The challenges of tomorrow need great urban planners. Urban and regional planners are at the forefront of addressing economic, political, social, and environmental issues. If you have an interest in shaping how land is used, developing the transportation networks that connect us together, finding equitable solutions for the most vulnerable, and increasing the quality of life of all—this program is for you! The Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning program prepares you for entry-level positions where you will be able to help shape the cities that shape us.
The Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning program prepares students to solve problems in communities across the state, nation, and world. Students learn to deal effectively with the opportunities and challenges inherent in the development and growth of communities.
Policy Track
The policy track focuses on social and economic issues that can be addressed with policy solutions. You’ll learn to assess problems, plan policy solutions, and evaluate the outcomes of programs and policies.
You will be well prepared for work in the public, private or non-profit sector. For policy track students seeking to further their education, our program also prepares you for graduate education in planning, law and other related fields.
The urban design track uses design to address problems in the built environment. You’ll learn to challenge inherent problems in the development, growth and culture of neighborhoods, cities, and regions.
Upon graduation, urban design track students may pursue work in the public, private or non-profit sectors as design or planning professionals. Alternatively, you can pursue a graduate degree in urban planning or urban design. You could also choose to pursue a Master of Landscape Architecture or a Master of Architecture (career change) degree.
Our program prepares students for careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors or for further education in graduate programs.
Urban/City Planner
$60,516 – $69,362
Environmental Planner
$55,592 – $64,814
Housing Specialist
$37,738 – $69,109
GIS Specialist
$52,765 – $64,903
Transportation Planner
$69,769 – $75,407
Urban Designer
$67,758 – $79,650
GIS Specialist/Cartographer
$51,214 – $62,965
Graduate work
Varies
* Salary ranges estimated from PayScale.
FAQs about the Urban Planning program
What is urban planning?
Urban planning shapes the built environment by following technical and political processes to define how land will be used. Urban planners collaborate with government officials, business leaders, and citizens to help build communities following evidence-based choices of where and how people work and live.
Do I need to be licensed to become an urban planner?
No, you do not need to become licensed to be an urban planner.
How much does it cost to attend?
The cost to attend varies depending on a variety of factors, including semester of admission, student type, how many hours you take per semester, and rate type. Additional costs to consider include course materials, housing, meal plans, parking, and fees.
For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance, please visit the Texas A&M University cost and tuition rates webpage. This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated cost of attendance information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.
What financial aid and scholarships are available to students?
Numerous scholarships and financial aid are available through Texas A&M University, the College of Architecture, and the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning. Incoming freshmen applicants are considered for university scholarships through the ApplyTexas Application or the Coalition Application. Continuing students can apply for additional scholarships through the University Scholarship Application for Continuing Students. For more information about university scholarships, visit scholarships.tamu.edu.
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning is a four-year undergraduate degree and requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. The multidisciplinary curriculum features theoretical training in the social and natural sciences, analytical methods, and applied problem solving.
BS-URPN Policy Track 2025 – 2026
Year 1
31 credit hours
Fall Semester – 16 credit hours
LAND 101
Introduction to Landscape Architecture Practice
1 credit hour
Explores and evaluates the diversity of landscape architectural practice; defines the traditional practice forms and examines evolving and boundary expanding opportunities for future practice; introduces the departmental curriculum and faculty.
POLS 206
American National Government
3 credit hours
Survey of American national government, politics, and constitutional development.
URPN 201
The Evolving City
3 credit hours
Introduction to the history of contemporary urban and regional planning and how the evolving forms of cities and regions pose opportunities and/or challenges for planners; understanding key social, economic, political and technological forces that shape city form and function and its ramification for urban and regional planning.
Life & Physical Sciences Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method.
Mathematics Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships.
Communications Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effective of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively.
Spring Semester – 15 credit hours
POLS 207
State & Local Government
3 credit hours
Survey of state and local government and politics with special reference to the constitution and politics of Texas; also taught at Galveston and Qatar campuses.
URPN 202
Building Better Cities
3 credit hours
Determinants of land use patterns; classification of uses; idealized conceptual alternatives; location and size criteria; mapping; comprehensive planning process, relationship to circulation planning.
Communications Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effective of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively.
Life & Physical Sciences Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method.
Mathematics Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships.
Year 2
30 credit hours
Fall Semester – 15 credit hours
LAND 240
History of Landscape Architecture
3 credit hours
Introduction to history of land use, urban design and planning, and site design from prehistory to the present in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia; contemporary issues in landscape architecture such as sustainability, ecological design, and professional roles, both historically and at present, with comparisons to American examples.
URPN 220
Digital Communications I
3 credit hours
Applications of computer graphics, rendering, and visualization software in urban design, landscape architecture, and environmental analysis; introduction to basic concepts and principles of graphic composition; rendering, visualization, and linkages to landscape-referenced data.
ARCH 212
Social and Behavioral Factors in Design
3 credit hours
Social and behavioral factors in the built and natural environment.
University Core Curriculum American History
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area.
Life & Physical Sciences Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method.
