Master's in Urban & Regional Planning
Connecting with the Industry
As a collaborative center of excellence, the program affords students the opportunity to engage in a strategic array of university partners and external organizations. Together, we seek to advance the urban planning discipline through applied research and engagement.
The program sponsors urban planning studios every semester where students directly engage external stakeholders. Students may also pursue independent study projects, including academic internships, where they conduct research associated with real problems in real communities. The program shares—and strengthens—this professional knowledge through civic dialogues, dedicated research initiatives, and community engagement.
University Partnerships
The URP program collaborates with many other academic, research, and student resources across the University and makes available special opportunities to our students. Program faculty and students participate in the Georgetown Global Cities Initiative, an academic community dedicated to creating and sharing inter-disciplinary knowledge of cities, their communities, and the opportunities associated with unprecedented global urbanization. Additionally, the URP program collaborates with other schools at Georgetown to offer cross-listed courses, including with the McCourt School of Policy, the Georgetown Law Center, and the Georgetown History Department.
Industry Partnerships
The Urban & Regional Planning program has an active relationship with the American Planning Association, the Urban Land Institute, the U.S. Green Building Council, the American Institute of Architects, and the American Society of Landscape Architects. The program encourages students to be active in these organizations during their time in the program. Each year two students are selected to serve on the board of the National Capital Area Chapter of the American Planning Association.
Research Partnerships
The Urban & Regional Planning program has direct working partnerships with external organizations that facilitate student engagement and professional exposure. These include the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Business Improvement District Council, and the Wuhan University School of Urban Design and Planning.
Professional Development Alliances
The Urban & Regional Planning program is a member of the ongoing partnerships between the Georgetown School of Continuing Studies and the World Bank Group and with the United States Office of Personnel Management. Employees of the World Bank Group and participating federal agencies may qualify for dedicated scholarships.