Master's in Urban & Regional Planning
On-Campus Course Schedule for Spring 2026

Advanced Applications in GIS

This advanced seminar explores the strategic geospatial analysis of cities and regions. Students employ the ArcGIS Pro desktop GIS mapping application to become proficient in suitability modeling, mapping clusters, and regression analysis. Using the Python scripting language, students develop custom tools and methods for spatial analysis. The class culminates in an analysis competition, in which students apply analytical concepts to contemporary urban issues. Prior completion of MPUP 605 is required for students with no prior exposure to GIS software.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Affordable Housing Strategies

This seminar explores the practices of developing a comprehensive affordable housing strategy for a local jurisdiction. While the emphasis is on the economics of delivering housing to the complete range of incomes, the course explores how comprehensive housing strategies move beyond housing policy to include other urban planning challenges which impact affordability, social inclusion and community development. Lectures, guest speakers and analytical exercises explore policy themes and student research culminates in a final project which constructs a new housing strategy in a given jurisdiction.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Global Urbanization

This seminar introduces the diverse drivers of international urban development which make global urbanization one of the most important global trends in the 21st Century. Coursework includes surveys of global demographic change, global urban markets, urban investment trends and the socio-environmental challenges that accompany them. The course introduces students to international non-governmental organizations (NGO), multi-lateral development banks and international institutions of government who are collectively embracing localized urbanization as a global policy agenda.

Note: This course meets in-person at the day and time listed.

Independent Study

Independent Study is a student-initiated and student-designed course of study. It can be structured either as a professional internship or as an advanced academic study project. Students must apply to take this course in the previous semester using the special application form. Once approved, students are assigned an academic advisor to help guide their work. Students are required to make an oral presentation at the conclusion of the semester.

Land Use Controls

This seminar studies land use regulations, historic preservation and development review mechanisms. A first module explores the evolution, tools and application of municipal land use zoning in the United States. A second module explores other forms of municipal controls over land use, including inclusionary zoning, rent control, historic preservation, special design districts and international case studies. A third module examines historical case studies with an emphasis on complex urban projects which have required special approval processes and public-private negotiations. A common theme running through the course explores the historic impact of land use controls on the racial and economic composition of neighborhoods and cities.

Note: This course meets in-person at the day and time listed.

Participatory Planning

This seminar explores the theory and practice of participatory urban planning and utilization of the contemporary tools to advance best practices of community engagement. International in scope, students gain practical skills training through case studies, the observation and critique of contemporary practice, and scenario-based exercises. Topics include public presentation, media training, community charrettes, web-based engagement strategies, crowdsourcing, and other decentralized or digitized modes of engagement.

Note: This course meets in-person at the day and time listed.

Planning a Sustainable Future

This core course examines the facets of sustainability planning that affect the health and future of the 21st century city in the era of climate change. As urban populations increase and natural resources grow more scarce, the principles of sustainable communities become integral to shaping livable urban environments. Theories of sustainability, sustainability policy, as well as obstacles to sustainable development are reviewed and case studies of sustainable communities are used to establish global benchmarks of best practices.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Planning Research & Methods

This core course introduces students to the underlying skills and research methods necessary to excel in the Urban & Regional Planning program. Students will become familiar with the sources of data, quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, and spatial analysis, while concurrently developing knowledge in the concepts and terminology of urban planning practice. Through readings, lectures, field study and applied analysis, students gain proficiency in applying both foundational knowledge and skills. This course is required for all incoming students.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Professional Internship

Professional Internship is a one-credit, student-initiated course of study to advance professional practice knowledge. It is structured as a professional internship in coordination with an external organization. Students must apply to take this course in the previous semester using the special application form. Students are required to make an oral presentation at the conclusion of the semester.

Note: This course requires department approval for registration.

Quantifying Urban Mobility

This seminar explores the practices of quantifying transportation demand at the city, metropolitan and regional scale. Special emphasis is placed on identifying and applying quantitative methods to the challenge of describing mobility across public and private modes of travel. By utilizing a case study approach, students acquire quantitative skills and an understanding of the planning assumptions associated with the modeling of transportation flows. Prior completion of MPUP 765 is required for students with no prior exposure to transportation planning.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Urban Economics & Land Uses

This core course applies economic analysis to the study of urban land use patterns and real estate markets. The goal of the course is for students to understand and apply economic principles to the analysis of diverse urban land uses. Among topics covered include the growth of the urban core, the determination of highest & best uses, the determination of rent and vacancy, affordability, and the economics of the private investment cycle. Previous familiarity with basic terms and concepts in economics is expected. Calculus is not required, but a firm understanding of algebra and proficiency in interpreting graphs is assumed. Problem sets, case studies, tests, and class participation are included in grading.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Urban Planning Capstone

Capstone is the culminating course in the program curriculum and the final requirement to become eligible to graduate. Students propose a topic, conduct research and work with an adviser to develop an argument advancing the professional practice of urban planning. Projects may be place-based, practice-based or be completed as a professional engagement. All students must present their work to a visiting review committee and submit a written deliverable for final evaluation. Capstone may be paired with Independent Study in the previous semester to allow the completion of an academic thesis. Upon completion students are encouraged to publish their work through Digital Georgetown and by doing so make their work searchable by the public. Students must apply to take this course in the previous semester using the special application form.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed. This course is a core requirement of the degree and requires a grade of "B" or better for successful completion. This course requires department approval for registration.