A total of 72 graduate units are necessary to satisfy the master’s degree requirements—including 32 units of core courses and successful completion of a capstone project, thesis, or comprehensive examination. A normal course load is 12 units per quarter (three courses), which enables students to complete the degree in two years.

Course Requirements

The curriculum culminates with a capstone requirement that may be fulfilled through one of the following options:

1. Completion of a Professional Report (PR), which provides students an opportunity to prepare an independent planning project for a planning organization. This entails a two-quarter course sequence: UPPP 292, and four units of UPPP 299 with a PR faculty advisor;
2. Completion of a Planning Practicum, which is a team-based course taught by a planning practitioner and conducted in conjunction with planning organizations. This entails a two-quarter course sequence: UPPP 294A and UPPP 294B;
3. Completion of a master's thesis, which is an independent academic research project. Students must apply in writing for the thesis option.  If approved by the MURP faculty program director, thesis students must complete a two-quarter sequence of four units of UPPP 299 with a thesis faculty advisor.
4. A comprehensive examination.

The program supports a diverse set of educational opportunities for master’s students including events and workshops sponsored by the department, student organizations, and the MURP Alumni Council.  In addition, several students each year incorporate an international educational experience as part of their degree either through the University of California’s Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) or the Network for European and U.S. Regional Urban Studies program (NEURUS). Practical experience in planning in the form of part-time planning internships is also strongly encouraged.

The range of employment opportunities for planners in the public, private, and non-governmental sectors is expanding due to rapid urbanization, rising concerns over environmental issues, and increases in social inequality. Career paths exist in public entities dealing with urban planning, economic development, transportation, community development, regional growth management, air quality, water treatment, community health, community revitalization, and public infrastructure. Employment possibilities also exist with private firms that specialize in transportation, general plans, economic development, environmental planning, emergency management, and residential, commercial, and industrial development. Finally, planners are increasingly pursuing meaningful careers in the growing non-governmental sector. These career opportunities include working with affordable housing developers, environmental and conservation organizations, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and labor unions.