Welcome to Urban Planning and Policy
In one of the world's great cities, Urban Planning & Policy (UPP) @ UIC has led the way in preparing students for careers for over 45 years. Grounded in social equity and sustainability, we teach students to use innovative concepts and technology to address urban issues. Our college is situated just minutes from downtown Chicago and is responsible for advancing the university’s commitment to urban research, policy change, and advocacy. We are comprised of a diverse student body as well as a faculty of esteemed researcher-practitioners, and we offer numerous opportunities for internships and engaged research in the growing field of urban planning and policy. Our alumni community is extensive, and you're one step closer to joining this network of planners, practitioners, and policy analysts active around the world.
Important Updates Regarding the Fall 2022 Application Cycle:
- For all MUPP applicants, the GRE is no longer required (including for priority / funding consideration).
- If you missed the deadline to apply to the MUPP and/or MCD program(s), it's not too late. Contact Dominic Belcaster, Graduate Academic Advisor, at dbelca2@uic.edu for ways to still apply for the upcoming term.
UIC's Master of Urban Planning and Policy program is the only accredited planning program in the Chicagoland region by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). According to the PAB, accreditation is a system for recognizing educational institutions for performance, integrity and quality. Accreditation ensures high quality education for future urban planners.
We are also proud members of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP), Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP) and the American Planning Association (APA).
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Only planning program in the Chicagoland region accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB)
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#3 Planning Program in the Midwest by Planetizen
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CUPPA was ranked #5 in Urban Policy by US News and World Report
Remembering Janet Smith
In Solidarity Black Lives Matter
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Planetizen Urban Planning Program Rankings Heading link

The Planetizen Guide to Graduate Urban Planning Programs recognizes the Department of Urban Planning and Policy as being ranked among the top 20 urban planning programs in the United States.
#17 Overall Graduate Urban Planning Program
#16 According to Urban Planning Educators
#11 Top Public Programs
#8 Top Big City Programs
#3 in the Midwest
#7 Among programs that offer part-time study
#3 Most Alumni