Doctor of Philosophy in Regional Planning
Students, together with their faculty adviser and program committee, select theory, methods, and specialization courses to meet the Ph.D. requirements and prepare for a successful career of advanced research and teaching.
A successful dissertation in planning reports original research on a subject appropriate to the field, the results of which produce significant advances in knowledge. Each student takes a Preliminary Examination, which is an oral examination based on the dissertation proposal and is administered by the student's dissertation committee. Upon approval of the dissertation proposal, the candidate can proceed with the research, written analysis, and findings. When the candidate and the supervisor agree that the research and writing are complete, the candidate is ready for the final examination, which is a defense of the dissertation before the committee.
Please consult the department's website for additional information about doctoral requirements.
Entering with approved Master's Degree
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| 4-8 |
| 4 |
| 12 |
| 28 |
UP 599 | Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree) | 1-16 |
Total Hours | 64 |
Other Requirements1
Grad Other Degree Requirements Requirement | Description |
Other requirements may overlap | |
Master's Degree Required for Admission to PhD? | No |
Plan of Study Required | Yes |
Two Synthesis Papers Required | Yes |
Qualifying Exam or Qualifying Research Paper Required | Yes |
Preliminary Exam Required | Yes |
Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes |
Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes |
Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
Entering with approved Bachelor's Degree
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| 8 |
| 4 |
| 12 |
| 56 |
UP 599 | Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree) | 1-16 |
Total Hours | 96 |
Other Requirements1
Grad Other Degree Requirements Requirement | Description |
Other requirements may overlap | |
Master's Degree Required for Admission to PhD? | No |
Plan of Study Required | Yes |
Two Synthesis Papers Required | Yes |
Qualifying Exam or Qualifying Research Paper Required | Yes |
Preliminary Exam Required | Yes |
Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes |
Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes |
Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |