T.Huan

Hello,

Do you guys know what undergraduate degree is required to obtain a M.A in urban/regional planning? I looked up some schools such as Cal Poly, SDSU, and UCLA, and they all listed majors that doesn't relate too much to the field ie: poli sci, economics, sociology, geography, etc.

So I guess what I really want to know is, can I apply to the program and get accepted with a B.A in history?

larationalist

In the arts and humanities, it is generally acceptable to follow a non-linear track (getting a grad degree with different subject/nomenclature than undergrad degree) if you do the following things:

1) clearly demonstrate knowledge of and interest in the subject of the masters degree you are applying for. This can mean minoring in it, getting work experience in it, or just taking enough classes in it to show you know what's up and you interest is genuine.

2) relate your undergrad experience to the graduate degree you hope to get: for example, majors that transition well into urban planning would be architecture, landscape architecture, development, business, or policy. There are probably others that I'm not thinking of at the moment. Basically, be able to explain how/why your undergrad relates to your subject of graduate study and your eventual career path. Even if you're going non-linear, you don't want to pingpong all over the place either.


So if you get a B.A. in history, I would be sure to take elective classes on architectural history, the development of communities, planning theory, etc. If you can fit that into a minor, great, but if not at least you will end up with a solid knowledge of exactly what about planning it is that floats your boat and a cohesive statement of purpose that can convince graduate schools that you are literate in the subject and deserve a spot there.

smart&blonde<3

I am an undergrad student in an Urban Planning program. Since Urban Planning is such an extremely broad subject, most graduate programs accept students from many different backgrounds. BTW, you would be surprised how much poli sci, economics, geography, and sociology relate to planning. One of my planning professors has an undergraduate degree in sociology and many planning students take classes in economics, geography, etc. As long as you can present your application well, then you undergraduate degree would not affect you.

tenisghs

@ T.Huan

You can major in anything to prepare for urban planning. I would recommend geography, social sciences, history, urban studies and public policy . Make sure you master statistics and economics (particularly microeconomics).