personal statement for urban studies

Urban Studies

The Urban Studies Program offers a bachelor of arts in urban studies with formal options in Global Urbanism and Community Development & Planning. The degree starts with an introduction into the discipline of urban studies with course topics on exploring cities, world development, and urban studies "in practice". The formal options deliver focused theory and skill-based courses that teach how to understand and impact the local and global dynamics of urban society. Graduates are prepared for public or private-sector jobs in areas such as housing and community development, planning, transportation, government agencies, and social services. The program is also excellent preparation for those interested in graduate study in such fields as community development, public administration, law or urban planning/design.

 Undergraduate Programs

 program of study: major: sustainable urban development.

The Urban Studies Program at UW Tacoma offers a BA in Sustainable Urban Development (SUD). As one of the first such degrees in the nation, students will be prepared to address recent initiatives that have called for a significant “greening” of urban development, both locally and internationally. Graduates will be prepared for careers in planning agencies, corporations adhering to sustainability practices, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and environmental/resource related agencies at the local, state, and federal levels of government. The degree is also excellent training for further graduate study in fields such as urban planning, public administration and law.

• Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sustainable Urban Development

Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and at least 40 college-level credits will be considered for admission.

• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all college course work. Applicants with a completed application and a minimum GPA of 2.50 will be given priority consideration for admission.
• Fulfillment of General University Requirements.
• Completion of a minimum of 40 transferable college-level credits.

How to Apply

A completed application consists of the following materials:

• Transfer students must submit a UW Tacoma application for transfer admission and application fee. Current UW Tacoma students must complete the “Declare/Change Major” form.
• An official transcript must be submitted from each college and university attended, even if no credit was earned. Failure to submit a complete set of transcripts may result in denial of admission or dismissal from the university. If you took a world language or intermediate algebra in high school and are using that to fulfill the world language or mathematics requirement, you must submit an official high school transcript as well.
• Submit a personal statement to describe how your personal, professional or educational experiences have shaped your academic, career and/or personal goals. How will a BA in Sustainable Urban Development from UW Tacoma help you attain these goals? This is also where the student should address any weaknesses in their transcripts or explain adversity experienced that affected previous academic performance.

 Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sustainable Urban Development

UW Tacoma Urban Studies Program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Urban Development. As one of the first such degrees in the nation, students will be prepared to address recent initiatives that have called for a significant “greening” of urban development, both locally and internationally. Graduates will be prepared for careers in planning agencies, corporations adhering to sustainability practices, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and environmental/resource related agencies at the local, state, and federal levels of government. The degree is also excellent training for further graduate study in fields such as urban planning, public administration and law.

To qualify for graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Urban Development from the University of Washington Tacoma, each student must complete the following requirements:

• General Education: No fewer than 40 credits of general education courses, to include a minimum of 10 credits in each of three areas of study: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities.
• Writing/Composition: A minimum of 15 credits of writing to include 5 credits of English composition (with a minimum 2.0 grade) and 10 credits of writing-intensive courses.
• Quantitative/Symbolic: A minimum of 5 credits of Reasoning course work.
• World Languages: College-level study in a single world language either through two sequential years in high school or through the second-quarter level (102) of college coursework prior to applying for graduation.
• Diversity: A minimum of 3 credits in Diversity coursework; designated courses study diversity in the United States with a focus on the sociocultural, political and economic diversity of human experience and help students develop an understanding of the complexities of living in increasingly diverse and interconnected societies.  (For students admitted as of autumn 2014.)
• Be a matriculated Sustainable Urban Development major in good academic standing with the University of Washington Tacoma.
• Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
• Complete a minimum of 180 credits.
• Earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each required Sustainable Urban Development course
• Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 for all coursework.
• Apply for graduation with a program advisor by the deadline posted by the University for the expected quarter of graduation
• T URB 101 (5 credits)
• T URB 102 (5 credits)
• T URB 103 (1 credit)
• T SUD 222 (5 credits)
• T SUD 240 (5 credits)
• T SUD 444 (5 credits)
• T SUD 445 (5 credits)
• T SUD 475 (5 credits)
• T URB 403 (2 credits)
• T GIS 311(6 credits)
• T URB 225 or TMATH 110 (or equivalent)
• T URB 200 (5 credits)
• Any T SUD or T URB course that is not among the required Introductory or Core Courses may be counted as an elective course toward the SUD major, except that a maximum of 10 credits total of T SUD 494, T SUD 498, T URB 496 and T URB 498 may be counted toward these 20 credits of Major Electives.
• The balance of credits needed to meet University credit requirements are general electives. Students may focus on an in-depth area of study (i.e., a minor or certificate) or explore the liberal arts, business, social work or health-related fields, or may take further TSUD or TURB courses.  Transfer credits from other institutions may apply toward general electives. Contact academic advisor for details. 

 Program of Study: Major: Urban Design

Urban design will prepare students to become design professionals who understand challenges of working in and with changing cities. In order to produce livable cities and neighborhoods, learning to design must be an inclusive and pragmatic process. Students will gain skills in inclusive urban design and incorporate a passion for social change, equality, and justice into meaningful urban design solutions. It will train students to be socially conscious designers who understand the importance of community voices, the dynamics of poser, and the challenges of creating a resilient urban environment with a focus on spatial equality. Students will acquire skills in visual communication, design thinking, and community engaged design processes, computer graphics and the use of digital technologies for visualization, analysis, and methods of data gathering and dissemination.

• Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Urban Design

The School of Urban Studies admits students into the Urban Design major for autumn quarter only, due to the highly sequenced nature of the courses. However, in special circumstances there is an option to be admitted during winter or spring quarter. Contact the Urban Studies advisor for more information. Complete applications received by the priority application date will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the priority application date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all college course work. Applicants with a completed application and a minimum GPA of 2.7 will be given priority consideration for admission.

Three years of high school math through intermediate (second year) algebra or a course in intermediate algebra at the college level

5 credits of English composition

Describe how personal, professional or educational experiences have shaped your academic, career and/or personal goals. How will a BS in Urban Design from UW Tacoma help you attain these goals?

Note: Freshman must have at least 40 college-level credits to declare Urban Design as a major. Students interested in this major are encouraged meet with an Urban Design advisor anytime.

