Master of Science
in Urban Studies
and Planning

MSUSP

The Master of Science in Urban Studies and Planning Program (MSUSP) is the only one of its kind in Coastal Georgia.  Faculty members engage students in the exploration of complex issues facing cities through a multi-disciplinary and socially conscious worldview. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to address the debates, issues and needs of our coastal community and beyond. A strong academic core curriculum includes foundational urban theory and history. Through participation in applied coursework, students acquire professional training in such areas as Housing and Community Development, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Research Methods, Environmental Justice, Public Affairs, Municipal Finance, and Land Use and Infrastructure Development. 

Admissions Application: Click Here

 

 

Mayor Johnson joins student interns at the Savannah-Chatham Fair Housing Luncheon

 

 Historic Savannah, Georgia:

America’s First Planned City  

Get a Master of Science in Urban Studies and Planning Degree

 

 

 

Source: Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Libraries

Today, Savannah's plan is considered a masterpiece in the history of American city planning. Author and architect, John Massengale, called it "the most intelligent grid in America, perhaps the world." Oglethorpe's plan of squares and streets for Savannah is "so exalted that it remains as one of the finest diagrams for city organization and growth in existence," said Philadelphia planner and author, Edmund Bacon. The area of the original Savannah plan was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1966 and, in 1977, The American Society of Civil Engineers designated the city plan of Savannah as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Application Process

Potential candidates are required to complete an application package. Upon review, an MSUSP faculty member will contact selected candidates for interviews.

Application Contents

  • Completion of graduate application

  • 2.6 overall GPA, with a 3.0 in undergraduate major classes

  • Proficient Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score

  • Three academic and professional letters of reference

  • Statement of Interest (1,000 words)

  • Two official transcripts from each college and university attended

  • Curriculum Vitae

Matriculation Requirements

The Master of Science in Urban Studies and Planning Degree requires completion of 36 semester hours of graduate course work:

(1) Core curriculum: 21 credits

(2) Capstone Project or Master’s thesis: 6 credits

(3) Electives: 9 credits

To provide a comprehensive education, the curriculum is composed of the following components:

 

Core Classes in urban planning, the history of urbanization, urban theory, quantitative and qualitative research, urban policy, geographic information systems and municipal finance

 

Elective and Specialization Classes in such areas as housing and community development, land use and infrastructure development, historic preservation, environmental health, and urban policy and administration

 

Original Independent Research requires the production of a Master’s Thesis or Capstone Project. Students engage in research design, field-work implementation, data analysis and the production of a final paper.

 

Community Learning is integrated into most classes. Students collaborate with community partners to produce new research and engage in skill training. Field areas include poverty reduction, environmental justice, city planning, community development and fair housing.

Admission Deadlines

 

Fall Semester

May 15th

  • International Students

  • Candidates Seeking Graduate Assistantships

July 1st

  • Regular Admissions

Spring Semester

October 1st

  • International Students

  • Candidates Seeking Graduate Assistantships

October 31st

  • Regular Admissions