Through the completion of this certificate, students will gain an essential introduction to the field and practice of urban planning, which is about engaging communities for better futures and creating places where people can lead meaningful lives. Courses will provide a framework of the social, economic, and political environments within which planning policy is formed and carried out. The certificate is geared toward meeting the need for planning policy on urban issues at any level of government — federal, state, regional, and local — or outside the governmental arena. While all students are welcome to apply, this graduate certificate's course work is only offered at the Lawrence Campus.
Admission to Graduate Studies
An applicant seeking to pursue graduate study in the College may be admitted as either a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. Policies and procedures of Graduate Studies govern the process of Graduate admission. These may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
Please consult the Departments & Programs section of the online catalog for information regarding program-specific admissions criteria and requirements. Special admissions requirements pertain to Interdisciplinary Studies degrees, which may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
The School of Public Affairs & Administration (SPAA) accepts students on a rolling admissions basis. Students may apply to be admitted for either the fall, summer or spring semesters. Applicants for the certificate are required to meet the following program requirements:
- An undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 (if the undergraduate degree was awarded in the last three years); and
- the University requirement that Non-native speakers of English meet Graduate Studies English proficiency.
Current graduate students who wish to earn a graduate certificate credential in any of the SPAA certificates must submit a graduate application for the specific certificate program no later than enrollment in the final course that will count toward the certificate.
Individuals who are not already enrolled as KU graduate students must complete an application to Graduate Studies for admission into the certificate program and submit an application fee along with the following materials:
• A current resume.
• A statement of interest in the graduate certificate program. This 1-2 page narrative should summarize your education, employment history, career goals, and how this certificate will bolster your professional aspirations.
• Official transcripts of baccalaureate degree/s and any post-baccalaureate course work.
The admissions committee may request additional materials if needed to assess an applicant’s ability to be successful in the coursework.
More information about SPAA graduate certificates can be found on the SPAA Graduate Certificates pages.
The certificate requires 4 courses for a total of 12 graduate credit hours. Other courses may be substituted with the approval of the MPA Faculty Director in consultation with the Urban Planning Director. Student pursuing more than one SPAA certificate may use a maximum of one course to count towards both certificates. While completing the following degree requirements, graduate students are expected to understand and follow Office Graduate Studies policies relevant to their student status and academic standing.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| UBPL 730 | City and County Planning | 3 |
| UBPL 785 | History and Theory of Planning | 3 |
| |
| UBPL 705 | Urban Economic Theory and Analysis | 3 |
| UBPL 710 | Housing Policy and Planning | 3 |
| UBPL 720 | Sustainable Land Use Policy and Planning | 3 |
| UBPL 736 | Planning Law and Institutions | 3 |
| UBPL 750 | Transportation Policy and Planning | 3 |