Step 2: Meet with the Urban Studies advisor to discuss degree requirements and time to completion. (Optional, highly recommended)

If you are not a current UW Tacoma student:

Step 1: Submit an application for admission to UW Tacoma. In your application to UW Tacoma, you will be asked to submit a personal goal statement. Follow the essay prompt in the application, being sure to address how a BS in Urban Design from UW Tacoma will help you attain your goals.

If you are transferring from a community college or another university, complete the Application for Transfer Admission and select Urban Studies in section 2 under "Program Selector".

If you are a freshman or Running Start student, complete the Freshman Application.

If you were previously enrolled at UW Tacoma, complete the Returning Student Application in lieu of the Application for Transfer Admission.

If you are an international student, complete the Application for International Transfer Admission . Review the additional requirements for international students.

Step 2: Submit the Urban Design Online Application . Include a personal statement addressing the following topic:

Step 3: Meet with the Urban Studies advisor to discuss degree requirements and time to completion. (Optional, highly recommended)

 Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Urban Design

To qualify for graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Urban Design from the University of Washington Tacoma, each student must complete the following requirements:

• General Education: No fewer than 40 credits of general education courses, to include a minimum of 10 credits in each of three areas of study: Natural World, Individuals and Society and Visual, Literary and Performing Arts.
• Quantitative/Symbolic: A minimum of 5 credits of Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning course work.
• Diversity: A minimum of 3 credits in Diversity coursework; designated courses study diversity in the United States with a focus on the sociocultural, political and economic diversity of human experience and help students develop an understanding of the complexities of living in increasingly diverse and interconnected societies. (For students admitted as of autumn 2014.)
• Be a matriculated Urban Studies major in good academic standing with the University of Washington Tacoma.
• Earn a minimum grade of 2.7 in each required Urban Design (T UDE) studio course (T UDE 260, 340, 350, 360, 440, 450, 460) and a 2.0 or higher in all other required major courses.
• Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 for all major coursework.
• Apply for graduation with a program advisor by the deadline posted by the University for the expected quarter of graduation.
• T UDE 101* (5)
• T URB 101 (5)
• T URB 102 (5)
• T URB 103 (1)
• T UDE 210* (5)
• T UDE 260* (5)
• T URB 220 (5)
• T UDE 340 (5)
• T UDE 350 (5)
• T UDE 360 (5)
• T UDE 310 (5)
• T URB 403 (2)
• T UDE 440 (5)
• T UDE 450 (5)
• T UDE 460 (5)
• T URB 480 (5)
• One Urban Design, Planning, or Architectural History Course,
• One Introduction to Computer Graphics or Computer-Aided Design (knowledge of SketchUp(TM) is required), and
• One introductory course in design, using computer graphics
• Choose at least 2 courses in Sustainable Urban Development (T SUD)
• The additional credits needed to meet University credit requirements are general electives. Students may focus on an in-depth area of study (e.g., a minor or a certificate) or explore the liberal arts, social sciences, business, social work or health-related fields.

Academic Standards/Policies

• Students must satisfactorily complete all required Urban Design (T UDE) studio course work by achieving a minimum 2.7 grade point average in each course. If a grade below 2.7 is received, the student must repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
• Students must satisfactorily complete all other required major course work by achieving a minimum 2.0 grade point average in each required course. If a grade below 2.0 is received, the student must repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
• Upper-division courses completed at other accredited four-year institutions may be applied toward the general elective requirement. Academic advisor can request a transcript evaluation for you.

 Program of Study: Major: Urban Studies

The Urban Studies Program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies with formal options in Global Urbanism and Community Development & Planning. The degree starts with an introduction into the discipline of urban studies with course topics on exploring cities, world development, and urban studies "in practice". The formal options deliver focused theory and skill-based courses that teach how to understand and impact the local and global dynamics of urban society. Graduates are prepared for public or private-sector jobs in areas such as housing and community development, planning, transportation, government agencies, and social services. The program is also excellent preparation for those interested in graduate study in such fields as community development, public administration, law or urban planning/design.

• Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Community Development and Planning
• Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Planning

The School of Urban Studies admits students every quarter except summer.

• Applicants with a completed application and a minimum GPA of 2.50 will be given priority consideration for admission.
• Transfer students must submit a UW Tacoma application for transfer admission and application fee. Current UW Tacoma students should meet with the School of Urban Studies Advisor to declare/update their major.

 Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Community Development and Planning

BA Urban Studies – Community Development and Planning. Examines the production and development of cities from different community perspectives and teaches how cities are planned and built, and the power dynamics that influence inclusion and exclusion from urban spaces and political processes. Explores new strategies for producing better cities and improving urban conditions.

To qualify for graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from the University of Washington Tacoma, each student must complete the following requirements

• Transfer students can bring up to 105 lower-division credits into the program.
• Earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each required Urban Studies course.

Introductory Courses (11 credits)

• T URB 220 (5 credits)
• T URB 316 (5 credits)
• T URB 345 (5 credits)
• T URB 432 (5 credits)
• T URB 225 (5 credits) or T GIS 311 (6 credits)
• Students need to declare one of the following three formal options and complete four courses within chosen option.
• Additional requirements specified below.

General Electives

The balance of credits needed to meet University credit requirements are general electives. Students may focus on an in-depth area of study (i.e., a minor or certificate) or explore the liberal arts, business, social work or health-related fields, or may take further T URB or T SUD courses. Transfer credits from other institutions may apply toward general electives. Contact academic advisor for details

Option specific requirements

• T URB 235 (5)
• T URB 312 (5)
• T SUD 475 (5)

 Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Planning

Prepares students to solve complex social, economic, and environmental problems by combining GIS (geographic information systems) based approaches to mapping and spatial analysis with a classical and theoretically critical foundation in urban planning.

• T GIS 312 (6)
• T GIS 313 (3)
• T GIS 414 (5)
• T GIS 415 (5)
• T GIS 350 (5)
• T GIS 450 (5)
• T GIS 460 (5)
• T GIS 470 (5)
• Students must satisfactorily complete all Urban Studies required course work by achieving a minimum 2.0 grade point average in each course. If a grade below 2.0 is received, the student must repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
• Upper-division courses completed at other accredited four-year institutions may be applied toward the general elective requirement. Academic advisor can conduct a transcript evaluation upon request.

