When is the application deadline?
For admission to the Fall Quarter 2013, the departmental deadline for international, Ph.D., and Master's in Urban and Regional Planning (M.U.R.P.) applicants who want fellowship consideration is December 15, 2012. The deadline for M.U.R.P. consideration only is January 15, 2013. The application fee is $80. To complete the Graduate Division application go to www.grad.ucla.edu [1] . The department code is 911 for Ph.D. applicants; 916 for M.U.R.P. applicants. Be sure to check our online application checklist [2].
Where do I send my application materials?
The majority of your supplemental application materials should be submitted electronically via the UCLA Graduate Online Application (see application checklist [2]). Any hard copy submission (official transcripts and Confidential Financial Statement only) should be sent directly to:
UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
Dept of Urban Planning, Admissions
3250 Public Affairs Building, Box 951656
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1656
What is the application fee?
We understand that applying to graduate school is an expensive process. The fee for domestic applicants is $80. The fee for international applicants is $100.
How do I apply for a fee waiver?
Waivers will only be granted to those who fall under one of the categories listed on the UCLA Graduate Division application. Alternatively, the university will grant fee waivers for students currently enrolled in school who can submit a letter from their financial aid officer indicating that payment would be a hardship. This should be uploaded directly to the application; select "Fee Waiver" as your method of payment. Your application will NOT be reviewed until your waiver is approved. Please follow up with the department no sooner than January, at least two weeks after you complete the application.
May I submit more than three letters of recommendation?
Yes.
How does the letters of recommendation system work?
When will I hear from the Department regarding the status of my application?
Admission notification and fellowship letters are usually sent out in March. Please do not contact the Department regarding admission decisions until after March 15.
When do I need to notify the Department about whether or not I will be attending UCLA?
The national deadline to inform all graduate schools of your decision is April 15th.
May I defer admissions?
No, the Department of Urban Planning does not defer admissions. You will have to re-apply to the program.
Does the Department of Urban Planning offer an undergraduate degree?
No, but we offer an array of undergraduate courses and a minor in Urban and Regional Studies.
Does the Department of Urban Planning offer part time degree programs?
No. We offer full-time Master's and Ph.D. degree programs. Some students are able to work part-time while taking a full course load.
Does the Department admit new students mid-year?
No. Students are admitted to the fall term only.
What is the national ranking of the UCLA Department of Urban Planning?
Ranks among the top schools in the country, as well as internationally.
What is the duration of the M.U.R.P. degree program?
The M.U.R.P. degree is normally a two-year program.
Is the M.U.R.P. degree accredited?
Yes, it is fully accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board, a joint undertaking of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning.
How many students apply to the M.U.R.P. program annually? What percentage of applicants are admitted?
The number of applicants has increased over the past few years, from an average of about 275 to now 400 people. Approximately forty percent of applicants are admitted.
How many students are currently enrolled in each of your programs (2012-2013)?
Is it possible to be admitted to the M.U.R.P Program with a GPA of less than 3.0?
Applicants with below 3.0 GPAs may be given provisional admittance to the program if other aspects of their applications are strong. An outstanding record in any area may compensate for poorer performance in another. Students accepted provisionally must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 during their first quarter in the program.
Is the GRE required?
Yes.
Those who are applying for a concurrent degree program may submit GMAT/LSAT scores in lieu of GRE scores. However, copies of the official score report must be provided by the applicant.
The GRE institution code for UCLA is R4837 and the department code is 4402, titled "City and Regional Planning."
Is the TOEFL required?
The TOEFL is required for international applicants only. The minimum score required is 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, or 100 internet-based. The UCLA Graduate Division requires the following minimum passing scores for each section on the internet-based exam: Writing 25, Speaking 24, Reading 21, and Listening 17.
The TOEFL institution code for UCLA is 4837 and the department code is 97.
Is there a minimum GRE requirement?
No. We evaluate applicants holistically when making admissions decisions, weighing the undergraduate record, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and prior planning-related work experience above all else.
What qualifies as planning-related work experience?
Any work you have done in the planning field, whether that be full/part-time employment, research, volunteer/organizing, etc, should be highlighted on your resume. If it is relevant to your development as a planner, it is relevant to our admissions committee.
I was unable to/incorrectly specified your department when sending my GRE score report via ETS. Will it reach your office and be added to my application ?
If you sent an electronic score report to UCLA, we will be able to access your score. If you sent a paper score report to a different UCLA department, please contact that department directly and ask them to transfer.
Is the IELTS accepted in lieu of the TOEFL?
Yes, the IELTS is accepted in lieu of the TOEFL. Please note that the minimum Overall Band Score for admission to the Department of Urban Planning is 8.0.
What are the English language requirements for admission to UCLA?
International applicants whose first language is not English must certify their proficiency in English when applying to UCLA, and, if admitted, upon arrival.
Requirements [3]
Does the Department offer Concurrent Degree Programs?
Yes, Urban Planning has agreements with five other departments at UCLA which allow us to offer joint degrees in less time than sequential completion of the programs. Joint degrees are offered with:
How do I apply to one of the concurrent degree programs?
For concurrent degrees, you need to submit a complete application to each school separately. If you are admitted to both programs, the graduate advisor in each program will tell you which courses you need to take for the concurrent degree program. You should also contact:
Where can I obtain more information on registration fees and tuition?
For information on university fees and tuition for graduate students visit the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/fees [13]
Where can I find information on establishing California residency for tuition purposes?
http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/faq/residencefaq.htm [14]
Where can I obtain more information
All of our admissions materials are available on this website or by email.
For further information, email Jennifer Choy, Associate Director of Admissions & Recruitment, at jchoy@luskin.ucla.edu [15] or call (310)825-8957.
Links:
[1] http://www.grad.ucla.edu
[2] http://publicaffairs.ucla.edu/content/application-checklist
[3] http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/admissions/ENGREQ.HTM
[4] http://www.law.ucla.edu/
[5] http://www.anderson.ucla.edu
[6] http://www.international.ucla.edu/idps/las/masters.asp
[7] http://www.aud.ucla.edu/
[8] http://ph.ucla.edu/
[9] mailto:mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu
[10] mailto:mlevin@international.ucla.edu
[11] mailto:jkies@aud.ucla.edu%20
[12] mailto:rgreenberg@ph.ucla.edu
[13] http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/fees
[14] http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/faq/residencefaq.htm
[15] mailto:jchoy@luskin.ucla.edu
[16] http://luskin.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/header-images/Bus Tour 09 004.jpg