Spring Semester – 15 credit hours
URPN 325
Intro to GIS
3 credit hours
Provides an understanding of GIS fundamentals; basic concepts, principles and functions; essential skills for applying GIS in various fields such as urban planning, landscape architecture, land development, environmental studies, transportation and hazard management; based on learning through class projects.
RWFM 375
Con of Natural Res
3 credit hours
Principles and philosophies associated with the development, management and use of natural resources.
Sociology Requirement
3 credit hours
Select from SOCI 230, SOCI 311, SOCI 312, SOCI 314, or SOCI 317
University Core Curriculum American History
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area.
Creative Arts Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination.
Year 3
32 credit hours
Fall Semester – 16 credit hours
URPN 210
Urban Analytical Methods I
3 credit hours
Study of various analytical techniques used in urban and regional decision making; quantitative approaches to analyze and manipulate data; utilization of statistical packages for data, analysis and communication to enhance urban planning modeling.
URPN 302
Planning Law
3 credit hours
Familiarization with the fundamental principles of planning law and legislation; legal foundation for the urban planning process; alternative methods of plan implementation; emphasis on legal issues as they impact land use planning and development at the municipal level of government; participation in mock advocacy trials and public hearings.
URPN 440
Economic Development
3 credit hours
Examines economic development processes in urban and regional planning.
URPN 483
Studio in Urban & Regional Planning
4 credit hours
Studio introduces the confluence of ecological, environmental, economic, social, cultural, and political forces impacting the planning, design, and development of complex urban environments; site planning, design process, sustainability.
General Elective
3 credit hours
Refer to course catalog for information about general elective courses.
Spring Semester – 16 credit hours
URPN 310
Urban Analytical Methods II
3 credit hours
Focuses on research conducted by planners, sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists and a variety of applied social scientists; examines variety of procedures employed when conducting research in urban areas; furthers understanding and knowledge of statistical methods employed in social research and elements of geographical analysis.
URPN 330
Land Development I
3 credit hours
Interface between the physical and financial dimensions in design and development to achieve building and project economies; creating a physical product and a financial venture that are responsive to social and environmental concerns and to market economy and finance.
URPN 331
Public & Priv Infra Fun
3 credit hours
An introduction to issues of financing public and public-private development projects.
URPN 401
Policy Implementation
3 credit hours
Techniques of implementing major urban development programs and plans; capital improvements programming and budgeting; overview of regulatory measures including zoning and subdivision regulations; public involvement process; and fiscal planning.
General Elective
3 credit hours
Refer to course catalog for information about general elective courses.
CARC 481
Seminar
1 credit hour
Preparatory seminar for select College of Architecture study away and internships; topics include introduction to the language, culture and history of study abroad location. Must be taken prior to the student’s study away semester.
Year 4
21-27 credit hours
Fall Semester – 6 or 12 credit hours
URPN 494 or CARC 301
Internship or Field Studies in Design Innovation
6 credit hours
Study abroad students will take CARC 301, CARC 311, and CARC 331. Other university courses will be approved individually through advisor. Internship students will register for URPN 494 in 4th year, fall semester. Two approved supporting coursework courses must be taken in semesters other than fall 4th year.
Study Abroad or Concentration Electives**
6 credit hours
See advisor for list of approved courses.
Spring Semester – 15 credit hours
URPN 493
Urban and Regional Planning Capstone
5 credit hours
Syntheses and application of skills and knowledge gained through coursework applied to the development of creative solutions to real-world projects.
Supporting Coursework
3 credit hours
(See list)
Supporting Coursework
3 credit hours
(See list)
General Elective
4 credit hours
Refer to course catalog for information about general elective courses.
BS-URPN Urban Design Track 2025 – 2026
Year 1
31 credit hours
Fall Semester – 14 credit hours
LAND 101
Introduction to Landscape Architecture Practice
1 credit hour
Explores and evaluates the diversity of landscape architectural practice; defines the traditional practice forms and examines evolving and boundary expanding opportunities for future practice; introduces the departmental curriculum and faculty.
URPN 201
The Evolving City
3 credit hours
Introduction to the history of contemporary urban and regional planning and how the evolving forms of cities and regions pose opportunities and/or challenges for planners; understanding key social, economic, political and technological forces that shape city form and function and its ramification for urban and regional planning.
POLS 206
American National Government
3 credit hours
Survey of American national government, politics, and constitutional development.
Life & Physical Sciences Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method.
Communications Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effective of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively.
Mathematics Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships.
Spring Semester – 15 credit hours
URPN 202
Building Better Cities
3 credit hours
Determinants of land use patterns; classification of uses; idealized conceptual alternatives; location and size criteria; mapping; comprehensive planning process, relationship to circulation planning.
POLS 207
State and Local Government
3 credit hours
State and Local Government. Survey of state and local government and politics with special reference to the constitution and politics of Texas.
Life & Physical Sciences Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method.
Communications Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effective of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively.
Mathematics Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships.
