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The Master of Science (MS) in Planning Program is located within the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA), a national leader in sustainable design, planning, and management. As a professional college, CAPLA’s core mission and strength is training architects, landscape architects, urban planners, and real estate development professionals to work effectively within a challenging array of social, economic, and environmental conditions.
The School of Landscape Architecture and Planning encourages and supports a culture of innovation in teaching, research, creative works, as well as community engagement aimed at advancing professional practice and preparing students to be leaders in their respective fields.
We utilize Tucson and the unique Sonoran Desert environment as a learning laboratory for applied research and community-based projects involving a variety of stakeholders.
Creative thinking and collaborative learning are encouraged in all of our programs through interdisciplinary coursework and real-world projects. Graduates are able to integrate scientific knowledge with resourceful innovation to achieve outcomes that demonstrate best practices for the development of healthful, livable, and meaningful places.
College of Architecture, Planning & Landscape Architecture
University of Arizona - Main - Tucson
Students applying to the program must meet University of Arizona Graduate College admissions standards.
Application Requirements
Prospective students are required to submit application materials directly to the University of Arizona Graduate College. Please pay careful attention to the procedures described in the online application portal. You can access the online application system as many times as necessary to prepare your application up until the time you formally submit your materials. Applications will not be reviewed until all materials have been received.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required to apply.
All applicants must upload the following documents using PDF format:
Personal Statement: You will be required to submit a Statement of Purpose, clearly and concisely delineating your focus or interest, special aptitude or personal characteristics and any other relevant factors related to your career aspirations in the profession of urban planning. Additionally, discuss your reasons for applying to the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and the University of Arizona.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae: You will be asked to provide a biographical profile/resume including a complete record of academic and professional work.
Letters of Recommendation: You will be asked to provide the names and contact information (email address) of three persons who can comprehensively evaluate your record and potential for success in the graduate program. A combination of academic and professional recommendations is preferred. As soon as you have entered this information, an automatic email message will be sent to your recommender, explaining what is required and giving him/her instructions on how to log in on our website. On the recommendations site they will be asked to complete a form, and will also be able to upload a letter or type in some text if they wish to do so.
Transcripts: One complete set of official college transcripts for all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework (diplomas, titulos). If these original documents are not in English, an official English translation must also be included. Submit these documents directly from the issuing institution to the Graduate College Online Application system. An official document must be submitted before formal admission to the Graduate College will be granted.
International students must also provide:
Financial Guarantee: Applicants must submit a Financial Guarantee form certifying they have sufficient U.S. funds for their first year of education. If family members are to accompany the student, additional funds are required. If the student receives a fellowship or an assistantship, the amount of the award will constitute part of the financial guarantee.
Proof of English Language Proficiency: TOEFL scores are required of applicants who speak English as a second language unless they have completed at least two years of full time academic study in the United States, English-speaking Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand or other official English speaking countries at an accredited institution, culminating in the receipt of a bachelors or graduate degree that is awarded within two years of the term of enrollment.
Students must have 48 graded semester hours of upper division, undergraduate work or 30 graded semester hours of graduate work. If the student has been residing outside the English speaking country for more than 2 years since completing studies and earning a degree, he or she will be required to submit current TOEFL or IELTS scores as part of the admissions process. TOEFL results are valid for two years only.
Only scores of 79 or greater on the TOEFL (with a minimum score of 26 required for the Speaking section) and 7 or greater on the ILETS are acceptable. The Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) at The University of Arizona offers full-time English-language training for students who have not attained an acceptable score on their TOEFL.
Official transcripts may be mailed to
CAPLA Graduate Programs Office
University of Arizona
1040 N. Olive
Tucson, AZ 85721
Required test(s): N/A
Required GRE Subject tests: N/A
Recommended tests: N/A
Recommended GRE Subject tests: N/A
Minimum GRE Verbal: N/A
Minimum GRE Quantitative: N/A
Minimum GRE Written: N/A
Minimum GMAT: N/A
Minimum MAT: N/A
Minimum TOEFL: 79
Minimum IELTS: 7
Financial aid is available to qualified students based on the program, merit and financial need. Many of our students receive some form of financial aid excluding loans.
Admissions Deadlines
Most students enter the program in the Fall semester, although we accept applications throughout the year and can admit students for the Spring semester.
Domestic Applicants (US Citizen, Permanent Resident of the US at time of application, or hold Refugee, Asylee, or Jay Treaty status):
International Applicants (all those who do not meet conditions of Domestic Applicant):
(example: Applicants for Fall 2020; Completed applications should be submitted by March 31.)
** Applications are considered for admission on a rolling basis. We will continue to review completed applications for terms even after the Preferred Selection deadline has passed. NOTE: International applicants may still be reviewed for admissions, but may not receive Immigration documentation in time to complete travel requirements.
Domestic Applicants:
International Applicants
** Applications are considered for admission on a rolling basis. We will continue to review completed applications for terms even after the Preferred Selection deadline has passed. NOTE: International applicants may still be reviewed for admissions, but may not receive Immigration documentation in time to complete travel requirements.
International applicants may be considered for conditional admission to this program at the department's discretion.
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Graduate students pursuing the Master of Science in Planning are required to follow the recommended sequence of courses. A total of 49 units, including 34 units of core coursework,9 units of concentration courses, and 6 units of approved elective courses are required in order to obtain the degree.
See program curriculum on the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning website.
Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.