Master's in Urban & Regional Planning
On-Campus Course Schedule for Summer 2024

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.

Advanced Quantitative Methods

This seminar explores how urban planners collect and use information to examine a broad range of social, environmental, land use, economic, and organizational data. Students will become informed users of this data and acquire the skills to perform diverse quantitative research. The first half of the course explores research methods for data collection and information gathering. The second half of the course explores rigorous statistical methods and quantitative data analysis. Using case studies, the course provides students with practical instruction on how to thoughtfully define and address planning-related problems using empirical, quantitative data.

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

Ethics & Planning Practice

This core course explores the values and decisions related to the ethical practice of urban planning in democratic societies. Students investigate the process of developing ethical frameworks and advancing decision-making in professional planning practice. Students critically assess historical practices in the context of the multi-cultural city and contemporary goals for social and environmental justice.

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

Geospatial Analysis

This seminar is an introduction to Geographic Information Systems and their application within the fields of urban planning, asset management and public administration. Students develop proficiency in ESRI software and discover geo-coded data in support of performing spatial analysis in cities and regions. This course includes a combination of hands-on instruction as well as lectures introducing contemporary applications. Students will produce a final spatial analysis project as the dedicated means to researching communities and the built-environment.

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.

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

Independent Study

This one-credit course enables students to engage in an applied professional internship. Coursework includes a residency in a professional organization in the public, private or non-profit sectors. Students will be assigned an advisor and will produce a final report regarding professional practices in urban & regional planning. This course requires an application and manual enrollment by program staff.

New Urban Technologies

This advanced seminar is organized as a studio investigating the introduction of new technologies into urban places and systems. The course is structured to enable students to work collaboratively with industry professionals seeking to develop new urban solutions. This class requires all students to perform systems analysis, design thinking, and creative problem-solving. Interim exercises emphasize methods of problem definition, documentation, interdisciplinary analysis, and scenario-based analysis. Effective communication skills are developed to support the translation of complex interdisciplinary problems into understandable and actionable measures. A final project requires students to create a defined application that blends technology management and urban planning.

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

Planning Studio

This studio course is an introduction into the practices of urban planning through direct engagement of external organizations. Students engage in urban analysis and the formulation and articulation of an urban planning strategy. Examples of successful urban analysis, planning initiatives and community design strategies will are introduced as case studies of professional practice. Coursework emphasizes the exploration of methods of documentation, interdisciplinary analysis and effective communication of planning concepts. A final project presentation is made to external stakeholders.

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

Public Private Partnerships

This seminar explores the practice of delivering high-performance infrastructure in the United States and globally. Course material introduces students to key areas of practice, including innovative municipal finance, civic technologies and data generation, regulatory innovation and cross-sector partnerships. Content is delivered through case studies, site visits and professional expert briefs. Students conduct research in a final project with context-specific infrastructure projects in a dedicated urban marketplace.

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