2026-2028 Catalog

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

https://planning.calpoly.edu/content/programs/mcrp 

The Master of City & Regional Planning degree (MCRP) is an applied, comprehensive, and professionally-based program. It is open to students with high standards of academic achievement who wish to pursue careers in city and regional planning.

Requirements for Admission

Students apply via Cal State Apply and must submit a transcript, a representative 5-10 page example of a self-authored paper or project to demonstrate writing ability, 3 reference letters, the statement of purpose outlining areas of interest in, city and regional planning from the perspective of their career and educational objectives, CV/Resume. 

International Students must meet all the standard eligibility criteria and demonstrate proficiency in English (English Proficiency Exam Requirements)

Prerequisites: a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.  

Minimum GPA: at least a 3.0 (out of 4.0) grade point average in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units of undergraduate work.

Application due date: Please see Graduate Student Dates and Deadlines for application deadlines. Students begin the program Fall semester.

Advancement to Candidacy

Completion of the working formal study plan for the program selected (MCRP, concurrent degree with CE, or selected specialization).

Culminating Experience 

The degree culminates in a thesis (CRP 5599), professional project (CRP 5596), or a studio project (CRP 5598).

Specializations

Transportation Planning

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

The Transportation Planning specialization provides students with advanced study in the design, engineering, analysis, planning, and implementation of transportation systems and policy. Students pursuing the specialization are prepared for professional positions in public transportation agencies, private transportation planning and engineering firms, and other organizations desiring specialized knowledge in transportation. The specialization includes instruction on theory, land use integration, policy, engineering, and sustainability.

Landscape and Urban Design

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

The Landscape and Urban Design specialization provides students with advanced study in design, analysis, and ecological and preservation planning of the environment. Students pursuing the specialization are prepared for professional positions in urban design and landscape and preservation planning at local and regional levels. The specialization includes urban design and landscape architecture theory and practice, analysis of cultural and natural landscapes, and interpretation and visualization of data.

Program Learning Objectives

  1. Critically assess the historical, theoretical, legal, and methodological foundations of planning.
  2. Analyze the theory and practice of planning’s impact on equity and social justice.
  3. Systematically gather, organize, analyze and present quantitative and qualitative data and information
  4. Transform data and information into knowledge for action.
  5. Critically assess and apply scientific research from a broad array of disciplines.
  6. Lead processes that integrate and apply the necessary skills and knowledge to address planning problems.
  7. Develop, manage, and implement a planning process.
  8. Organize and engage with a variety of audiences: multiple publics, officials, and decision-makers.
  9. Integrate knowledge from the broad array of fields represented by student’s undergraduate backgrounds.
  10. Provide leadership and innovation in the professional practice of planning.
  11. Evaluate, implement and advocate for sustainability, diversity, and environmental and social justice through leadership in all planning endeavors.
  12. Act in accordance with the AICP Code of Ethics.
REQUIRED COURSES
CRP 4435Advancing the Transportation Revolution4
CRP 5101Homes, Health, and Social Justice4
CRP 5103Creating Sustainable and Resilient Communities4
CRP 5104Technology and Urban Planning4
CRP 5504Foundations of Planning4
CRP 5512Urban Data Analysis4
CRP 5553Project Planning and Design Studio4
CRP 5554Community Planning Studio4
Select from the following:4
CRP 5596
Project - Professional
CRP 5598
Project - Studio
CRP 5599
Thesis
Approved Electives
Select from the following:12
Select any 4000-5000 level ARCH, CRP, CE, CM, ECON, ENVE, LA, POLS, or SOC courses 1
Total Units48
1

May be substituted with a graduate coordinator approved course.

Specializations

Transportation Planning

REQUIRED COURSES
CRP 4435Advancing the Transportation Revolution4
CRP 5101Homes, Health, and Social Justice4
CRP 5103Creating Sustainable and Resilient Communities4
CRP 5104Technology and Urban Planning4
CRP 5504Foundations of Planning4
CRP 5512Urban Data Analysis4
CRP 5553Project Planning and Design Studio4
CRP 5554Community Planning Studio4
Select from the following:4
CRP 5596
Project - Professional
CRP 5598
Project - Studio
CRP 5599
Thesis
Specialization Required Courses
CRP 4455Transportation Policy and Planning3
CE 5523Transportation Systems Planning3-4
or CE 4421 Traffic Engineering
CE 5527Sustainable Mobility3
Approved Electives
Select any 4000-5000 level CRP or CE course2-3
Total Units48

Landscape and Urban Design

REQUIRED COURSES
CRP 4435Advancing the Transportation Revolution4
CRP 5101Homes, Health, and Social Justice4
CRP 5103Creating Sustainable and Resilient Communities4
CRP 5104Technology and Urban Planning4
CRP 5504Foundations of Planning4
CRP 5512Urban Data Analysis4
CRP 5553Project Planning and Design Studio4
CRP 5554Community Planning Studio4
Select from the following:4
CRP 5596
Project - Professional
CRP 5598
Project - Studio
CRP 5599
Thesis
Specialization Required Courses
Select from the following:12
CRP 4448
Principles of Urban Design
CRP/LA 5538
Advanced GIS Application to Projects
LA 5520
Urban Design with Cultural Landscapes
LA 5521
Ecological Urban Design
LA 5531
Information Graphics for Landscape and Urban Studies
Total Units48