MURP
Advanced Standing

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Beginning fall 2021, students graduating with their BA from an accredited Urban Planning program, including EWU’s BA in Urban and Regional Planning (BAURP), can apply for “advanced standing” into the Master’s of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) program. A BA is required for entry into the Advanced Standing MURP program, which reduces the number of required credits in the MURP program to 41. The MURP program is normally a 2-year professional curriculum, whereas the Advanced Standing MURP is a 1-year professional curriculum. Prospective students should apply in their final year of undergraduate studies, culminating in their BAURP.

Like the MURP, in the Advanced Standing MURP program, you will learn how to make a difference in your community and solve real-world problems. We provide unique opportunities for those who want to play a part in shaping a better future. Our graduates succeed in finding employment both in the United States and internationally.

Contact urp@ewu.edu for more information. For planning your course schedule, contact Dr. Matthew Anderson at manderson22@ewu.edu or Dr. Jason Scully at jscully@ewu.edu.

Public Information 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements of the Advanced Standing MURP program include those required by Graduate Programs at EWU as well as the following:

  • A BAURP degree from EWU
  • Two letters of recommendation submitted through the online application process to the planning graduate advisor: Dr. Jason Scully. Both letters should be from instructors familiar with your undergraduate, or where applicable, graduate academic record. In the event you have professional planning experience, letters may come from a supervisor or other person familiar with your planning work.
  • A personal letter of intent explaining why you wish to study planning and outlining your educational and career goals, also submitted via the online application tool.

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What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Urban and Regional Planning, Advanced Standing Master of Urban & Regional Planning (MURP)

The master's degree in Urban & Regional Planning has become the 'industry standard' in the profession. Although our EWU undergraduate BAURP is fully accredited, these external demands mean that our alumni often seek a master's degree in order to advance professionally. This one-year, 41 credit hour course of study provides an opportunity for graduates of the EWU undergraduate Urban and Regional Planning to obtain an accredited master with advanced standing.

Additionally, if you are a graduate of any other accredited Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) accredited undergraduate planning program we would be pleased to consider your application for Advanced Standing.  Advanced standing may also be possible for graduates of other closely-related undergraduate programs -- please consult with the Urban and Regional Planning Graduate Advisor.

Advanced Standing Curriculum
Summer Quarter
PLAN 591RESEARCH PROJECT PREPARATION1
Optional Elective5
Fall Quarter
PLAN 501FOUNDATIONS OF PLANNING5
PLAN 506PLANNING METHODS III5
PLAN 523TRIBAL GOVERNANCE4
Winter Quarter
PLAN 502ADVANCED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT5
PLAN 507ADVANCED PLANNING STUDIO5
PLAN 508REFLECTIVE PLANNING THEORY3
Spring Quarter
PLAN 542SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES3
PLAN 601RESEARCH PROJECT5
Elective if needed
Total Credits41

Sample Courses

PLAN 523. TRIBAL GOVERNANCE. 4 Credits.

Pre-requisites: in graduate program or permission of instructor.
This course will outline the unique context of tribal governments as sovereign nations under the federal government, examine the history and evolution of tribal government institutions within the unique tribal cultural systems and describe the role and relationship of governance and planning within such a framework.

Catalog Listing

PLAN 508. REFLECTIVE PLANNING THEORY. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: second year of graduate program, or permission of the instructor.
This course will present an overview of the range of the philosophical and methodological approaches to planning and their varying roles within the discipline. The emphasis is on examining professional knowledge and reflection in action to provide a contextual guide for planning practitioners as they enter the profession.

Catalog Listing

PLAN 507. ADVANCED PLANNING STUDIO. 5 Credits.

Pre-requisites: second year of graduate program.
Preparation of a major planning project for a community or other agency. Students work in cooperation with practicing professionals, conduct general research, perform analysis, develop specialized plans and draft implementation tools. Each student is assigned specific responsibilities on an interdisciplinary team.

Catalog Listing

PLAN 542. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES. 3 Credits.

Examines the case for sustainable urban and rural development and explores examples of efforts to create sustainable developments.

Catalog Listing

PAB

2334 W Lawrence Ave
Ste 209
Chicago, IL 60625

Accreditation

The EWU Urban and Regional Planning program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).

PAB Accreditation Seal