Master’s in Urban Planning Application Requirements

All USC Price candidates must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to apply. Because this is an executive degree, and we prefer applicants that have work experience related to urban planning, real estate development, or the intersection of those fields. You should be sure to highlight that work experience and how it motivates your desire to pursue this degree in your application. The USC Price Executive Master of Urban Planning online program is currently authorized to operate, exempt, or not subject to approval in these states. 

To complete your application for the online Executive Master of Urban Planning, you must submit the following:

Online Application

You must submit an online application to apply to the Executive Master of Urban Planning program.

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Resume

Your resume should include a summary of your academic background, your professional work history and any other relevant work or volunteer experience you’d like to highlight. Five to seven years of relevant work experience are recommended, but not required, to apply.

Transcripts

Sealed official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you have attended, including any community college coursework, must be sent to appsvcs@uscpriceonline.usc.edu or:

Application Processing Services
USC Sol Price School of Public Policy - EMUP
7900 Harkins Road
Suite 501
Lanham, MD 20706

We recommend that you request transcripts when beginning the application, as the turnaround time can vary from school to school.

Statement of Purpose

There are several statement-of-purpose prompts. You will be asked to describe your path to USC Price, including what prepared you to succeed in the program and why you chose it.

Letters of Recommendation (two)

You must submit two references. These should come from:

• A professor, faculty member and/or academic adviser who can provide meaningful input regarding your academic record
• A professional in your field who can provide meaningful input regarding previous work experience

One from each of these types of recommenders is preferred, but two from the same type is accepted.

Application Fee

There is a nonrefundable application fee of $90. Waivers are available for applicants who apply prior to the Early Decision Deadline of every cohort.

Test Scores

GRE or GMAT scores are not required.

If you have questions about applying to USC Price’s online Executive Master of Urban Planning program, contact an admissions counselor at Phone Number: 1-855-637-1999 or admissions@uscpriceonline.usc.edu.

If you’d like to continue your application, do so now.

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You may contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss appealing for a budget increase for the intensive term. For more information, please see the Financial Aid Office Special Circumstances and Appeals page.  

¹ Urban Planning & Policy Programs, U.S. News & World Report, ranked in 2019
² Top Public Affairs Schools, U.S. News & World Report, ranked in 2019