 Program of Study: Minor: Sustainable Urban Development

The Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) minor provides an opportunity for students pursuing other majors to complement their learning with concepts and principles valuable in the largely urban world in which they live and vote. These principles include the necessity to consider social justice, environmental, and end economic outcomes as part of the sustainability matrix; the tensions, complementarities, and tradeoffs among these dimensions; and the role that urban/suburban growth and form play in furthering this multi-dimensional concept of sustainability. This background should be attractive and useful for students from many majors, including social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and the professional fields.

• Minor in Sustainable Urban Development

 Minor in Sustainable Urban Development

Requirements

• The Sustainable Urban Development minor requires the completion of 31 credits (listed below).
• All of the courses in the minor must be completed in residence at UW Tacoma.
• No more than 50% (15 credits) can overlap with another major.
• Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) majors cannot earn this minor.
• Courses in the minor may also count, as appropriate, toward foreign language, RSN, writing, and Areas of Inquiry requirements, without restriction.
• Students must satisfactorily complete all coursework in the SUD minor by achieving a minimum 2.0 grade point average in each required course. If a grade below 2.0 is received, the student may repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once, and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
• T URB 103 (1-2, max. 3); 1 credit required for the minor.
• T SUD 222 (5)
• T SUD 240 (5)
• T SUD 444 (5)
• T SUD 445 (5)
• 5 credits of any other T URB or T SUD course

 Program of Study: Minor: Urban Studies

Urban Studies is multi-disciplinary by nature and can serve to complement a variety of degree programs in the social science, business, healthcare, and social work. The Urban Studies minor offers courses on contemporary urban issues with a global and community perspective. Courses include Exploring Cities, City in World Development, and Urban Studies in Practice - a course that exposes students to the field of urban studies through a variety of faculty research presentations, guest lectures, public forums, debates, workshops, and other events. The Urban Studies minor will be noted on the official UW transcript.

• Minor in Urban Studies

 Minor in Urban Studies

Urban Studies is multi-disciplinary by nature and can serve to complement a variety of degree programs at the UW. This minor is intended to provide students from other programs (across all UW campuses) with an understanding of and appreciation for urban issues and problems.

• No more than 50% (15 credits) can overlap with another major. 
• Urban Studies majors cannot earn this minor. 
• Students must satisfactorily complete all core & core elective coursework in the Urban Studies minor by achieving a minimum 2.0 grade point average in each required course. If a grade below 2.0 is received, the student may repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once, and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
• T URB 305 (3)
• T URB 430 (5)
• T URB 340 (5)
• 10 credits of any other T URB or T SUD course

 Graduate Program

 program of study: master of arts in community planning.

The Master of Arts in Community Planning (MACP) degree program builds on an undergraduate education in urban studies or a related field. MACP graduates will build a portfolio of skills that prepare them to be competent collaborative professionals who work with and empower community constituents, influencing processes of policy formation, resource generation, community change and urban development. Graduates will gain theoretical and hands-on skills to transform passions for social change, equity and justice into professionally- driven actions that build community and create long-term positive change. The program’s emphasis on urban social studies, community development, and urban problem solving is a direct expression of the UW Tacoma’s mission as a higher education institution to build and enhance authentic connections with its communities. The MACP is a two-year, 60 credit program designed to support a cohort of up to 20 students per year. Admission is for autumn quarter only. Courses can be taken on a full-time basis (10 credits/quarter) and a part-time option is available.

• Master Of Arts In Community Planning

Please see this program's Graduate Admissions page for current requirements.

Each student is required to maintain satisfactory progress meeting the Graduate School and School of Urban Studies standards relative to scholarship and performance in pursuit of the master’s degree, including each of the following:

• Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Earn a quarterly GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Earn a grade of 2.7 or higher in each required course
• Make adequate progress with practicum project as determined by the faculty advisor or committee chair.

 Master Of Arts In Community Planning

• Required Courses (60 credits): TCMP 521, TCMP 525, TCMP 546, TCMP 554, TCMP 557, TCMP 566, TCMP 573, TCMP 571, TCMP 572, TCMP 582, TCMP 590, TCMP 591 
• Along with UW Graduate School requirements, all courses taken to complete the 60 credits must receive a passing grade (2.7 or higher).
• A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is required.
• All courses are graded on a 4.0 scale. No courses can be graded on a S/NS or C/NC basis.

Skills Developed

• Qualitative and quantitative analytical skills
• Asset mapping
• Persuasive argument and critique
• Development finance and budgeting
• Collaboration with NGOs
• Communications planning and design
• Conflict management
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Design and facilitation of public meetings
• Graphic communication
• Project management
• Professional writing skills
• Strategic planning and prioritization
• Succinct and effective public messaging

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the structural forms of socio-spatial power that produce inequitable patterns in metropolitan development; understand the history of social movements (including current community organizing models) that challenge the status quo
• Be capable of interpreting and organizing a theoretically informed policy position, including efficient and accurate practices of reading, summarizing, sourcing and citing examples from other locations including, failed solutions and/or peer-reviewed research
• Develop and experience practices of policy analysis, project management and community engagement, using interpretive, relational and positivist methods
• Be comfortable accessing, collecting, organizing, and analyzing primary and secondary data sources to create findings relevant for quantitative and qualitative evaluation, narrative development, and the creation of "findings" and contextual landscape analyses
• Become proficient at succinct, research-based, effective, professional forms of planning communication in a variety of genres appropriate for broad audiences and targeted communities
• Be able to carry out stages of analysis and action in a community-based process of policy advocacy, inclusive planning and/or institutional change through a variety of methods and tool development including advocacy documentation and community organizing

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Master of Urban Planning Personal Statement

The Personal Statement requirements for the Master of Urban Planning are different to those of our other programs. Applicants for the Master of Urban Planning should refer to the course-specific personal statement guide when writing their response. Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words and should address the following three points:

• The study and/or work experience that motivates your decision to apply for the Master of Urban Planning.
• What is the biggest challenge facing cities and why?
• What does ‘good’ planning mean to you?
• What is the role of planning in shaping future cities?
• Tell us about a book you have read

Applicants applying for a double masters degree that includes the Master of Urban Planning should NOT use the criteria above and should instead write a personal statement addressing both programs in the double major they are applying for. Please refer to the general personal statement guide for more information.

Urban Planning Personal Statement Examples

• 1 Personal Statement Example Links
• 2 Career Opportunities
• 3 UK Earnings Potential For Urban Planners
• 4 Similar Courses in UK
• 5 UK Curriculum
• 6 Notable Alumni in Urban Planning

Personal Statement Example Links

• Personal Statement Example 1
• Personal Statement Example 2
• Personal Statement Example 3
• Personal Statement Example 4

Ever been fascinated by the intricacies of designing and managing urban spaces? Inspired by the idea of shaping the future of cities, creating sustainable and liveable environments?

