FAQ

What do Planners Do?

Urban planning is a profession dedicated to managing change. Planners assist in the preservation and enhancement of community life, the protection of the environment, the promotion of equity and the management of urban growth and change. Planners engage issues affecting where people live, work and play; where they shop and receive medical attention; how they get from place to place; what communities look like; how communities work and how we use our resources. Planning involves various roles. Some planners function as technical analysts or researchers, others as designers or program developers, some as social change agents and still others as managers or educators.

What is the MCMP Program?

The graduate planning degree produces professional planning practitioners through courses in urban processes, history, law, theory, research, and analysis. The program features a community-based planning workshop along with a capstone experience: professional project or a master’s thesis. In addition, students create an area of specialization to suit their professional interests, which include: Land use, Environmental Planning, Economic Development, Housing Planning and Policy, Community Development, Transportation Planning, Urban Design, Historic Preservation and Geographic Information Systems.

How long is the MCMP program?

The MCMP degree is a two-year professional degree accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board. The MCMP is continually undergoing self-evaluation in order to be responsive to changes in the profession. We are the only school of planning offering an accredited degree State of Utah.

Can I transfer work done at another University?

A student may transfer up to 9 semester hours of graduate course work from an accredited college or university provided that:
• The course work was not used to satisfy requirements for a baccalaureate degree or another masters degree,
• The course grade was at least a “B” (or equivalent),
• The student’s graduate advisor approves the transfer credit,
• The course work is not more than five (5) years old when the transfer is approved, and
• The student fulfills the residency requirements of the University of Utah.

Students seeking transfer credit should supply their supervisory committees with necessary supporting materials. These should include pertinent syllabi, where possible, and catalog descriptions.

How much does graduate school cost?

Undergraduate: Freshman and Sophomore 0-59 hours (Resident) (Nonresident)
Undergraduate: Junior and Senior 60+ hours (Resident) (Nonresident)
Graduate: (Resident) (Nonresident)

What is the current job market for planners?

According to Bureau of Labor and Statistics Urban and regional Planners are expected to grow 15% between 2006 and 2016, which is faster that the average for other occupations. Most new planning positions will be with local government where planners will deal with such issues as rapid population growth, land use policies, and sustainability.

What do planners earn?

In May 2008 the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that a planners median income was $59,810 with the 10th percentile making $37,960 and 90th percentile at $91,520 Click here for more information.

Is financial aid available?

Student loans are administered through the University of Utah, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, 201 South 1460 East Room 105, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-9055. Learn More
The College of Architecture + Planning also offers limited financial aid. Check the appropriate box on your application form and you will automatically be considered for scholarship aid if it is received before March 1.

What are the prerequisites for admission?

Please refer to these links below for admission information
Undergraduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions

Will you help me find a job?

As a student of the University of Utah you will have access to a Career Services: a group a dedicated professions committed to meeting the needs of all students. Career Services offers such things as in-depth one on one career counseling, access to job listings, career fairs, and much more. Click here to visit the Career Services Website.