admissions
The Community and Regional Planning Program (CRP) encourages applications from individuals who have the desire, leadership qualities and skills to understand and influence the growth and development of cities and regions. Housed within the School of Architecture, the CRP program draws upon the rich resources of one of the world's great universities in the unique hill-country and high-technology setting of Austin. The program offers a Masters in Community and Regional Planning, three dual Master degree programs, and a Ph.D. in Community and Regional Planning.
Master of Science (MSCRP)
Admission to the CRP programs is highly competitive and applications are evaluated on the basis of common criteria detailed below. No single criterion will qualify or disqualify prospective applicants. Students enter the CRP Masters and Ph.D. program in the fall semester.
Factors considered for admissions to the Master's program
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited collegiate institution with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (B) in all upper-division junior and senior level ndergraduate work together with any graduate work previously completed;
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results from a test taken less than five years before the admissions application deadline;
- A score on The Foreign Language (TOEFL) test of 550 or higher on the paper-based test or 213 or higher on the computer-based test for applicants whose first language is not English;
- A statement of purpose consisting of a 500-word essay demonstrating a clear interest in, and basic understanding of, the planning field;
- Letters of recommendation from supervisors in academic or work settings emphasizing intellectual, communicative, and leadership abilities, maturity, and ability to work well with others;
- Life and work experiences complementary to urban and regional planning activities.
Although a personal interview is not required for admission, applicants wishing to visit the Austin area and the University are encouraged to contact the student advisor to arrange for an interview and tour of the CRP facilities.
Application Procedures
Applicants for the MSCRP program should follow the SOA graduate admissions instructions.
In addition to the materials with your application, the CRP program also requires:
- Statement of purpose [pdf]. Consisting of a 500-word essay demonstrating a clear interest in and basic understanding of the planning field
- Any documentation of life or work experience including a resume or vita, writing sample or example of a work product
Dual Degree Programs
For dual degree programs in CRP-Institute of Latin American Studies, CRP-UT School of Law, and CRP-LBJ School of Public Affairs students must be separately admitted to each program to become officially admitted to the duel degree program.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Two to four students are typically admitted to CRP Ph.D. program each year. With a limited enrollment and a large pool of qualified candidates, satisfying the formal entrance requirements of The Graduate School and of the CRP Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) will ensure placement in the formal applicant pool from which successful candidates will be chosen. However, meeting the formal entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.
Applicants to the doctoral program in Community and Regional Planning will be evaluated according the following seven criteria for admission:
- Hold a Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning or its equivalent in a related field;
- Demonstrate adequate subject preparation in content and quality as reflected in transcripts and letters of recommendation;
- A statement of purpose consisting of a 500-word essay demonstrating a clear interest in Ph.D. study and including a description of research interests and objectives;
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results from a test taken less than five years before the admissions application deadline;
- A score on The Foreign Language (TOEFL) test of 550 or higher on the paper-based test or 213 or higher on the computer-based test for applicants whose first language is not English;
- A grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or better on all completed graduate work;
- A strong match between the research and career interests of the applicant and current research and teaching activities of the CRP faculty.
The GSC is empowered to provisionally admit an otherwise unusually strong candidate who has deficiencies in one or more of the above criteria. However in the case of criteria 1, the requirement must be satisfied by the end of the second semester following provisional admission to the program or the provisional admission may be canceled.
Application Procedures
Applicants for the Ph.D. program should follow the SOA graduate admissions instructions.
In addition to the materials with your application, the CRP program also requires:
- Statement of purpose [pdf]. Consisting of a 500-word essay demonstrating a clear interest in and basic understanding of the planning field
- Any documentation of life or work experience including a resume or vita, writing sample or example of a work product
Contact with Student Advisor
Applicants to the Ph.D. program are strongly encouraged to contact the Chair of the Ph.D. Studies Committee to discuss their specific interests in the program.
Robert Paterson
Ph.D. Program Coordinator for Community & Regional Planning
Associate Professor
+1 512 471 1922 | phone
+1 512 471 0716 | fax
The University of Texas at Austin
School of Architecture
1 University Station B7500
Austin, TX 78712