If so, a degree in Urban Planning could be your ideal journey. This multidisciplinary field equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand urban growth, plan for its impacts, and design urban spaces that enhance community and environmental wellbeing.

This exciting profession offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of cities and communities across the UK.

Urban planners work collaboratively with architects, engineers, and local authorities to create sustainable and vibrant urban spaces that cater to the diverse needs of their residents.

By pursuing a degree in urban planning or a related field, you’ll develop essential skills in spatial analysis, policy development, and problem-solving. As an urban planner, you’ll have a direct impact on the lives of millions, from designing public spaces and transport networks to ensuring access to essential services and green spaces.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and have a keen interest in creating liveable, inclusive, and environmentally conscious cities, a career in urban planning could be the perfect fit for you.

👍 When writing a personal statement : Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.

Career Opportunities

A degree in urban planning can lead to a variety of different career opportunities. Those with a degree in urban planning can pursue careers in government, private industry, and nonprofit organizations.

In government, urban planners can work for local, state, and federal agencies. These jobs may involve developing and implementing plans for urban development, zoning and land use, transportation, and housing. They may also be involved in urban renewal, historic preservation, and environmental protection.

In the private sector, urban planners can work for architecture and engineering firms, real estate development companies, and consulting firms. They may be involved in developing plans for new developments, analyzing the economic impact of proposed projects, and preparing reports and presentations for clients.

Urban planners can also pursue careers in nonprofit organisations. They may work for organisations that focus on affordable housing, community development, and environmental protection. They may also be involved in research, policy analysis, and advocacy.

Urban planners can also find employment in the academic sector. They may work as professors or researchers at universities, colleges, and research institutes. They may also be involved in teaching, research, and public outreach.

Finally, urban planners can pursue careers in the media and communications industries. They may be involved in writing and editing publications, producing documentaries, and creating websites and other digital media. They may also be involved in public relations, marketing, and advertising.

UK Earnings Potential For Urban Planners

The average earnings for someone with a degree in urban planning vary depending on the country, region, and type of job. In the United Kingdom, the average salary for a qualified urban planner is around £45,000 per year. However, salaries can range from £25,000 to £70,000 depending on the experience and qualifications of the individual.

In terms of trends in the job market, there has been an increase in demand for urban planners over the past few years. This is due to the growing need for planning services in the UK, as well as the increased focus on sustainability and green infrastructure. Additionally, the development of smart cities has created a need for urban planners to help create and manage these projects. As a result, job opportunities for urban planners are expected to continue to grow in the near future.

Similar Courses in UK

Applicants interested in urban planning might also consider the following UK courses or careers, which share similarities in terms of subject matter or skillsets:

• Architecture: Architecture focuses on the design of individual buildings and structures, often working in collaboration with urban planners. A degree in architecture can lead to a career as a licensed architect or other roles within the construction and design industries.
• Landscape Architecture: Landscape architecture is concerned with the design and planning of outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and urban green spaces. Graduates may work as landscape architects or in related fields, such as environmental planning or public space management.
• Geography: Geography degrees can cover both human and physical aspects of the discipline, including urban development, environmental management, and spatial analysis. Careers in geography include roles in environmental consulting, cartography, GIS, and policy development.
• Civil Engineering: Civil engineers design and manage the construction of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and public utilities. A degree in civil engineering can lead to a career as a civil engineer, project manager, or consultant.
• Transportation Planning: Transportation planning focuses on the design and management of transportation systems within urban and regional areas. Graduates may work as transportation planners, traffic engineers, or consultants in public and private sectors.
• Urban Design: Urban design is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the physical layout, appearance, and functionality of urban spaces. A degree in urban design can lead to careers in urban design consulting, development planning, and regeneration projects.
• Real Estate and Property Management: These degrees focus on property valuation, development, and management within the urban context. Graduates may pursue careers in real estate development, property management, or real estate consultancy.
• Environmental Planning: Environmental planning degrees explore the intersection of urban development and environmental sustainability. Graduates may work in environmental consulting, policy development, or land use planning roles.
• Regional and Town Planning: This field covers broader aspects of planning and development, such as land use, transportation, and housing policy. Graduates may work as town or regional planners, policy analysts, or development consultants.
• Sustainable Development: Sustainable development degrees emphasize the integration of social, economic, and environmental aspects of urban planning. Graduates may pursue careers in sustainability consulting, environmental policy, or community development.

UK Curriculum

The key topics and modules covered in an urban planning course typically include:

• Planning Theory and Practise: This module covers the principles and theories of urban planning, including topics such as urban form, land use, infrastructure, and sustainability. It also includes an introduction to the legal and administrative aspects of urban planning.
• Urban Design: This module focuses on the physical design of cities, including topics such as urban morphology, public space, and transportation systems. It also covers the principles of urban design, including the use of technology, materials, and public engagement.
• Planning History and Politics: This module covers the history of urban planning, including the development of urban planning theory and practise. It also looks at the political context of urban planning, including the role of public policy and the influence of stakeholders.
• Research Methods: This module covers the methods used to collect and analyze data for urban planning. It includes topics such as survey design, data analysis, and geographic information systems.
• Professional Practise: This module focuses on the practical aspects of urban planning, including topics such as project management, public engagement, and communication. It also covers the ethical and legal considerations of urban planning.

In addition to the key topics and modules, urban planning courses may also include hands-on experience or practical work. This could include field trips to observe urban planning in action, group projects to develop plans for a particular site, or intern.

Notable Alumni in Urban Planning

Here are three notable alumni who obtained a degree in Urban Planning:

• Janette Sadik-Khan – She is a former commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation (2007-2013) and a principal with Bloomberg Associates. Known for her work in promoting pedestrian and cyclist safety, Sadik-Khan earned her Bachelor’s degree from Occidental College and a J.D. from Columbia Law School, but she also holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Columbia University.
• Mitchell Silver – Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Silver is an award-winning planner known for his work in creating equitable and sustainable cities. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Hunter College.
• Brent Toderian – He served as Chief Planner for Vancouver, Canada, from 2006 to 2012. Toderian is globally recognized for his innovative work in urban planning and urban design, including his influential role in the creation of the EcoDensity initiative. He studied Environmental Science and Urban Planning at the University of Waterloo in Canada.

