Urban Planning, BSP
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
-
Math Intensity:
General
- Initial Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
Required Courses (Major Map)
Program Description
Urban planners guide communities in making wise decisions about their use of land and resources. The urban planning program introduces students to issues faced by urban areas and the tools necessary to address them.
Students in the BSP program gain expertise in the analysis and synthesis of the physical, social, political and economic issues that shape urban and regional development. Courses cover comprehensive planning, computer and analytical methods, public policy formulation and administration, socioeconomic and environmental analyses, urban design and many other fields that urban planning encompasses, such as:
- geographic information systems
- housing
- landscape architecture
- planning and zoning law
- transportation
- urban and development economics
- utilities
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Urban and Environmental Planning
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
Graduates of the urban planning program pursue career opportunities with private planning firms and governmental planning agencies, mainly at the city level, but also with county, state and federal entities. Some planners elect to pursue graduate degrees to develop specialty skills and enhance their opportunities for career advancement.
The urban planning degree, especially when combined with a focus on geographic information science, gives graduates an advantage in careers that combine urban planning with GIS and in other jobs dealing with urban issues, including:
- comprehensive and long-range planning
- economic development planning
- housing issues
- planning law
- public participation in the planning process
- socioeconomic and environmental analyses
- sustainable planning
- transportation
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
- Growth: 5.4%
- Median Salary*: 60670
Environmental Restoration Planners
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 76480
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
- Growth: 4.6%
- Median Salary*: 71690
Foresters
- Growth: 2.4%
- Median Salary*: 64220
Landscape Architects
- Growth: 0.7%
- Median Salary*: 73210
Lawyers
- Growth: 7.5%
- Median Salary*: 135740
Real Estate Brokers
- Growth: 3.5%
- Median Salary*: 62190
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
- Growth: 4.6%
- Median Salary*: 71690
Transportation Planners
- Growth: 1.7%
- Median Salary*: 88900
Urban and Regional Planners
- Growth: 3.7%
- Median Salary*: 79540
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Professional Licensure
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
Through study abroad programs, students of urban planning can gain an understanding of how communities around the world have developed urban areas, and look at urban issues from a global perspective. The valuable experience students obtain through study abroad enhances their resumes, and they will be ready to use their acquired insights to help communities at home and around the world.
Study abroad programs are available in more than 300 programs in more than 65 countries.
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- SGSUP.advising@asu.edu
- 480/965-7533