit-based financial support every year.
About 60 percent of our entering MUP class receives an offer of support. About 50 percent of MUP students have research or teaching assistantships each semester. In addition, students secure research assistantships or other assignments from faculty. Several students obtain jobs with planning agencies in the area.
Application Requirement,
Residency Information – Domestic Applicants
Residency Information – International Applicants
Resume and Application Statements
Application Deadline,
Dec 15, 2024
Application Fee,
A $70 application fee is required for all domestic applications.
International applicants are required to submit a $90.00 application fee.