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College of Social Sciences & Humanities

Urban studies.

A Graduate Certificate in Urban Studies offers you a solid foundation in the fundamentals of urban and regional policy theory and research methods, with a cumulative capstone project.

Cities exist at the epicenter of some of today’s most pressing issues, including climate change, social inequality, lack of access to housing and education, and the overall challenges of economic development in an ever-globalizing world. Addressing climate change mitigation will require reshaping urban spaces to encourage walking, biking, and mass transit and will also require changes to the built environment to reduce emissions from construction and energy use. Tackling climate change adaptation and environmental injustice will require urban planning approaches that seek to work with communities to equitably mitigate harm from future floods, storms, and heat waves. Mitigating poverty and deepening social inequality will require addressing the housing, infrastructure, and service needs of low-income urban residents and economic development initiatives that target opportunity for people who have thus far been excluded. Therefore, it is essential for students in policy, design, and planning fields to understand the historical and contemporary origins of urban issues and debates about the policy and planning approaches to addressing them.

A Graduate Certificate in Urban Studies provides a foundation in the fundamentals of urban planning and policy theory. It allows you to pursue specialized coursework in housing and community development, urban environmental sustainability, economic development, international comparative urban policy, and transportation. The core curriculum provides students with an understanding of the history of urbanization and urban interventions in the U.S. and globally, and also examines the role of planning and policy in addressing major issues today. After completing your capstone project, you’ll have cultivated a basis in urban and regional policy theory and research methods.

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Unique features.

• Prepare to make an impact in the real world and take on new career opportunities by learning from our faculty of internationally recognized experts.
• Earn your certificate in one year by taking courses on campus, online, or in a hybrid modality.
• Gain a rich interdisciplinary understanding of urban issues through coursework in both the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs and the School of Architecture.
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Urban Planning, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Urban Planning

The PhD program in urban planning educates scholars for positions in leading universities; research institutions; nongovernmental organizations; international multilateral institutions; national, state and local governments; and high-level consulting firms. The program provides a strong foundation for undertaking research in planning, urbanism, urban design and urban sustainability.

The School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning maintains close relationships with many of the communities in the Phoenix metropolitan area that are leading the way on issues like urban climate change, sustainability and transportation planning. Students have opportunities to interact with planning leaders, mentors and community organizations. Students conduct research alongside faculty; take classes focused on current issues in the field; conduct research and reports for local clients; and start building their professional network across the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Students benefit from a wide variety of coursework and research opportunities in five broad interdisciplinary themes that span the expertise of the faculty within the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning:

• city building and urban structure
• environmental and resiliency planning
• housing, neighborhoods and community development
• spatial analytics and smart cities
• transportation planning and policy

Additional Details

Frequently Asked Questions   Professional Licensure Disclosure

Degree Requirements

Curriculum plan options.

• 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (6 credit hours) PUP 710 Current Planning Theory and Practice (3) PUP 724 Planning Methods for Doctoral Students (3)

Electives and Research (64 credit hours)

Other Requirement (2 credit hours) PUP 701 Urban Planning Colloquium (1)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) PUP 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Students take two semesters of PUP 701 for a total of two credit hours.

When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree.

Up to six credit hours of 400-level courses may be applied to the plan of study.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a master's degree in a related field such as urban studies, geography, environmental studies, sustainability, architecture, public policy or public administration from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The personal statement must be 600 words or fewer and explain the applicant's interest in planning at the doctoral level; academic and professional background and, if appropriate, preparation for the selected area of specialty, which may include written samples or a portfolio; and educational and professional objectives.

Letters of recommendation should be from three faculty members who can attest to the applicant's academic achievements.

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Professionals with expertise in planning research, theory and practice are in high demand across sectors and industries, including institutions of higher education, planning consulting firms and community organizations. Skills in environmental impact assessment, geographical data analysis and community resiliency planning are valuable to organizations and institutions that rely on research-based approaches to solve complex real-world problems.

Career examples include:

• chief sustainability officer
• city and regional planning aide
• environmental restoration planner
• transportation planner
• urban and regional planner
• urban planning teacher, postsecondary

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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.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-7533

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Personal statement.

In the first session, students were asked to fill out the following questionnaire:

Your name:  Your email:  Year of graduation:  Have you completed 11.124 and 11.125?

The subject(s) you wish to be certified in:  The school(s) you are most interested in doing your student teaching:

Write a brief personal statement (this will become part of the folder submitted in your behalf for certification purposes).

Answer the following questions:

• Why do you want to be a teacher?
• Describe any experiences you have had working with children.
• What do you hope to learn this year?
• Are there any special circumstances/concerns I should be aware of in terms of your teacher application process?

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• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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Applicants will normally possess a Master’s degree in Planning or a related field (such as Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Geography, Social Work, Architecture, etc.). Applicants with other Master’s degrees will be considered. There is no foreign language requirement for Doctoral students in Planning. However, work in some areas of specialization and on certain research/dissertation topics may require knowledge of one or more foreign languages (obtained either before or during Doctoral studies).

The application fee for U.S. citizens and permanent residents is $75, and the fee for international students is $90 (U.S. funds). The application fee is paid online, via credit card, before the application is submitted. The application is submitted electronically to the program of study and the Rackham Graduate School.  For more information please see  Application Fee  and  Application Fee Waivers .

/ Statement of Purpose

This is a vital component of your application. Your Statement of Purpose, helps us see that you can identify an important research question, are in conversation with the larger literature or planning trends, and can propose appropriate methods to collect evidence. Discuss the intellectual and planning challenges you hope to address in your doctoral studies – briefly noting any tentative dissertation research topics; outline methodological approaches you might pursue or skills you plan to build to answer those questions; and highlight any relevant research skills or experience you have that has begun to prepare you to pursue a PhD (but do not spend significant time on what is already in your resume/CV). Explain how you hope to use your doctoral education in planning and why the Urban and Regional Planning Program at Taubman College is the best fit for your career goals. Limited to 1000 words.

A good curriculum vitae or resume will give us another view of who you are and elaborate your strengths and skills outside of the classroom, showcasing your accomplishments. In addition to your educational experience, student resume should contain professional experiences, other jobs you have held, a list of groups or organizations that you are involved in, programming languages or other computer skills you have, community involvement or volunteer work that you do. Think of your resume as another opportunity to tell us about yourself.

