Urban Planning University of Kansas

Overview

The Urban Planning programme at the University of Kansas provides a comprehensive professional education designed to prepare students for excellence in planning practice. This accredited degree focuses on identifying and solving complex problems where human communities and natural environments intersect. Students engage in a curriculum that balances theoretical foundations with applied skills necessary for entry-level and leadership roles.

The course is structured to be completed over two years of full-time study, though part-time options are available for those requiring flexibility. By integrating in-person learning with practical experiences in Lawrence, Kansas City, and Topeka, the university ensures that graduates are ready to strengthen communities.

Why Urban Planning at University of Kansas?

Choosing this programme means joining a school with a long history of training successful planners through a combination of expert instruction and real-world application. The University of Kansas offers unique opportunities for students to participate in paid internships and collaborative projects that address contemporary policy challenges. Facilities and partnerships within the School of Public Affairs and Administration provide an empowering environment for professional growth.

The programme's success is reflected in its strong outcomes, including high graduation rates and excellent performance in professional certification exams. Students benefit from a supportive community that emphasises creativity, integrity, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. This practical approach ensures that graduates are highly sought after by employers across various sectors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 20712 per year
• National fee: USD 20712 per year
• Local fee: USD 8806 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 42 credit hours, covering core theory and specialised areas of practice. Modules may include:

• Housing and Development
• Sustainable Land Use
• Transportation
• Multidisciplinary Planning
• Policy Planning and Analysis
• Planning Education
• Planning Practice
• Theory and Methods

Careers with Urban Planning

Graduates from the University of Kansas find rewarding careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The programme prepares individuals for roles in neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing development, and local economic development. Many alumni work for housing authorities, state finance agencies, or private real estate development firms.

Opportunities also exist within environmental and resource management agencies, where planners focus on air and water quality or conservation. In the transportation sector, graduates work for city, regional, and federal departments of transportation, as well as private consulting firms. The multidisciplinary nature of the degree allows for roles in research institutions, think tanks, and international organisations focused on urban innovation and resilience.