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

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.

Degree Requirements and PhD Student Handbook

Download the degree requirements and the PhD Graduate Student Handbook.

How to Apply

Admissions Requirements

This document outlines the details for admission to our PhD programs.

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.

Contact the PhD Program Director, for academic, research and program-related inquiries.

Dong Zhao

Director, Planning, Design and Construction Doctorate Program
dz@msu.edu

Graduate Program Coordinator

For application, admission and administrative inquiries.

Jordan Kenyon

Graduate Program Coordinator
kenyonj6@msu.edu

Si Chen

Assistant Professor, Urban & Regional Planning
chensi8@msu.edu
Noah Durst

Associate Professor, Urban & Regional Planning Program
durstnoa@msu.edu
517-353-3184
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
Jesus J. Lara, Ph.D.

1855 Professor, Urban & Regional Planning
jjlara@msu.edu
(517)884-7742
Trish Machemer

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

Assistant Professor, Urban and Regional Planning
nevarez1@msu.edu
517-432-1148
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