M.A. in Counseling in Educational Setting
The M.A. in Counseling in Educational Settings at Rowan University is a comprehensive p...
M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning
Glassboro
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning at Rowan University offers a comprehensive and dynamic graduate program designed to prepare students for impactful careers in shaping the future of communities. This program delves into the multifaceted aspects of urban and regional development, emphasizing a holistic approach that considers environmental sustainability, social equity, economic viability, and aesthetic design. Students learn to become problem-solvers, utilizing a variety of skills to assist areas ranging from small towns to large cities and regions. The curriculum is aligned with national planning education standards and aims to cultivate professionals who can create resilient, place-based solutions for the social, economic, and environmental challenges of the 21st century.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning program requires the completion of 46 graduate semester hours (14 courses). The curriculum is structured to provide core skills in essential planning areas. Required courses typically cover topics such as Introduction to Planning: Past, Present, and Future; Community Planning and Site Design; Research Methods in Planning; Environmental and Sustainability Planning; Planning, Practice, Law, and Ethics; Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS); Planning Communication; Geovisualization; and a comprehensive Planning Studio. Students also have the flexibility to select elective courses (15 semester hours) to curate their own specialization, reflecting professional interests through graduate courses from across the University, including options in Environmental Studies, Advanced Historic Preservation, Food Systems Planning, and advanced GIS topics.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning program at Rowan University emphasizes an applied and research-informed approach to community development. Students are trained in research methods in planning, enabling them to analyze trends, identify community problems, and evaluate the effectiveness of planning interventions. The program encourages students to engage with real-world issues through client-based studio courses, where they apply theoretical knowledge to solve practical planning challenges. Faculty research interests often revolve around sustainable planning, environmental degradation, resiliency, and community engagement, providing opportunities for students to contribute to ongoing projects that aim to create data-driven solutions for communities.
Industry Engagement: Rowan University's M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning program is strongly connected to professional practice. The curriculum is aligned with national planning education standards, preparing students for professional certification (AICP), which often requires advanced academic training. The program benefits from its ideal location, equidistant from rural New Jersey and the urban centers of Philadelphia and Camden, providing exciting experiential learning opportunities. Faculty prioritize applied, experiential learning, combining theory, case studies, and skill-building. This practical focus, along with potential partnerships with community organizations and government entities, helps students develop the skills and networks needed to work in consulting, industry, government, and non-profit organizations.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning program at Rowan University inherently integrates a global perspective by addressing issues that transcend local boundaries. The curriculum highlights the global significance of challenges related to climate change, environmental degradation, sustainability, resiliency, and diversity. Students examine planning in a broader context, understanding how local decisions can have global implications and vice versa. By exploring diverse approaches to urban and regional development from around the world, the program prepares graduates to contribute to solutions that are applicable in a complex and interconnected global environment.
Location
Glassboro
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19150
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $65
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Rowan University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in their academic pursuits. Understanding that studying abroad can be a significant financial investment, Rowan provides merit-based scholarships, awards, and grants to help ease the financial burden and reward academic excellence and leadership potential.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at Rowan University may be eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can range from partial to substantial tuition awards and are typically renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Global Academic Excellence Scholarship: One of the key awards available to incoming international undergraduate students is the Global Academic Excellence Scholarship, which recognizes outstanding academic records and exceptional leadership qualities. This scholarship helps reduce tuition costs and encourages high-performing students to join Rowan’s diverse community.
Departmental Scholarships and Awards: Many of Rowan’s individual colleges and departments offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing degrees in specific fields such as business, engineering, communication, or health sciences. These awards are often competitive and based on academic merit, portfolio submissions, or departmental recommendations.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, Rowan provides assistantships and fellowships that offer tuition remission along with a stipend in exchange for teaching or research support. These positions not only help finance graduate education but also provide valuable professional experience and academic networking opportunities.
Graduates of the M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning program at Rowan University acquire a robust and versatile skillset, making them highly competitive for a wide array of exciting and rewarding career opportunities across government agencies, planning and consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and real estate development.
City/County/Regional Planner: Working for local or regional government to develop and implement land use plans, zoning ordinances, and community development strategies.
Environmental Planner: Focusing on the integration of environmental considerations into planning processes, including conservation, sustainability, and climate change adaptation.
Transportation Planner: Developing and managing transportation systems, including roads, public transit, bicycle paths, and pedestrian infrastructure, to improve connectivity and efficiency.
Community Development Director/Specialist: Leading initiatives to improve the social, economic, and physical well-being of communities, often involving housing, economic development, and revitalization projects.
Urban Designer: Shaping the physical form and public spaces of cities and towns, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and livability of urban environments.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist/Analyst (Planning Focus): Utilizing GIS software and spatial analysis techniques to create maps, analyze spatial data, and inform planning decisions.
Zoning Administrator: Enforcing zoning ordinances and land use regulations, reviewing development proposals, and ensuring compliance with local codes.
Historic Preservation Planner: Working to protect and preserve historic buildings, sites, and cultural landscapes through planning, policy development, and adaptive reuse strategies.
Real Estate Development Manager: Applying planning principles to the development of new properties, considering market trends, zoning requirements, and community impact.
Nonprofit Advocate (Urban/Environmental Focus): Working for non-profit organizations to advocate for sustainable development, affordable housing, social equity, or environmental protection in urban and regional contexts.
