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.
Want a city that works? Plan it.
Important Updates Regarding the Fall 2021 Graduate Application Cycle
Due to the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed on our prospective students, we have waived the GRE requirement for all potential MUPP applicants – including for funding consideration.
Fall 2021 Application Deadlines:
Master of Urban Planning & Policy:
January 15, 2021 (funding/priority); April 1, 2021 (international); May 15, 2021 (domestic)
Master of City Design:
April 1, 2021 (international); May 15, 2021 (domestic)
PhD in Urban Planning & Policy:
December 15, 2020 (all applicants)
Upcoming Graduate Program(s) Information Session
On February 17, 2021 @ 6pm (CST), we will be hosting an online Information Session* covering the Master in Urban Planning and Policy (MUPP) and Master in City Design (MCD) degrees. Join us as we break down the curricula, offer admissions / application advice, and hear candid insights about the student experience directly from current students.
To register, visit/click the following link:
*This event will be recorded and posted to our website at cuppa.uic.edu. If you’d like a direct link to the recording, please reach out to upp@uic.edu.
In Solidarity Black Lives Matter
Undergraduate Programs
Planning. City Design. Public Health.
Missed one of our recent Information Sessions? You’re in luck – our team recorded each event just for you!
Graduate Programs
Apply Now
CUPPA 40th Anniversary Video
Planetizen Urban Planning Program Rankings
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
UIC Master of Urban Planning and Policy
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).
UPP News and Events
