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The degree requires satisfactory completion of 60 credits, including 15 dissertation credits (Regional Planning 899) and the required core courses. Students with a master’s degree from a Planning Accreditation Board-accredited planning program may petition to receive a maximum of 17 credits of advance standing, while students with other related degrees may receive a maximum of 12 credits of advance standing, as determined by the Graduate Program Director.

Students are required to take RP 619 History and Theory, RP 891 Seminar in Advanced Planning Theory, RP 635 Research Methods, and the Ph.D. workshop (RP 890).  In addition students must take three elective courses with an RP designation, and one or two courses in advanced methods as approved by their committee chairperson.  Generally, students will take about 10 classes if they have a masters degree from a related field or about 8 if they have a planning degree from a PAB accredited planning program, but totals may be greater.  The final choice of elective classes is made in consultation with the committee chair to assure the student is fully prepared for their research and long-term career.

A comprehensive examination is required after completing most or all of the course requirements. It consists of written and oral examinations on planning history and theory, the student’s substantive area, and research methods. The oral examination may include a defense of the student’s dissertation proposal.

The dissertation must be a major contribution to new knowledge and relevant to the field of planning research.