Online Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning
Arizona State University’s online urban planning degree teaches theories and practices for creating equitable, healthy and happy communities. In this unique program, you’ll study transportation, business districts, neighborhoods, green space and more. After completing this program, you’ll have the knowledge and experience needed to design impactful communities.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/10/2022
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
Have questions about the Urban Planning (BSP)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!
Why earn an urban planning degree?
Urban planning is shaping the way our cities, states and communities operate, how people navigate the globe and how cities are planned for success. By earning this degree, you’ll gain a foundation of historical understanding of the urban planning field, as well as modern tools needed within the industry. This degree will prepare you to design communities and directly impact residents’ quality of life. You’ll also gain experience working with geographic information science, which is a highly marketable skill.
What skills do you earn in an urban development degree?
In this online urban planning degree, you’ll gain important skills in problem solving, design and critical thinking. You’ll also learn to cultivate an analytical perspective in urban development. All program courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who’ll guide you in studying relevant physical, social, political and economic issues. Additionally, elective courses in areas like ethics, economic development and government planning allow for specialization.
What industries hire urban development and city planners?
City planning degree holders can work in commercial real estate and private planning. Government agencies may also hire individuals with this kind of background. Most urban planning careers with the government are available at the city level but county, state and federal jobs do exist. You can also consider working in transportation or consulting.
Professional licensure and certification
ASU academic programs are designed to prepare students to apply for applicable licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet education requirements for license or certification in another state. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Arizona, it is strongly recommended that you visit our professional licensure page for contact information of the appropriate licensing entity to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements.
Will my urban planning degree say 'online'?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
Urban planning degree courses
In this program, you’ll utilize qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. In your required courses, you’ll learn about sustainability and foundational principles. You’ll also have the opportunity to take elective courses that focus on economic development, planning laws, government planning, environmental planning, ethics and social issues found within planning. Examples of courses in this major include:
PUP 301: Introduction to Urban Planning (L)
PUP 190: Sustainable Cities ((HU or SB) & G)
GIS 205: Geographic Information Science I (CS)
GIS 270: Statistics for Geography and Planning
PUP 424: Planning Methods
What can I do with an online urban planning degree?
Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to continue your education or apply for jobs in the public, private or nonprofit sectors. Depending on your area of interest, your career path could involve compliance, appraising, planning, consulting and more. Possible career options include:
Commercial Real Estate Associate
Compliance Manager
Distribution Center Manager
Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst)
Landscape Architect
Real Estate Appraiser
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Urban Planner
Learn from leaders in successful community development
From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Learn from leaders in successful community development
From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Online urban planning degree admission requirements
freshman student
You are considered a freshman for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
A transdisciplinary approach to urban planning
ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.
25,500+
$140 million
23
95+
Tuition calculator
Tuition calculator
You might also be interested in
Undergraduate
Geographic Information Science (BS)
Undergraduate
Electrical Engineering - Electric Power and Energy Systems (BSE)
Undergraduate
Geography (BS)
Undergraduate
Engineering Management (BSE)
