Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning
The Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning at Texas A&M University prepares students for entry-level positions and provides a well-rounded education for advanced studies in fields essential to analyzing the competing interests and political, economic, social, and environmental forces to develop solutions that shape neighborhoods, communities, cities, entire regions, and the global community.
What is Urban Planning?
Urban and regional planning focuses on how cities and communities grow, function and change over time. Planners help guide decisions related to land use, transportation, housing, the environment and public policy to shape places that are safe, efficient and supportive of community needs.
They think about how decisions made today will impact communities in the future, working to balance growth, resources and quality of life. Planners also work with communities, stakeholders and governments to address real-world challenges to create solutions that improve how people live, move and interact within a place.
The Aggie Planning Experience
At Texas A&M, the Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning program combines technical skills, creative problem-solving and real-world experience. Students learn to analyze data, communicate ideas and design solutions that respond to real planning challenges. Students explore how planning connects to areas like the built environment, policy, economics and community needs, developing the ability to think through complex issues from different perspectives.
Coursework includes hands-on learning and real-world application, helping students build the essential skills for planning practice. The four-year degree plan is designed to build both practical skills and a strong understanding of how planning works in real-world contexts.
A group of students celebrating the semester away internships & study abroad experiences.
Building Your Expertise
Communication Skills
Build strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills for effective planning.
Technical Skills
Learn Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data analysis and digital communications tools used in planning.
Studio Experience
Work on real projects that combine design, policy and analysis.
Hands-On Learning
Gain experience through fieldwork and collaboration with communities.
Semester Away
Complete an internship, study abroad or approved coursework at another university.
Concentration Areas
Explore health systems planning, infrastructure planning, land development planning, urban analytics, urban design or urban policy.
Choose Your Pathway
| Concentration Areas | Masters Articulations |
|---|---|
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Student Work
Project by: Kira Sanchez, Kylie Blake, and Clarissa Martinez
This evacuation analysis of the Houston area identifies vulnerable populations by examining vehicle ownership, median income and TxDOT evacuation routes. The study highlights significant socioeconomic disparities and finds that current infrastructure may be insufficient to support areas with high expected annual loss (EAL).
Project by: Eduardo Alvarado
Student researchers in the URPN 493 Capstone course evaluate the urban landscape of Pecos County. Utilizing detailed mapping of the Santa Fe Railroad and James Rooney Memorial Park, this project explores the intersection of historic preservation and modern infrastructure in Fort Stockton.
Project by: Bonnie Jones and Julia Park.
It is a redevelopment of southwest Morrison Street in Portland, Oregon using Revit and Photoshop.
Beyond the Classroom
Students in the Urban and Regional Planning program have opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom, connect with professionals, and apply what they’re learning in real-world settings.
Student Organizations
Get involved with student organizations like the Association of Student Planners (ASP) and connect with other students interested in planning.
Career Fair
Students have the opportunity to meet employers, explore internship opportunities, and build professional connections.
ColLAB
Students have the opportunity to participate in a collaborative charrette with students from other universities to solve real planning challenges.
APA TX Conference
Students may attend and participate in professional planning conferences, such as the American Planning Association Conference, to learn from and network with industry leaders.W
Careers and Outcomes
Public Sector
City, regional, and state agencies focused on planning, transportation and community development.
Private (For-Profit)
Planning, development and engineering firms working on projects in the built environment.
Private (Nonprofit)
Organizations focused on housing access, community developmentand social impact.
Curriculum
| Fall Semester | |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
| Communications Core Curriculum | 3 |
| LAND 101: Intro to LA Practice1 | 1 |
| Mathematics Core Curriculum | 3 |
| POLS 206: Amer Nat’l Govt | 3 |
| URPN 202: Building Better Cities1 | 3 |
| Life & Physical Sciences Core Curriculum | 3 |
| FYEX 101: First Year Experience | 0 |
| Total Fall Hours | 16 |
| Spring Semester | |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
| Communications Core Curriculum | 3 |
| Mathematics Core Curriculum | 3 |
| POLS 207: State and Local Govt | 3 |
| URPN 201: The Evolving City1 | 3 |
| URPN 220: Digital Communications I1 | 3 |
| Total Spring Hours | 15 |
Must make a grade of C or better.1
Select from any 100-499 course not used elsewhere. 2
Semester Away: May be satisfied by study abroad, at another university, internship, or special arrangement by advisor or instructor. Directed electives may be taken during summer, online, distance education, at another university or college, or at a study abroad university. CARC 301 is a study abroad course. If electing to study abroad, must take CARC 311 and CARC 331 as directed electives. If a student takes URPN 494 in fall of fourth year, 6 hours of directed electives must be added to different semesters other than this fall. 3
Must be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor from: AGEC 422, ARCH 250, CSCE 110, ENDS 101, GEOG 352/GEOL 352, LAND 241, PBSI 315, POLS 340/PSAA 340, SOCI 312, SOCI 328, SOCI 404/RPTS 404, SOCI 419, URPN 302, URPN 340, URPN 360, URPN 361, URPN 369, URPN 370, URPN 371, URPN 409, URPN 440, URPN 450, URPN 451, URPN 460, URPN 469, URPN 470, URPN 471, URPN 489. If not participating in study abroad or taken elsewhere in the curriculum, 3 hours must come from list of approved International and Cultural Diversity courses. 4
