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PhD Concentration in Urban and Regional Planning

Urban and regional planning graduate student presenting project.The Doctor of Philosophy in Planning, Design and Construction with a concentration in urban and regional planning in SPDC focuses on leadership in analyzing and creating our future built environment. The doctoral program offers strengths in community economic development, environment and sustainability, transportation, health, housing and real estate in a global context.

Graduates of the PhD program will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the effects of plans, regulations, design, materials, project management techniques and construction systems on the economic, environmental and social concerns of stakeholders and society.

Those enrolled in this degree develop an advanced knowledge of the history and theory of planning, analytical methods and dissertation research that exemplifies excellence and leadership in the field.

Doctoral students work with their supervisors and committee members to plan a course of study that builds on current strengths and adds expertise in core areas of urban planning.

What Are Core Areas of Study?

The foundation of the degree is contained in two introductory courses and a program of study designed to provide Ph.D. candidates with the expertise needed to undertake successful and rigorous applied research.

What Focus Areas Are Offered?

Students pursuing the PhD define their focus in consultation with faculty, with common areas of interest, including:

  • Sustainable and resilient cities.
  • Urban transportation planning.
  • Housing and real estate development.
  • Urban health and food security.
  • International development.
  • Environmental science and policy.
  • Community and economic development.
  • Hazard and disaster management, and planning.

What Are Career Opportunities?

  • Academic positions.
  • Planning departments and agencies.
  • State and federal government.
  • Housing and real estate firms.
  • Consulting.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the PhD program with an urban planning focus requires a prior degree in planning or a related field. We encourage students from various backgrounds and different stages in their professional careers to apply.

We take into account a number of factors, including:

  • A personal statement about your interest in the program.
  • Prior degrees and grade point averages.
  • Letters of recommendation.
  • Professional experience.

Degree Requirements

The PhD Curriculum culminates in a dissertation that represents state-of-the-art analysis combined with practical applications. This is a 45-credit program that can start in fall or spring semesters.

PhD Student Handbook

Download the PhD Student Handbook (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) for more information.

How to Start the Application Process

Contact Mark Wilson, doctorate program director, for academic, research and program-related inquiries.

Mark Wilson

Mark Wilson

Professor, Urban & Regional Planning
wilsonmm@msu.edu
517-353-9056

Graduate Secretary

For application, admission and administrative inquiries.

Jill Selke

Jill Selke

Graduate Program Coordinator
selkejil@msu.edu
517-353-9054

Advisory Faculty for PhD Concentration in Urban and Regional Planning

  • Noah Durst

    Assistant Professor, Urban & Regional Planning Program
    durstnoa@msu.edu
    517-353-3184

  • Peilei Fan

    Professor, Urban & Regional Planning and Interim Director, Center for Global Change & Earth Observations
    fanpeile@msu.edu
    517-432-6517

  • Eva Kassens-Noor

    Adjunct Professor, Urban & Regional Planning and Global Urban Studies Program
    ekn@msu.edu
    517-432-8085

  • Zenia Kotval, Ph.D., FAICP

    Professor and Program Director, Urban & Regional Planning
    kotval@msu.edu
    517-353-9362

  • Zeenat Kotval-Karamchandani, AICP

    Associate Professor, Urban & Regional Planning
    kotvalze@msu.edu
    517-353-5460

  • Ming-Han Li, AICP, PE, PLA, FCELA, FASLA

    Professor and School Director
    minghan@msu.edu
    517-432-0704

  • Trish Machemer

    Associate Professor, Landscape Architecture Program and Urban & Regional Planning Program
    machemer@msu.edu
    517-353-9047

  • Laura A. Reese

    Professor, Urban & Regional Planning
    reesela@msu.edu
    517-353-5942

  • Mark Wilson

    Professor, Urban & Regional Planning
    wilsonmm@msu.edu
    517-353-9056

Planning, Design and Construction Doctorate Program

  • PhD Concentration in Construction Management
  • PhD Concentration in Environmental Design
  • PhD Concentration in Urban and Regional Planning
  • Doctoral Students
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Michigan State University

School of Planning, Design and Construction

  • Home
  • Programs
  • Planning, Design and Construction Doctorate Program
  • Planning, Design and Construction Doctorate Program

  • PhD Concentration in Construction Management
  • PhD Concentration in Environmental Design
  • PhD Concentration in Urban and Regional Planning
  • Doctoral Students
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