/ Personal Statement

The personal statement should be a concise, well-written statement about how your personal background and life experiences, including social, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, have motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. This is not an academic statement of purpose, but a brief (500 word limit) discussion of the personal journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree.

/ Portfolio

Submissions of examples of work should support your statement of purpose and clearly demonstrate research and writing abilities. These may consist of published articles, writing samples, portfolios, or other writing samples. Writing samples are most valuable when you are the sole or lead author. Examples should be uploaded as PDF files with the online application.

/ Transcripts

Submitting your transcripts:

Step 1: TO APPLY, submit a scanned copy of your official transcript. Applicants must scan and upload an official transcript/academic record into the ApplyWeb online application. This transcript must display the institutional seal and signature of the Registrar or Recorder of Records.

Step 2: AFTER an offer of admission, submit your official transcript. Admitted students must submit to the Rackham Graduate School an official transcript/academic record, front and back, issued by the Registrar or Records Office for each bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree earned. For more information please see  Transcripts .

/ Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required and should testify mainly to your academic and professional capacity and promise. Letters should be substantive statements from academics and professionals familiar with your abilities and accomplishments. For more information please see  Letters of Recommendation Submission Options .

/ English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency unless they meet one of the criteria for an exemption listed below. Please contact one of the testing agencies shown in the following chart and have an official score report sent to the University of Michigan at least 6-8 weeks prior to the application deadline. The scores must be received from the testing agency no later than the application deadline. Language test scores are valid two years from the test date.  Photocopies and/or faxes of English proficiency scores will not be accepted. Please take note the minimum requirement is: 95 iBT.

Taubman College does not admit students who have not met minimum score requirements. If you are close to the minimum scores outlined above we encourage you to retake the exam to meet the minimum requirement. Students who have submitted all required materials (including English proficiency exams) by the application deadline are given first consideration for admission. It may make you a less competitive applicant to not have your scores sent in by the deadline.

Rackham English Proficiency Exemptions

You qualify for an exemption from taking an English proficiency examination if one of the following criteria are met:

• You are a native speaker of English.
• You completed  all  of your undergraduate education and earned an undergraduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English only.
• If you completed a Master’s degree that was strictly research and no academic classes, that degree does not meet the exemption. This type of Master’s degree is generally awarded at a non-U.S. institution.
• You are a current U-M student.

Please refer to the related  Rackham webpage  for additional information.

/ Undocumented and DACAmented Students

Detailed information about Undocumented and DACAmented Students for this degree program can be found on the related  Rackham webpage .

/ Application Status and Evaluation

Checking application status.

Applicants can verify application data and status online  approximately 10 – 15 days after their application is submitted. The admissions office will send an email to each applicant that includes the University of Michigan Identification Number (UMID). You will need to use a login ID and password to confirm some personal data before viewing your application status. Student Service staff will try to keep all materials received current. However, please allow sufficient time for processing before contacting the office.

For Applicants Who are Current Students or Employees:  Log into Wolverine Access using your existing University of Michigan Uniqname and password, and click New and Prospective Student Business.

For Applicants New to the University:  About five business days after you submit your application, you will receive an email confirming that Taubman has downloaded your application from ApplyWeb. This email will direct you to set up your friend account.

• Go to the  Friend Account Request Form  and enter your email address.
• You will receive a confirmation email with a link to create your friend account.
• For more information, see the  Information and Technology Services website .

Please allow 10-15 business days for your application status to update.

Applications will not be evaluated until all credentials have been received and the application fee has been paid. Applications missing credentials cannot be guaranteed a review by the admissions committee. Eligible applicants are considered for admission on the basis of the following criteria:

• Quality and content of all previous academic education
• Evidence of professional commitment and direction, including statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation, portfolio, etc.
• IELTS or TOEFL test scores (if applicable)
• The number of openings available
• The suitability of the program to the applicant’s area of interest

Using Wolverine Access

Through your Wolverine Access account you will be able to:

• Verify the application information you submitted, including, portfolio, test dates and scores, and letter of recommendation that are received.
• View the transcripts representing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and/or Doctoral degree that are received.
• Receive admission decision.
• Update your address, phone number, and e-mail address.

Allow 5 business days, after creating your account, to verify that your application and materials have been received in Wolverine Access.

/  Notification of Acceptance

Applicants will be notified of their admission status by late-February or early March. If you are admitted, you will be able to see that you have been recommended for admission by the Urban Planning Program via the online web application status. Notification letters will be sent via email. Any scholarship award decisions made by the Urban Planning Program will be noted in the letter of admission. The next step is for Rackham Graduate School to review, certify, and process the admission recommendation.

Admitted students are invited to Preview Weekend, in late March: Preview Weekend is an opportunity for admitted students to visit Taubman College, meet faculty and students, tour the facilities, campus, and Ann Arbor, and attend Taubman College events. Further details are given in the admission letter.

/  Residency Classification

Residency Classification Guidelines have been developed to ensure that decisions about whether a student pays in-state or out-of-state tuition are fair and equitable and that applicants for admission or enrolled students who believe they are Michigan residents understand they may be required to complete an Application for Resident Classification and provide additional information to document their residency status. Please see the University of Michigan  Residency Classification Guidelines .

/ International Students

I-20 / visa.

Immigration Documents for International Students: Please allow a minimum of 2 -3 weeks from the date your acceptance, for the I-20 or DS-2019 to be prepared and mailed from our office using your preferred delivery service.

/ Paying for your Degree

Making decisions about the next step in your educational journey is a time full of opportunity and potential; however, it may also be accompanied by concerns regarding paying for your degree. There are numerous financial resources to help you manage tuition and living expenses.

/ Questions

Contact Admissions at  [email protected] .

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Urban design personal statement example.

It is difficult to ignore the accelerating growth of urbanization, caused by profound changes in the world economics. This is, particularly, evident in the arena of rapidly developing countries like China, where the expansion of urban space is currently facing a shortage of professional designers, predominantly, due to the lack of Chinese universities specialising in this field. Being an enthusiastic and determined person, I am prepared to take an advantage of the created opportunities, especially, for the reason that Urban Design has become a major subject not only of my studies but also interest.

