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Explore our programs

The M.U.R.P. program is fully accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).

Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Studies

The program provides a solid foundation for professional work or advanced study aimed at addressing some of the most important challenges and issues facing the U.S. and other world regions, such as urban sprawl, economic marginalization, ethnic and racial conflict and environmental degradation.

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Urban and Regional Planning Young Planners Social

Master of Urban and Regional Planning

The Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree program advances social justice and quality of life through planning, designing and evaluating options to create, enhance and sustain the social, economic and environmental conditions that improve communities.

Three concentration choices:

Community revitalization
Environmental planning
Metropolitan planning

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View the 2022 MURP annual report

Career Outcomes

As a student, you’ll work with faculty experts and in the field through community engagement, experiential learning and service-learning.

Urban planning, design and architecture
Economic, neighborhood and community development
Transportation management and support
Public administration and policy planning
Real estate and land development/management
Surveying and geographic informations systems
Sustainability and environmental planning

Where are recent Urban and Regional Studies/Planning alumni working?

“My students work directly with clients to implement realistic plans for development. Our partners in the community trust our work. Sometimes, our work is worth several thousand dollars of services for clients.”

Jim Smither, MURP associate professor of urban and regional studies

Real-world experience

Student Projects

Students in the MURP program complete a number of client-based projects that prepare them for work in the planning field. These projects enable students to develop strong portfolios that help them secure planning-related jobs quickly.

URSP 762: Professional Plan

In this course, students apply theory and methodology gained from the core courses to solve selected planning problems.

Previous student projects:

Getting on Board with BRT (PDF)

Land Use Alternative Plan for Thronburg Virginia (PDF)

Pocahontas Island Neighborhood Plan (PDF)

A Commercial Enhancement Plan for the Devils Triangle (PDF)

Assessing Richmond Transit Network Plan for Transit Oriented Development (PDF)

URSP 761: Studio

In this course, graduate students gain hands-on experience in planning, through the application of theories and methods to a selected real-world project. Elements of the planning process are investigated and integrated into a comprehensive plan for a specific spatial area.

Previous student projects:

Richmond Historic Commercial Corridor Study (PDF)

Boulevard and Broad (PDF)

Community Health Plan (PDF)

Jefferson David Highway Corridor Land Use Optimization Plan (PDF)

URSP 666: Urban Commercial Revitalization

Each semester, this class develops a market analysis and revitalization plan for an inner-city neighborhood or downtown retail district. Working with local business and property owners, neighborhood residents and community leaders, and using quantitative market analysis tools, the class seeks to find new uses that can be supported by local or regional markets.

Previous student projects:

17th Street Market Commercial Revitalization Plan (PDF)

Westover Hills Commerical District Revitalization Plan (PDF)

URSP 691: Special Topics Courses

This course offers graduate students an opportunity to use their skills to define a problem and develop a plan that meets the needs of the requesting organization from a professional perspective with the students acting as consultants to the client or requesting organization.

Previous student projects:

Shockoe Bottom Community Conservation Plan (PDF)

Hanover County Tourism Study (PDF)

Hanover Tavern Historic Resource Master Plan (PDF)

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Graduate Scholars Fellowship

The Wilder School’s prestigious Graduate Scholars Fellowship provides students in each of our master’s programs with professional work experience, in-state tuition, and a $15,500 stipend through a host employer, including at nonprofits, government agencies and businesses.

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