Why Pursue a Master's Degree in Urban Planning
The Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design’s downtown location in San Antonio is composed of several historic layers from the 17th century to the present, making the program a perfect laboratory for the in-depth exploration of creativity, professions and research.
The program’s primary focus is to prepare students to become practitioners in the planning profession and takes an interdisciplinary perspective on understanding modern urban challenges. There are two specializations offered – Urban Policy, and Urban Design – though students may graduate as generalist planners with no prescribed specialization. Students can expect a strong quantitative focus preparing planners to learn data science skills such as computer programing, geospatial data manipulation, exploration and modeling.
Accreditation and Organizational Memberships
Admission & Application Requirements
Applications are submitted through the UT San Antonio Graduate Application. Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UT San Antonio Graduate Application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion and submission of the application, a nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents are on file with UT San Antonio by the appropriate application deadline.
| Urban and Regional Planning (MS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Required Degree | Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution. | |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) Departments may consider GPA of last 60 semester credit hours | |
| Coursework | Completed adequate credit hours or foreign institution equivalent coursework as preparation for the program. | |
| Transcripts* | Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English | |
| Credential Evaluation | Required if you have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions. Submit an evaluation of your transcripts from FCSA or any NACES-approved credential evaluation agency. | |
| English Language Proficiency | 79 TOEFL iBT / 6.5 IELTS / Duolingo 100 For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026: We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.0. |
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| Purpose Statement | Required | |
| Resume | Required | |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2 academic or professional reference(s) demonstrating your attributes for successful completion of this program (you will request these through the Graduate Admissions Application; let your recommenders know of your deadline to ensure submissions are on time) | |
| *Unofficial transcripts will be taken into consideration for admissions; however, if admitted into the program, you must submit official transcripts to the University. | ||
Application Deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.
| Urban and Regional Planning (MS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing on Admission Decision: Completed applications will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis. Decisions generally will be made and sent to applicants within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the application. | |||
| Application Deadlines for: | Priority | International | Domestic |
| Spring 2026 | Not Available | November 1 | December 1 |
| Summer 2026 | Not Available | March 1 | May 1 |
| Fall 2026 | February 1 | June 1 | August 1 |
| Spring 2027 | Not Available | November 1 | December 1 |
| Summer 2027 | Not Available | March 1 | May 1 |
Funding Opportunities
The Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design offers opportunities for competitive recruitment scholarships, for qualified applicants, which allow out-of-state and international applicants to pay tuition at the in-state rates. All applicants to the department’s graduate programs are automatically considered for these scholarships. The Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design also has an annual scholarship program for existing students, which includes college scholarships. In addition, the MSURP program can offer partial funding from the Nungesser Family Graduate Research Endowed Fellowship. Applications for these scholarships are solicited in the spring semester for the following academic year.
Career Options
UT San Antonio prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below are based on data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.
Program classes are offered at the Downtown Campus.
The School of Architecture and Planning also offers a certificate program in Urban and Regional Planning. Interested individuals should contact the Urban and Regional Planning Certificate Program Coordinator within the Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design. To learn more, visit the Graduate Catalog using the link below.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
The Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning (MSURP) program at UT San Antonio prepares planners to tackle known and emerging urban and regional challenges with rigorous evidence-based research and meaningful community engaged practice. Our faculty and students are engaged in the production of new scientific knowledge towards creating better places to live.
The program is flexible for those who take courses part-time and does not require a specific sequence for coursework. Urban and Regional Planning classes are offered primarily in evening (in-person) at the UT San Antonio One Riverwalk Plaza Building, and in some cases in a hybrid and online format. This combination of evening, hybrid and online teaching enable students to work during normal hours. The internship program provides a structure for starting or expanding career opportunities while receiving course credit.
The program’s primary focus is to prepare students to become practitioners in the planning profession and takes an interdisciplinary perspective on understanding modern urban challenges, including growth management, economic development, healthy cities, placemaking, transportation and community development. Emphasis is placed upon developing research and analytic communication skills in the classroom, with professional practice skills developed through engaged learning experiences.
The degree is in collaboration with the School of Architecture and Planning and the Department of Public Administration in the College for Health, Community and Policy. The program offers two specializations–Urban Policy and Urban Design–though students may graduate as generalist planners with no prescribed specialization.
The Master of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning is designed to prepare students for leadership roles and careers in the public and private sectors planning and designing communities and regions. Graduates of the program have found careers in public and private entities in a wide variety of specializations such as transportation, housing, environmental systems, community development and other career paths where a holistic view of societal, physical and political forces shape outcomes for communities.
Yes! Multiple courses in the MSURP offer hands-on experience with graduate faculty doing research in and around San Antonio and South Texas, as well as connections with local nonprofits, government entities and community groups. We thrive on the concept that “you cannot plan from a desk” and provide many opportunities for students to see how urban planning is happening in our San Antonio Region. The program also culminates in a capstone report or thesis that integrates a student’s knowledge and skills toward a tangible research product. Students should decide between the thesis or non-thesis capstone option before their final year in the program.
The Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) is the official institution that accredits university programs in North America leading to degrees in planning. UT San Antonio’s MS in Urban and Regional Planning is PAB accredited for the next 7 years through December 31, 2031, the highest level of accreditation, and one of only 3 institutions with this level of accreditation in the State of Texas. This accreditation benefits students by allowing them a shorter path to AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) Certification as being a graduate of a PAB accredited program.
MSURP applicants will automatically be considered for all available funding from the School of Architecture and Planning, including any available research assistantships or support from the Nungesser Family Graduate Research Endowed Fellowship. The full MSURP application is used for these awards—no other application is necessary.
Since most of our classes are in the evening or offered in a flexible hybrid format, students can work part-time or full-time. However, students can also work on campus, seek scholarships and fellowships, and support their studies with grants or loans.