Since childhood I was engaged in many creative activities. From kindergarten to junior high school I was attending painting and drawing courses, which endowed me with a more acute sense of color, sculpt and space, which is vital for an excellent designer. At the same time, I enjoyed making handcrafted models of plains, steamboats, cars and etc., which trained my hands adeptly. I am glad to have developed this essential skill which has been, particularly, valuable during design projects, where appearance of the model plays an important role in its presentation.

Along with love for nature, my interests and skills laid the grounds of my 3-year study in Landscape Architecture, which, due to educational system of my country did not result in a Bachelor Degree. Being a perfectionist, I could enjoyably spend several hours and even days working on a model or painting. As a result, my hard work and sincere devotion to the subjects earned me a rewarding place among the top students of University. My course belongs to the Department of Urban Construction - College of Engineering, thus, I additionally gained some basic knowledge in this fields.

During my internship at Landscape Architecture Design Institute I participated in two main projects “Focus plan” of Ningbo Harbor Park and “Master Plan” of Community where I was serving as the Design Assistant. From the designers I learnt not only how to modify and draw all kinds of blueprints accurately, but also about current problems in design.

To obtain a Bachelor qualification I chose to study for another 2 years abroad, in Korea. In preparation, I studied Korean language for over 1 year, which, along with previously acquired academic knowledge allowed me to enter the 3rd year of the course. In Korea, the Landscape Architecture is run by Departament of Urban Planning and Civil Engineering and closely intercorrelates with Urban Design and Planning courses.

In my first semester I became very interested in the problems of Chinese Urban development such as the lack of green and public spaces, which, unfortunately, could not be tackled by my former field of study - Landscape Architecture. Owing to the large support and encouragement from my supervisor, Professor Lee, I decided to proceed with a new field of study - Urban Design.

Heartened by similarities between the two fields and stimulated by the challenges of unknown, I soon became very fond of the new subject. In spite of my new and old speciality, I will graduate with a degree in Engineering Science since the course is run by the College of Engineering. For my final assignment, I am working on a new town design project, which was ordered from the university by Korean government. My contribution to this large group project lies in designing outskirts of the town.

Studying in a foreign country and language significantly developed my independence and mature attitude which, I believe, will become an asset to my learning in the UK. To improve my English skills I attend English language classes twice a week. I have an American friend, who lives next to my room, and we often play basketball and watch English movies. In my spare time I like reading historical and geographical books, which partly satisfy my passion for travel, teaching me about various cultures. One day I would like to go traveling around the world and enjoy different food and beautiful sceneries in reality. The books are also a great source of inspiration and new ideas for design, which I often implement in my projects.

The education in British institution would remarkably broaden my horizons to Western approach in Urban Design, which, in combination with my previously obtained knowledge and experience in Eastern countries, would endow me with a valuable ability of innovative synthesis. Thus, your university, well known for its deep expertise, proficient teaching staff and excellent facilities, is a highly desirable place for me to commence my Master programme.

After my postgraduate studies I would like to take an opportunity to stay in the UK and gain some working experience in one of the British companies. I believe that my commitment, skills and passion for the subject make me a suitable candidate for your course.

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Related personal statements, sajinthan theivasothy.

Fri, 30/09/2011 - 09:21

Sajinthan Theivasothy 33 Newbury Road Erith Kent DA8 2BZ

01322342559 [email protected]

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Please note: the application process cannot be completed on the day of the deadline. you will first need to pay the application fee and allow 1-2 business days for it to be processed. only after that has happened will you be able to upload your supporting documents., we therefore strongly encourage you to submit your application a minimum of 1-2 weeks before the deadline., applying to the master of urban studies program (murb).

The MURB program is ideal for learners whose professional and life experience has motivated them to engage in a seminar-based, rigorous program of study of cities and urbanism within a community of critical thinking peers. 

To apply, you must use SFU's  online application system . 

If you want to apply for both the master's and diploma programs in the same application cycle, you will need to submit separate applications, fees and supporting materials for each.

Documents needed to complete your application to the Urban Studies Program

Statement of interest:  A one-page document that explains your learning objectives and your personal, academic and professional motivations for acquiring an advanced urban studies credential. 

Resume /curriculum vitae  that highlights your urban-related work and volunteer experience.

• Unofficial transcripts:  These must be uploaded to your online application. Ensure that they are clear and legible, and include information about the grading scale used. This information is often found on the back of your unofficial transcripts, and if so, you need to ensure that both sides are uploaded. 
• Official, sealed transcripts:  These are only needed if you receive an offer of admission so please don't send these unless you do receive an admissions offer. At that point, you will need to immediately arrange to have an official transcript (or transcripts) sent to SFU directly from your granting institution/s.
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Urban Design Masters personal statement

I’ve lived in Ecuador my whole life, I’ve seen the change and the progress that infrastructures can make, how roads can connect communities, how parks can change a neighborhood’s regime and how a bad intervention can damage the image and performance of a city. I’ve constantly been passionate about architecture, specifically in residential projects. And is not after I finished my career that I started looking at my hometown from a different point of view. After studying for almost 6 years, I realized that there is more than just buildings, the city itself is architecture and it needs to be taken care of. Many of the projects held in my city are residential ones. And influence plays an important and also crucial role in the way they’re designed. Many people use influences and adapt them with a discrete budget, creating dangerous places attempting their health. By meaning of saving money, citizens rather to spend their money on construction workers than professional architects at the moment of building their homes. Which results in unplanned cities with poor images and dangerous living spaces.

I’ve chosen this course because I think is necessary to learn about how design could help to solve the issues that cities present on a daily basis. I come from a small city with large problems in terms of infrastructure, mobility and recreational spaces. And one of the causes is because the government and its citizens are not comprehensive of the amount of analysis and work that needs to be done, and how important their voice and participation is. Currently one of the biggest issues in my city happened after a misunderstanding of a spacial syntax analysis. Where politicians took results from a software to create a new way of transportation, without looking the urban environment that will be damaged or created at the same time. It is important to take a city as a living organism. And a city can be helped to develop into better environments through architecture and urbanism understanding while involving social and economic behavior of its citizens.

Personally I’ve permanently admired England’s approach to design and its outstanding architecture. And inspiration is a short word compared to how much I value this country’s culture and creativity. Studying in England was only possible by finding an important institution, where I could acquire more knowledge about two important fields in an evolving city, such as architecture and urbanism.

With this degree I expect to get a job in a public organization associated with construction of sustainable public spaces and development of local economies, within the city and its growing areas. City planning is a complex subject that I hope I can provide help to improve my community’s lifestyle.

