Urban planning shapes the way our cities, states and communities operate, how people navigate the globe and how cities are planned for success. Throughout this degree, you'll develop a strong foundation of the history, theory and contemporary practices of urban planning.
Courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who’ll guide you as you explore relevant physical, social, political and economic issues. You’ll also have the opportunity to cater your education to your interests with elective courses featuring specialized topics, such as ethics, economic development and government planning.
Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:
Develop skills you need for careers in urban planning and development
In this program, you’ll learn to cultivate an analytical perspective in urban planning and development. You’ll also acquire a range of transferable skills, including problem solving, design, public engagement and critical thinking. Additionally, you’ll gain experience using contemporary planning tools, such as GIS, that’ll help you stand out from the competition in the job market. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to design communities and directly impact residents’ quality of life.
State authorization:
We strongly recommend you visit our state authorization page to learn how ASU is authorized to operate in your state, policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions.
What industries hire urban planners, city planners and urban development professionals?
Urban planning is a diverse profession with many potential career pathways. Urban planning degree holders often work for or with local governments and governmental agencies, including planning and development departments, economic development departments and regional transportation agencies. Planners also work for private sector planning firms, nonprofit agencies, real estate developers and allied industries, such as engineering or design firms. While most urban planning careers within the government are available at the city level, county, state and federal jobs also exist.
Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Planning in urban planning teaches theories and practices for creating equitable, healthy and happy communities. In this unique program, you’ll study transportation, business districts, neighborhoods, green space and more. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to design impactful communities.
Throughout this program’s coursework, you’ll explore the qualitative and quantitative research methodologies needed to analyze the physical, social, political and economic issues that shape urban and regional development. In your required courses, you’ll learn about sustainability and foundational principles. You’ll also have the opportunity to take specialized elective courses that focus on economic development, planning laws, government planning, environmental planning, ethics and social issues found within urban planning.
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
students enrolled as of fall 2024
in research expenditures in FY23
interdisciplinary schools and departments
undergraduate degrees
graduate degrees
for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”