Urban Planning
Training the next generation of urban planners to understand the social, economic, and environmental forces shaping cities - and equipping them to advance more just, sustainable, and affordable urban futures.
Education With Impact
The UCLA Department of Urban Planning prepares master’s and doctoral students to understand and shape the forces transforming cities and regions. Through interdisciplinary study, research and public engagement, students connect ideas with real-world planning challenges in Los Angeles and beyond.
Vibrant Intellectual Community
Learn from influential faculty shaping debates about cities and planning worldwide.Address Urgent Challenges
Apply research to critical challenges in housing, transportation, equity and climate change.Connect Theory and Research to Practice
Build the knowledge and skills to create more sustainable and equitable communities.Join a Top Planning Program
We are the nation’s #1 planning program, with 50+ years of impact and a global alumni network.Learn from Los Angeles
Study urban challenges in one of the world’s most dynamic and complex regions.Â
Â
Academic Programs
Dual Degrees
Community Profiles
Tamika I. Butler
Chelsea Kirk MURP '25
V. Kelly Turner
By the Numbers
National ranking
Ranked #1 in North America for graduate urban planning programs by Planetizen, we are consistently recognized for academic excellence, innovation, and impact.
Year of establishment
Established in 1969, the UCLA Urban Planning has spent over 50 years at the forefront of progressive research, spatial justice, and innovative community practice.
AICP exam pass rate
100% of our master’s graduates taking the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) exam within three years achieve a passing score, proving their preparedness.
Alumni network
Join a global network of more than 3,000 UCLA Urban Planning alumni who are leading change across government, nonprofits, academia, and the private sector.
Why UCLA?
World-Class Faculty & Specialized Curriculum
Learn from extraordinary, globally recognized scholars who are shaping the future of urban and regional planning. Our comprehensive curriculum allows you to specialize your expertise across five advanced areas of concentration:
- Climate, Environment & Society
- Community Economic Development and Housing
- Design & Development
- Regional & International Development
- Transportation Policy & Planning
An Unrivaled Urban Laboratory
Based in Los Angeles—one of the most dynamic and complex metropolitan areas in the world—our program serves as a living laboratory for civic action. Students bring interdisciplinary backgrounds in economics, history, environmental studies, and architecture to analyze critical infrastructure, housing, and policy challenges head-on.
Lifelong Professional Network
Join a powerful network of Bruin planning leaders working across government, nonprofit organizations, consulting, advocacy, research and the private sector. UCLA Urban Planning graduates bring their expertise to communities and institutions around the world, shaping policy, guiding development and advancing more equitable and sustainable places.
Related News Stories
Urban Planning Events
Contacts
Department of Urban Planning
UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
3357 Public Affairs Building
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1656
Phone: (310) 825-4025
upinfo@luskin.ucla.edu
Paavo Monkkonen
Department Chair
paavo.monkkonen@ucla.edu
(310) 206-7150
Veronica Herrera
Vice Chair; Director of the MURP Program
vherrera@luskin.ucla.edu
(310) 206-7150
Robin McCallum
Manager
robin@luskin.ucla.edu
(310) 206-7150
Sean Campbell
Assoc Dir, Admissions and Recruitment
sean@luskin.ucla.edu
(310) 825-8957
Make an Admissions Appointment
Schedule an appointment here
Brandon Basa
Graduate Advisor
brandon@luskin.ucla.edu
(310)Â 825-7331
Ervin Huang
Student Affairs Officer
ervin@luskin.ucla.edu
(310) 825-5581