| Fall Semester | |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
| Life & Physical Sciences Core Curriculum | 3 |
| LAND 240: History of Landscape Arch | 3 |
| Sociology Requirement | 3 |
| University Core Curriculum American History | 3 |
| URPN 230: Communication, Engagement, & Ethics for Planners1 | 3 |
| Total Fall Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
| URPN 302: Planning Law1 | 3 |
| URPN 325: Intro to GIS1 | 3 |
| URPN 460: Sustainable Communities1 | 3 |
| University Core Curriculum American History | 3 |
| Life & Physical Sciences Core Curriculum | 3 |
| Total Spring Hours | 15 |
Must make a grade of C or better.1
Select from any 100-499 course not used elsewhere. 2
Semester Away: May be satisfied by study abroad, at another university, internship, or special arrangement by advisor or instructor. Directed electives may be taken during summer, online, distance education, at another university or college, or at a study abroad university. CARC 301 is a study abroad course. If electing to study abroad, must take CARC 311 and CARC 331 as directed electives. If a student takes URPN 494 in fall of fourth year, 6 hours of directed electives must be added to different semesters other than this fall. 3
Must be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor from: AGEC 422, ARCH 250, CSCE 110, ENDS 101, GEOG 352/GEOL 352, LAND 241, PBSI 315, POLS 340/PSAA 340, SOCI 312, SOCI 328, SOCI 404/RPTS 404, SOCI 419, URPN 302, URPN 340, URPN 360, URPN 361, URPN 369, URPN 370, URPN 371, URPN 409, URPN 440, URPN 450, URPN 451, URPN 460, URPN 469, URPN 470, URPN 471, URPN 489. If not participating in study abroad or taken elsewhere in the curriculum, 3 hours must come from list of approved International and Cultural Diversity courses. 4
| Fall Semester | |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
| ARCH 212: Social & Behavioral Factors in Design | 3 |
| URPN 210: Urban Analytical Methods I1 | 3 |
| URPN 483: Studio in Urban & Regional Science1 | 4 |
| URPN Directed Elective1,4 | 3 |
| URPN Directed Elective1,4 | 3 |
| Total Fall Hours | 16 |
| Spring Semester | |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
| CARC 481: Semester Away Seminar | 1 |
| Creative Arts Core Curriculum | 3 |
| URPN 440: Economic Development1 | 3 |
| URPN 401: Policy Implementation1 | 3 |
| URPN Directed Elective1,4 | 3 |
| General Elective2 | 3 |
| Total Spring Hours | 16 |
Must make a grade of C or better.1
Select from any 100-499 course not used elsewhere. 2
Semester Away: May be satisfied by study abroad, at another university, internship, or special arrangement by advisor or instructor. Directed electives may be taken during summer, online, distance education, at another university or college, or at a study abroad university. CARC 301 is a study abroad course. If electing to study abroad, must take CARC 311 and CARC 331 as directed electives. If a student takes URPN 494 in fall of fourth year, 6 hours of directed electives must be added to different semesters other than this fall. 3
Must be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor from: AGEC 422, ARCH 250, CSCE 110, ENDS 101, GEOG 352/GEOL 352, LAND 241, PBSI 315, POLS 340/PSAA 340, SOCI 312, SOCI 328, SOCI 404/RPTS 404, SOCI 419, URPN 302, URPN 340, URPN 360, URPN 361, URPN 369, URPN 370, URPN 371, URPN 409, URPN 440, URPN 450, URPN 451, URPN 460, URPN 469, URPN 470, URPN 471, URPN 489. If not participating in study abroad or taken elsewhere in the curriculum, 3 hours must come from list of approved International and Cultural Diversity courses. 4
| Fall Semester | |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
| URPN 494: Internship OR CARC 3011,3 | 6 |
| Study Abroad OR 2 Supporting Courses1,4 | 6 |
| Note: If Internship is selected, two supporting courses must be added to semesters other than Senior Fall semester. | |
| Total Fall Hours | 6/12 |
| Spring Semester | |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
| URPN 493: Capstone1 | 5 |
| URPN Directed Elective1,4 | 3 |
| General Elective2 | 3 |
| General Elective2 | 3 |
| General Elective2 | 1 |
| Total Spring Hours | 15 |
Must make a grade of C or better.1
Select from any 100-499 course not used elsewhere. 2
Semester Away: May be satisfied by study abroad, at another university, internship, or special arrangement by advisor or instructor. Directed electives may be taken during summer, online, distance education, at another university or college, or at a study abroad university. CARC 301 is a study abroad course. If electing to study abroad, must take CARC 311 and CARC 331 as directed electives. If a student takes URPN 494 in fall of fourth year, 6 hours of directed electives must be added to different semesters other than this fall. 3
Must be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor from: AGEC 422, ARCH 250, CSCE 110, ENDS 101, GEOG 352/GEOL 352, LAND 241, PBSI 315, POLS 340/PSAA 340, SOCI 312, SOCI 328, SOCI 404/RPTS 404, SOCI 419, URPN 302, URPN 340, URPN 360, URPN 361, URPN 369, URPN 370, URPN 371, URPN 409, URPN 440, URPN 450, URPN 451, URPN 460, URPN 469, URPN 470, URPN 471, URPN 489. If not participating in study abroad or taken elsewhere in the curriculum, 3 hours must come from list of approved International and Cultural Diversity courses. 4
FAQs About the Urban Planning Program
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.
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.
No, you do not need to be AICP certified to work as an urban planner. Many planning positions do not require certification, especially early in your career.
The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is a professional credential that planners may choose to pursue as they gain experience. It can support career advancement and may be preferred for certain positions. Planners with AICP certification often earn higher salaries than those with similar experience who are not certified.
Data on AICP exam pass rates for graduates of Texas A&M University B.S. URPN program is currently being collected and will be published as it becomes available.
Retention and graduation rates for the B.S. in Urban and Regional Planning program are reported through Texas A&M University’s institutional data system.
These metrics can be explored through Texas A&M’s student metrics dashboard. To view program-specific data, select Urban and Regional Planning (URPN) using the available filters.
Program Contacts
Justin Golbabai
B.S. URPN Program Coordinator