Another career aspiration is to be a teacher. Architecture students don’t always know how hard it could be to get a job outside the academy and how significant their education is to society. By teaching in an Architecture and Urbanism faculty, such as the one I graduated from, I hope I could convey the importance of designing and the inclusion of other fields in order to achieve better results in terms of urban growth. My former faculty is known for agreements between small local governments where students are responsible for analysis and design of urban spaces. I think I could help in that aspect by providing a more scientific and creative approach to urban growth, compared to the political measurements that had sometimes marked our surroundings. Career wise I can conclude that I want to learn from the best school in order to help improve my local context.

Academically, as a result of my bachelor thesis, an article was written so it could be published in Madrid-Spain at the Congreso Nacional del Medio Ambiente (CONAMA) –Nacional Environment Congress-. Both, thesis and article, had been used as references for related works. These works were the result of months of investigation and data collection with the help of the faculty’s research group. The main concern and purpose was about measuring energy efficiency in our city’s housing environment. It helped a lot of people to realize the importance of being in a country with no major environmental impacts and still have problems with bad construction techniques, which considered to a larger scale would be dangerous.  

As in experience, I’ve worked for a former Faculty teacher for a long time. His patience and constant thrive to learn more about architecture, influenced me greatly. I started working when I was still a student, I helped with drawing and design at his studio for about a month before cursing my last years of career. While I was focused on doing my bachelor thesis, I returned to his office, and worked until July from this year. After that, I started focusing on my parent’s villa. Located in the outskirts of the city, I tried to incorporate what I learned during my academy and work years. Designing it was a complex task, dealing with neighborhood regulations and family expectations was not easy, but I learnt to overcome those obstacles and started creating their retreat house. At the same time I started to design a small house in the countryside, and both projects are in the municipal office waiting the permission to start the construction process. Between designing and improving my English qualifications, I helped people with municipal paperwork, regarding permits and licenses.

Also, I’ve done various online courses related to architecture and project management. A few years ago I become interested in the Korean language so I started to learn it by myself, using online books and videos to understand the language. I like to learn new computer programs and skills, and that motivation is what helps me sometimes to study by myself, through exploring how things work and discovering new ways of making things. Additionally my affinity to videogames has helped me to adapt different drawing and rendering programs, building that interest in finding techniques of making things faster and better.

With no further do, I hope I can be chosen to study this programme for it will help me greatly to become a better architect as I believe myself to be a dedicated student with a solid academic foundation. I consider myself to be creative, motivated and skilled with technical abilities. I look forward to participate in a rewarding major, where my experience acquired by professional demands and academic pressure would be greatly helpful.

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Personal Statement - MSc Planning and Development

• Sample personal statement

07 July, 2022

Personal statement - msc planning and development share.

• 12 May, 2013

I am M Ali and from Bangladesh. I am writing this application with great joy to study the course MSc Planning and Development at the Queen’s University Belfast. This course is designed to provide a broad knowledge of planning and professional skills and to use statistical analysis. More importantly, this course will teach me how they solve problems, and create new solutions for the built environment and understand the complexity of environmental management. If I get the opportunity to pursue this course, it will also increase my skills of decision making into a shape and how they grow and prosper. As I want to do a career in this field, I am confident that this program will equip me with a lot of tools and skills required to do so.

I have reviewed the course specification of MSc Planning and Development at the Queen’s University Belfast and found some modules which are adjusted with the latest developments. The course provides to get the opportunity to be able to make decisions that shape the processes of growth and development. The modules include Introduction Planning Theory and Practice, Environmental Planning & Governance, Planning Skills & Ethics, Community Planning & Regeneration, Planning Law and Practice, Property Development and some other modules that will help me to broaden my knowledge range of disciplines for a career in planning and development.

I have completed my Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2012. After then, I started my professional career as a First Executive Officer in Jamuna Bank. In the meantime, I felt that I need to gain more comprehensive knowledge to explore human rights in the environment and international crimes. Then I have completed another master’s degree; Master of Human Security in 2019 from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Now I am working as District Commandant in Bangladesh Ansar & VDP. My core responsibility is to ensure personal security, community security & political security of mass people and conduct various training for the socio-economic benefits. I need to get this MSc degree for my promotion. With my academic and professional experience, I am confident that my aspects and professional goal make me a suitable candidate for the course.

Through my research, I have come to know that this MSc is professionally accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Therefore, the course modules are specially designed to the requirements of the planning sector. By completing this MSc I will gain knowledge in problem solving environments with confronting challenges and create a difference between sustainable environments. It will also give me the professional experience phase which will make me career-ready. My previously earned skills and conducting of further research programs, and detailed appreciation of my current knowledge and developments will help me to complete my prospective study. I hope my chosen course will make it better and further open doors for my profession.

The UK’s academic reputation is globally renowned, especially the study environment in my country follows traditional systems of education which quite different. Furthermore, due to political chaos, students often struggle to finish their degrees on time. Moreover, a UK degree prepares its graduates with great academic prowess and develops personal and professional skills fundamental for organizational success. Skills attained in and carried over from the UK are vital when aiming for organizational growth and a competitive edge. Moreover, there are almost 20k UK alumni working in my home country by using their knowledge and experience gained from the UK. This staggering number of post-graduation successes has strengthened my ambition to get a degree from the UK. And also the degrees awarded by UK universities are recognized all over the world by recruiters and academics alike and most universities have a graduate employability rate of almost 90%. These are the reasons why I choose the UK over other countries to pursue my higher education.

Queen’s University Belfast is my choice as it is a public research university and also incredibly welcoming to international students. This university is associated with two Nobel laureates and one Turing Award laureate. The information that catches my mind was that the university was one of only eight United Kingdom universities to hold a parliamentary seat. Moreover, to support students the University have invested heavily in their facilities to shape the physical and intellectual environment of learning. With over 24,915 students, the University provides outstanding higher education to people from various levels, with approximately 300-degree programmes, a significant proportion of mature students, and a growing international postgraduate community. Tutors are highly-qualified academics and focus on education and research for their respective subject areas. By research, I have come to know that, currently the university holds three Departmental Athena SWAN Gold Awards. If I got the chance to study at this university I will have the opportunity to gain real-world knowledge and transferable skills that will allow me to become an accredited planner. It would be a great achievement for me if I get the opportunity to study at Queen’s University Belfast.

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