Year 2
30 credit hours
Fall Semester – 15 credit hours
ARCH 212
Social and Behavioral Factors in Design
3 credit hours
Social and behavioral factors in the built and natural environment; environmental perception and spatial cognition.
URPN 220
Digital Communication I
3 credit hours
Applications of computer graphics, rendering, and visualization software in urban design, landscape architecture, and environmental analysis.
Land 240
History of Landscape Architecture
3 credit hours
Introduction to history of land use, urban design and planning, and site design from prehistory to the present in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
American History
3 credit hours
Refer to the course catalog for information about American history courses.
Creative Arts Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination.
Spring Semester – 15 credit hours
URPN 320
Digital Communications II
3 credit hours
Advanced applications of computer graphics, rendering, and visualization software in urban design, landscape architecture, and environmental analysis; introduction to basic concepts and principles of graphic composition, rendering, visualization, and linkages to landscape-referenced data.
URPN 325
Introduction to GIS in Urban and Regional Planning
3 credit hours
Provides an understanding of GIS fundamentals.
Life & Physical Sciences Core Curriculum
3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method.
American History
3 credit hours
Refer to the course catalog for information about American history courses.
Select between SOCI 230, SOCI 311, SOCI 312, SOCI 314, and SOCI 317.
Year 3
32 credit hours
Fall Semester – 16 credit hours
URPN 210
Urban Analytical Meth I
3 credit hours
Study of various analytical techniques used in urban and regional decision making.
URPN 326
Advanced GIS
3 credit hours
Advanced instruction in applications of spatial tools for urban planning, landscape architecture, land development, hazard management, and related problems.
RWFM 375
Conservation of Natural Resources
3 credit hours
Principles and philosophies associated with the development, management and use of natural resources; ecological and social implications inherent in management alternatives involving the natural environment and use of renewable natural resources.
UPRN 420
Principles of Urban Design
3 credit hours
Theories and fundamental components of urban design including historical trends, case studies, land use arrangement, transportation options, open space networks, urban form, aesthetics and planning policies; application of the history and theory behind differing urban designs to practical projects.
URPN 483
Studio in Urban & Regional Planning
4 credit hours
Studio introduces the confluence of ecological, environmental, economic, social, cultural, and political forces impacting the planning, design, and development of complex urban environments; site planning, design process, sustainability.
Spring Semester – 16 credit hours
URPN 310
Urban Analytical Methods II
3 credit hours
Focuses on research conducted by planners, sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists and a variety of applied social scientists.
URPN 330
Land Development I
3 credit hours
Interface between the physical and financial dimensions in design and development to achieve building and project economies; creating a physical product and a financial venture that are responsive to social and environmental concerns and to market economy and finance.
URPN 331
Public and Private Infrastructure Funding
3 credit hours
An introduction to issues of financing public and public-private development projects.
URPN 401
Policy Implementation
3 credit hours
Techniques of implementing major urban development programs and plans; capital improvements programming and budgeting; overview of regulatory measures including zoning and subdivision regulations; public involvement process; and fiscal planning.
CARC 481
Seminar
1 credit hour
Preparatory seminar for select College of Architecture study away and internships; topics include introduction to the language, culture and history of study abroad location. Must be taken prior to the student’s study away semester. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
General Elective
3 credit hours
Refer to the course catalog for information about general elective courses.
Year 4
21-27 credit hours
Fall Semester – 6 or 12 credit hours
URPN 494 or CARC 301
Internship or Field Studies in Design Innovation
6 credit hours
Study abroad students will take CARC 301, CARC 311, and CARC 331. Other university courses will be approved individually through advisor. Internship students will register for URPN 494 in 4th year, fall semester. Two approved supporting coursework courses must be taken in semesters other than fall 4th year.
Study Abroad or Concentration Electives
6 credit hours
See advisor for a list of approved courses.
Spring Semester – 16 credit hours
URPN 493
URPN Capstone
5 credit hours
Syntheses and application of skills and knowledge gained through coursework applied to the development of creative solutions to real-world projects.
Supporting Coursework
3 credit hours
(See list)
General Elective
4 credit hours
Refer to the course catalog for information about general electives.
General Elective
3 credit hours
Refer to the course catalog for information about general electives.
For more details about each course, view the listings in the Texas A&M Course Catalog.
*Subject to change
A grade of C or better is required in courses under major coursework and supporting coursework.
Study abroad students will take CARC 301, CARC 311, and CARC 331. Other university courses will be approved individually through advisor.
Internship students will register for URPN 494 in 4th year, fall semester. Two approved supporting coursework courses must be taken in semesters other than fall 4th year.
Featured Courses
URPN 483
Studio in Urban & Regional Sciences
URPN 325
Introduction to GIS in Urban & Regional Planning
URPN 493
Urban and Regional Planning Capstone
Real-world experience
Our students address community problems while still in the classroom. Hands-on assignments and service-learning projects teach our students to address community challenges. We often partner with communities through the Texas Target Communities and our community outreach programs to provide applied problem solving opportunities. Students also have the opportunity to experience workplace practices and other cultures through our semester away internships and study abroad program.
